Overview

Cindy Gruman, PhD, joined Westat in December 2021 as a Vice President for Social Policy and Economics Research. Central to her work is improving the experience of older adults, people with disabilities, and their families in accessing health and the social services necessary to live with dignity and independence. In her work, Gruman manages and conducts quantitative assessments and analyses, as well as environmental scans. She also develops surveys and conducts key informant interviews, focus groups, and technical expert panels. Her expertise supported a range of clients, including the Administration for Children and Families, Veterans Affairs, Administration for Community Living, Health Resources & Services Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Gruman has in-depth knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, Home and Community-Based-Services Waiver programs, bundled payments, person-centered practices, systems change, program monitoring and evaluation, training and technical assistance, national and state aging, disability, and long-term services and supports. She has written and presented extensively on her areas of expertise and is a reviewer/member of the editorial boards of Journal of Applied Gerontology, Gerontologist, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, and Research on Aging, among others.

Education

• PhD, Gerontology, University of Massachusetts, Boston
• MBA, Business, University of Maryland
• MS, Public Policy, University of Massachusetts, Boston
• MSG, Gerontology, University of Southern California
• MSW, Social Work, University of Southern California
• BSW, Social Work, University of North Dakota