Siena Research Institute Don Levy, Ph.D. Executive Director

With more than two decades of experience in academic and applied research, Don Levy, Ph.D. serves as Executive Director of the Siena Research Institute (SRI) and plays a key leadership role in guiding research initiatives following the integration of SRI with ReconMR. Since joining Siena in 2007, Dr. Levy has been instrumental in expanding the institute’s research portfolio, overseeing high-profile polling and studies that examine not only statewide and local politics but also economic and social issues shaping the lives of New Yorkers.

Dr. Levy previously founded and served as Co-Director of the Institute for Social and Community Research at West Virginia Wesleyan College. Prior to that, he was Director of Research at the Center for Population Research at the University of Connecticut. He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Connecticut and a B.A. from Yale University.

In addition to directing SRIs widely recognized political and economic polling, Dr. Levy has led research on topics including the economic recession, civic engagement, health, charitable giving, leisure and sports fandom, and public attitudes toward the real estate market. His work frequently partners with leading media organizations, including The New York Times, C-SPAN, Newsday, the Albany Times Union, and The Buffalo News, to deliver trusted insights that inform public dialogue and decision-making.