About The Center for Analytics, Research & Development, and Data (CARDD)

MISSION
To gather and provide data and research for ministry transformation.

VISION
To empower and champion innovation and change for a just world for all.

VALUES
Inclusion
Truth-telling
Empowerment

CARDD – UCC Mission Vision Alignment

**A card is an item that usually offers the user certain types of information. For example, a playing card possesses a combination of numbers and colors that signifies its role in relation to other cards and the larger game. An index card provides notes for a speech or a recipe to make a hearty meal. The Center for Analytics, Research & Development, and Data (CARDD) functions in much the same way-our role is to serve as the UCC’s “card” that provides both raw data and applied information to individuals, congregations, and judicatory bodies for a larger purpose.

Staff Overview

Dr. Erica Dollhopf, Director
216-736-3866
dollhopfe@ucc.org 

  • Provides leadership, vision, and supervision for the center
  • Identifies emerging research and assessment needs within the United Church of Christ national setting and develops an on-going program and strategies to meet those needs; coordinates annual Statistical Reports on the state of the denomination
  • Acts as a research advisor to the UCC Board and Covenanted Ministries
  • Collaborates with relevant entities on selected social science research projects on new and emerging ministry issues, including ecumenical and seminary partners
  • Coordinates with national, conference, association, the local church, and other related settings on research and assessment-related issues

Ms. Destiny Hisey, Associate Director
216-736-2149
hiseyd@ucc.org

  • Provides centralized oversight of the denominational Data Hub including user management and training
  • Coordinates and oversees continued expansion and implementation of the Data Hub
  • Serves as the managing editor of the UCC Yearbook & Directory

Rev. Dr. Phiwa Langeni, Ambassador for Innovation & Engagement
216-736-3811
langenip@ucc.org

  • Assists the UCC to grow engagement, share ideas, champion innovation and help facilitate idea sharing across the church
  • Analyzes various ideas’ opportunities, risks, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as the seeds of potential game-changing inputs for the future, in alignment with the UCC’s purpose and mission in innovation
  • Creates conditions of possibility to sensitize and persuade for innovation, supporting frameworks so that successful innovation is encouraged throughout the UCC
  • Facilitates identifying sites for R&D projects and provides input on project proposals and final reports as needed
  • Promotes the work of the Research and Development office as well as the work of the CARDD throughout the UCC

Mr. Evan Pence, Research Specialist
216-736-2147
penced@ucc.org

  • Assists with the ongoing development and execution of CARDD’s research agenda/schedule, including analysis, report writing, and consultations on surveys and other assessments across all Covenanted Ministries
  • Coordinates the web-based communication and presence for the center, including website and social media accounts
  • Collects financial information from conferences and data from various related organizations for Yearbook reporting
  • Updates and produces Yearbook annual reports such as clergy compensation, “5 for 5” recognition, and Special Offerings
  • Cleaning data sets, including identifying and removing duplicate lines of data, ensuring the response coding is consistent, and other related duties.
  • Collaborate with CARDD staff to support data components of team projects
  • Contribute to the research and writings of CARDD reports

Ms. Karen Koza, Office Coordinator
216-736-2171
kozak@ucc.org

  • Provide project coordination for R&D projects
  • Assist with technical aspects of survey research including communication with respondents and proofreading documents and reports
  • Provide administrative and logistical support to the team including organizing meetings, monitoring various email accounts, generating check requests and tracking budgets