January 2024

Katherine Wallman, former chief statistician of the United States, died on January 17 at the age of 80. She was a dedicated public servant who helped shape the federal statistical system during her illustrious career.

Wallman began her career in federal statistics at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) before moving to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget in the Office of the Chief Statistician. She served as the first executive director of the Council of Professional Associations on Federal Statistics (COPAFS) from 1981 to 1992 and then returned to federal service as chief statistician from 1992 to her retirement in 2017. Wallman began her career in federal statistics at the NCES. In her retirement, she served on an interdisciplinary National Academies’ panel tasked with developing a strategic vision and roadmap for the NCES, which resulted in a 2022 report.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Katherine, who was not only a longtime icon in federal statistics, but also a cherished mentor and guide to so many of us in the field,” said AERA Executive Director Felice Levine. “She was a tremendous champion of the system, known for her intellect and strategic vision as well as her ineffable wisdom, warmth, and humility.”

During Wallman’s tenure as chief statistician, her accomplishments included the revision of Statistical Policy Directive No. 15 on race and ethnicity classification, the Confidential Information Protection and Statistical Efficiency Act of 2002, and Statistical Policy Directive No. 1, “Fundamental Responsibilities of Federal Statistical Agencies and Recognized Statistical Units.”

In a tribute to Wallman, U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert L. Santos wrote: “Over her career, Ms. Wallman was a steadfast advocate of increasing cooperation between government entities in the production of national statistics, strengthening the interface between academic and government statisticians, and enhancing the public’s statistical literacy. . . . Kathy was a role model and greatly admired by many, including me.”

A tribute from the Committee on National Statistics noted, “It is hard to overstate the extent to which she embodied and contributed to the federal statistical system during her long career of federal service.” The committee lauded “her boundless energy, her steadfast dedication, and her legendary skills in bringing people and agencies with different viewpoints together for the common good.”

An in memoriam from COPAFS stated, “Katherine had a sharp mind, deep commitment to federal statistics, and a welcoming manner which made working with her less intimidating than it should have been.”

Wallman was a fellow of the American Statistical Association and served as its president in 1992. She represented the United States at international organizations, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the United Nations, and served as chair of the UN Statistical Commission.