Danielle R. Gilmore, Ph.D., MPP, CHES

Phenomenologist.

Researcher.

Evaluator.

Changemaker.

Dr. Gilmore’s Expertise

Advancing Change Through Data-Driven Evaluation & Phenomenological Research

Dr. Danielle R. Gilmore, MPP, CHES specializes in evaluation and phenomenological research (what’s this?), using data and lived experiences to uncover deeper insights and drive transformative change. She holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration from George Washington University, where she focused on program evaluation and the study of lived experiences to inform policy and practice.

With a Master of Public Policy from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Dr. Gilmore has expertise in designing and implementing research that emphasizes community-centered approaches. Her Bachelor of Science in Community/Public Health from the University of Central Oklahoma focused on community-led solutions to systemic challenges.

As a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), Dr. Gilmore combines rigorous data analysis, project management, and strategic communication to deliver impactful results across academic and applied settings.

She/Her/Hers (what’s this?)

Learn about Dr. Gilmore

Dr. Gilmore’s Research

Transforming Systems Through Community Centered Governance

Dr. Danielle R. Gilmore leads organization-wide research and learning at BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board governance. Her work advances understanding of how boards influence equity, accountability, and systems change across the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors.

She directs Leading with Intent, the largest national study on nonprofit board leadership, guiding the survey redesign, data collection, and sector-wide dissemination of findings. Through this work, she helps boards assess how their practices shape organizational purpose, strategy, and community impact.

She builds internal systems for organizational learning and collaborates with partners to translate research into practical tools for boards, foundations, and nonprofit leaders. Her work bridges data and lived experience to drive change in how boards govern and how organizations lead.

Read more about Purpose-Driven Board Leadership and explore the latest Leading with Intent findings.