What Now? A Roadmap for Emerging Evaluators in a Changing World

As the field of evaluation evolves alongside political, technological, and global disruptions, new and emerging evaluators face both uncertainty and opportunity. This multi-paper session brings together three experienced evaluators - Michael Quinn Patton, David Fetterman, and Elizabeth DiLuzio - to offer guidance on what evaluators should be doing now to stay relevant, effective, and grounded in purpose. Drawing from an upcoming co-authored book, each presenter shares one clear action evaluators can take to navigate the future of the field. Topics include learning and ethically applying AI tools (Fetterman), developing a systems-thinking mindset for global and local relevance (Patton), and building the capacity of partners to adapt and grow alongside you (DiLuzio). Designed for new and emerging evaluators, this session provides a strategic, accessible, and hopeful lens on professional growth in complex times—helping participants identify what to focus on, how to adapt, and where they can lead.
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