Kyle Walters joins CARF International as new Chief Research Officer

Kyle J. Walters, PhD, recently joined CARF International as the Chief Research Officer and is responsible for ongoing evaluation of CARF’s accreditation business and research, including monitoring the accurate application of standards on surveys and related accreditation award outcomes, and various accreditation business measures of efficiency, effectiveness, access, and satisfaction across a broad range of stakeholder groups. He also creates and manages evaluation designs, analyzes data involving field services and/or trials to advance CARF’s standing in the global health and human service arena.

“I was eager to join CARF because it offers a unique opportunity to directly impact health and human services, applying my skills in a more practical, real-world context than a traditional academic role affords. During my CARF interim advisor role, the collegial culture of CARF was immediately evident, and I knew I wanted to contribute on a full-time basis. I am so grateful to transition my career to such an amazing organization,” said Walters, who succeeds Di Shen, PhD, upon his retirement following 28 years of dedicated service.

“Dr. Walters has specific expertise in complex statistical analysis in the health and human services domain and is an author of many publications where his expertise in statistical analysis was critical,” said Michael Connolly, DO, CARF’s Chief Medical Officer. “CARF accredits over 68,000 health and human service programs worldwide. We consistently need to accurately analyze large data sets of outcomes and surveys to ensure we are maintaining appropriate standards and are helping our accredited organizations continue to improve in the care and services they provide.”

Before joining CARF, Walters worked as a research assistant professor at the University of New Mexico, College of Education and Human Services, Albuquerque, New Mexico. He received his doctorate in psychology and a master’s in psychology from the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota. His undergraduate degrees in psychology and philosophy were from Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.

“As Chief Research Officer, I can integrate my background in clinical psychology with my extensive research experience. CARF’s data-rich environment provides an ideal platform to apply my expertise in clinical science, driving evidence-based solutions that uphold CARF’s legacy of promoting excellence,” said Walters.

“My wife and I grew up in the Phoenix area. I’m delighted to return to Arizona after a decade of pursuing my doctoral training and academic work across the country. We’re excited to bring our two young sons back to the beautiful state we call home.”

Walters also manages CARF’s proprietary collection of products, e.g., uSPEQ Employee Climate Survey, Consumer Experience Survey, and customized survey instruments to key stakeholder customers (family and caretakers, payers, employers, board members). He has knowledge and experience in conducting psychometric analysis of survey instruments. More information is available at www.uspeq.org.