American Public Media Announces Formation of APM Research Lab and Analyst Group, To Be Led by Craig Helmstetter

Media contact: Jen KeavySaint Paul, Minn., April 27, 2017 – American Public Media today announced the appointment of Craig Helmstetter as managing partner of its newly created APM Research Lab & Analyst Group. The Research Lab will be home to a team of data professionals who will use statistics and analysis to inform and augment the award-winning journalism and trusted public service at Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) and American Public Media (APM).“We’re thrilled to have Craig on board to help us build this team,” said Dave Kansas, executive vice president and chief operating officer for APMG. “Our goal with the APM Research Lab is to drive and inform the public conversations needed to solve the biggest challenges we’re facing, both as a state and as a nation, through accurate and insightful research. Craig’s expertise in data-driven analysis will help us to increase the reach and impact of our work.”In addition to strengthening MPR and APM’s news coverage, the APM Research Lab also will inform the work of partner organizations and the broader public through many platforms, including conferences, live events, published reports, podcasts, newsletters and social media.“APM has become an important part of our nation’s ‘informational infrastructure,’” Helmstetter said. “I am humbled and excited to have the opportunity to add to that legacy.”Helmstetter joins APM from Wilder Research, where he helped establish -- and then lead -- its Minnesota Compass initiative. In that role, he created and managed research projects, marketed research and data analysis services, developed and oversaw a research team, and served as a spokesman and keynoter in various public venues, speaking on major social, economic and demographic trends facing communities throughout the state.Helmstetter also brings experience as an evaluator with Minnesota’s Legislative Auditor’s Office, a project manager with a survey research center, and currently serves as vice president of the board of the Community Indicators Consortium. He is a 1992 graduate of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. He received a master’s degree in Community and Regional Planning in 1997, and a Ph.D. in Sociology in 2001 from the University of Oregon, focusing on quantitative methods, survey research, public opinion and social stratification.