Who We Are

There’s a team of talented professionals at The Marist Poll.  Meet the people behind the numbers!

Lee M. Miringoff

Lee M. Miringoff is the director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion (MIPO).  Lee received his Ph.D. in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  He is the former President of the National Council of Public Polls (NCPP) and a current member of the Board of Trustees.  He is also a trustee of the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research.  Lee is a frequent commentator on politics and elections.  He has appeared regularly on television and radio as an expert on public opinion, politics, and polling.  Polling and politics?  Sure, but Lee reports his major passion as pigskins… NY Giants, of course.

Barbara L. Carvalho

Barbara L. Carvalho is the director of the Marist Poll.  She oversees the design, analysis, and communication of Marist Poll research projects and results.  Barbara received her Ph.D. in political science from Fordham University.  She is a trustee of the National Council of Public Polls.  She has developed and directed studies at the national, state, and community levels — for government, private, and non-profit organizations.  The beach beckons Barbara, but only if the invitation includes her two beloved pooches, Soji and Noodles!

Mary Elena Azzoli

Mary Elena Azzoli is MIPO’s Director of Interactive Media Systems.  She received her BA in Communication and Media Studies from Fordham University.  Mary Elena is a former producer at WNBC-TV where she worked on such shows as “Weekend Today in New York,” “News4You,” and “TrendBreakers.”  Mary Elena currently oversees MIPO’s multimedia platforms.  A wannabe dancer at heart, Mary is crossing her fingers for another Broadway strike.  Maybe, then, she’ll be able to tap dance her way onto the Great White Way!

John Sparks

John Sparks is Senior Editor for the Marist Poll website.  John is a seasoned reporter, producer, executive producer and managing editor who has worked in newsrooms across the country.  John spent more than 20 years at WFAA-TV in Dallas, Texas where he held the positions of news producer, executive sports director, executive news producer, election and political producer, and director of special projects.  John also acted as managing editor at KDFW-TV in Dallas and as managing editor and director of new media at KXAS-TV before moving to New York where he worked as executive producer of investigation and political coverage for WNBC-TV.  While in New York, he won the Cronkite Award for Excellence in Political Reporting.  John’s deep Texas roots called him back home where he was executive producer of investigations and political coverage for KTVT-TV in Dallas/Fort Worth.  Sparks received his B.A. in Radio-TV-Film from the University of Texas at Austin and his M.A. in Journalism from the University of North Texas.  A life-long Yankee baseball fan, he has been working on a knuckleball in hopes that Girardi will call if Rivera falters.

Jared Goldman

Jared Goldman is MIPO’s Senior Writer and Web Editor.  Jared has spent several years in the world of digital media, where he has worked as an editor, writer and producer for news Web sites.  Jared has a BA in English from Amherst College and an MFA in Creative Writing from Sarah Lawrence College.

Sue Kenney McCulloch

Sue Kenney McCulloch is MIPO’s Senior Research Associate.  With expertise in survey methodology as well as qualitative research, Sue has designed and managed a multitude of studies for a wide range of both public and private sector clients.  A MIPO alum, Sue holds an MA in Survey Research from UCONN and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Survey Methodology at the University of Maryland.  By the way, if you’re looking to do a focus group or survey in Thailand, be sure to contact Sue – she’s just dying to satisfy her travel bug that seems to take her around the world!

Stephanie Calvano

Stephanie Calvano is MIPO’s Program Manager.  She received her BA in Communications/Public Relations from Marist College and her MS in Management of Sports Industries from the University of New Haven.  Stephanie coordinates MIPO projects and manages polling technology.  A MIPO alum, Stephanie is an avid baseball and Yankees fan.  She interned at the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003 where Stephanie experienced baseball’s birthplace firsthand.  The highlight — meeting former New York Yankees Hall of Fame Catcher Yogi Berra.

Alicia Buhse

Alicia Buhse is MIPO’s Survey Operations Manager.  She received her BS in Business from Marist College.  Alicia worked at Mitofsky International and Edison Media Research as Director of Subscriber Sales for the National Election Pool’s Exit Poll.  She currently oversees data collection at MIPO’s survey center including the training and supervision of interviewers.  She is pursuing her MBA at Marist College.  Originally from Brooklyn New York, Alicia enjoys travelling to the city to visit family, friends and her beloved New York Mets.

Jaime Lynne Bishop

Jaime Lynne Bishop is MIPO’s Administrative Assistant.  She received her BA in Psychology and Philosophy from Binghamton University.  Jaime Lynne assists MIPO staff in many aspects of the survey process.  In her free time, she enjoys playing competitive volleyball, hiking local Hudson Valley trails, and spending quality time with her family. She is a fanatic JETS fan, and rumor has it, she bleeds green.

Chad Carter

Chad Carter is an established video editor, photographer, and producer. He assists The Marist Poll with its video production needs. Chad received his B.A. in Broadcast Communications from Flagler College and his M.F.A in Film and Television Production from the Savannah College of Art and Design. His broadcast credits include WNBC, ABC’s World News, and Good Morning America. Chad currently resides in Florida and takes every opportunity to remind his MIPO colleagues that he often works outside in the sunshine.