Lianne Fisman, Ph.D.

Dr. Lianne Fisman is an experienced researcher and a recognized expert in qualitative and mixed method research design, and analysis. She specializes in evaluating and strengthening programs that support economically disadvantaged individuals and communities. Dr. Fisman currently leads Abt’s Qualitative and Mixed Methods sub-capability. During her tenure at Abt, Dr. Fisman has served as project director and task leader on projects related to a variety of policy areas, including housing, youth and community development, education, and financial wellness.

In her role as the Qualitative and Mixed Methods (QMM) sub-capability lead, Dr. Fisman works closely colleagues to implement the staffing process and workflow for the approximately 150 staff in this sub-capability. She also helps to plan for and implement innovative solutions that meet the needs of Abt’s clients.

Along with her role as the sub-capability lead, Dr. Fisman is engaged in a wide range of projects at Abt. She currently serves as the Project Director for the development of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Economic Inclusion Strategic Plan (EISP). This effort includes gathering data from a broad set of information gathering activities including interviews, literature review, and landscape analysis. The resulting EISP will guide the FDIC’s approach to promoting economic inclusion amongst low- and moderate-income consumers over the next five years.

Dr. Fisman is also the Project Director on the systems building evaluation of Read by Fourth (Philadelphia Public Library Foundation). This work includes a large bi-annual survey of the partners in this collective impact initiative. Dr. Fisman also serves the lead Technical Assistance (TA) provider for HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity’s Table Talks series, which brings together experts from the fair housing community for facilitated conversations that are shared on HUD exchange (FHEO Table Talks Series – HUD Exchange).

In addition to her work at Abt, Dr. Fisman spent five years working with Wellspring Consulting where she worked with a team of consultants to identify insights that helped non-profit organizations operate more strategically and reach their goals. During this time Dr. Fisman took a leading role in gathering and analyzing relevant data that informed six five-year strategic plans for organizations across the social sector, including education, youth development, and program evaluation to make progress across their financial, programmatic, and organizational development goals.

Expertise

• Qualitative and Mixed Methods research
• Software assisted qualitative analysis (NVivo)
• Strategic Planning
• Housing and asset building
• Certified What Works Clearinghouse Reviewer

Key Projects

• Project Director, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Economic Inclusion Strategic Plan (EISP), FDIC
• Qualitative Lead, Community Choice Demonstration, HUD
• Technical Assistance (TA) Provider, Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity’s Table Talks Series, HUD

Publications

• L. Fisman, “Financial Education at Institutions of Higher Education.” With Sarah Costello and Donna Demarco, September 2021. Available online: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/foia-requests/foia-electronic-reading-room/financial-education-at-institutions-of-higher-education/ 
• L. Fisman, “Needs Assessment and Review of Financial Education Resources for Institutions of Higher Education.” With Sarah Costello and Donna Demarco, Presentation at the Higher Education Financial Wellness Summit, August 2021.