Innovative Research and Analysis LLC is a Nevada-based small-business enterprise founded in 2015 and is an anchor partner with Strategic Progress, LLC. Founded on the principle, “Vision Driven, Data Derived” Innovative Research and Analysis LLC works to promote visionary thinking with high quality data support. Services provided focus on model efficiency, framework development, program evaluation, and technical deliverables such as automation and sustainable systems design based on client needs. Additionally, we provide technical and professional writing support that includes customized graphics, data analysis, research, outcome evaluation and authoring reports. Our goal is to provide clients the opportunity to collect robust and reliable data for reporting, strategizing, and planning that is aligned with their vision.

Dr. Justin S. Gardner, PhD, is the Founder and CEO of Innovative Research and Analysis LLC and has his PhD in Public Affairs (2016) from the School of Public Policy and Leadership at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He holds a Bachelor's of Arts in History from the University of Mississippi and a Master's of Science in Recreation and Leisure Studies from the University of North Texas. After nearly a decade of public sector service at the Federal and State level, he founded Innovative Research and Analysis in 2015. Dr. Gardner is a methodologist by trade and a patented inventor with extensive experience in program management and process development. His approach to systems projects focuses on model efficiency, framework development, program evaluation, and technical deliverables such as automation and sustainable systems design.

Dr. Gardner continues to engage with the School of Public Policy and Leadership at UNLV as an adjunct instructor for Master's and Doctoral-level courses. Additionally, he works on academic journal research and publications with Dr. Christopher Stream, Director of the School of Public Policy and Leadership. Dr. Gardner also serves as Lead Research Associate for the Applied Research and Policy Institute, a Nevada 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and policy institute working to advance quality of life outcomes for children, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and to advance the use of data and research to solve public challenges.

Previously, Gardner served as the Director of the MyCSN Technology Group at the College of Southern Nevada (CSN), where he provided institution-wide support and database intervention design, implementation and evaluation within the PeopleSoft student data system. At CSN, he served as a technical lead for numerous student intervention projects, during which he strove to incorporate elements of Universal Design and automation to improve end user experiences. His goal to promote effective deployment of institutional initiatives and efficient use of existing and new resources led to the successful implementation of many projects.

At the Federal level, Gardner worked as a research contractor at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) to design, develop and implement a first-of-a-kind database of ecosystem restoration projects. This project received national attention at a May 2014 ERDC webinar. The finished database was delivered as an online, website-based data dashboard that provides project information for over 25 years of ecosystem restoration projects completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Gardner began his career in the Federal government working with USACE at Lewisville Lake in Texas, where he was responsible for park and recreation area management, volunteer program supervision, and contract management among other assignments. Gardner developed training procedures for contract gate attendants and park volunteers to maximize efficiency of park operations, many of which are still in use at Lewisville Lake to this day.

Ashley Gardner, MA, is the Chief Branding Officer (CBO) and co-owner of Innovative Research and Analysis LLC and leads the development of branding strategies, communications, video marketing, as well as overseeing content development and publication. She has more than a decade of experience in media and communications including writing, on-air presentation, videography, production and editing of both print and video content.

Previously, she has worked as a news reporter in the Las Vegas and Jackson, Mississippi markets covering various legislative sessions, political content and stories of statewide impact. Gardner’s first on-air job was in Dallas, Texas as a multi-media journalist shooting, writing and editing all of her news reports. She has been recognized around the country for her work in journalism including a letter of commendation from the former Lt. Governor of Mississippi, and as a Distinguished Woman in Nevada for her endeavors in statewide legislative reporting.

While completing her thesis, Gardner pursued a brief career shift working as a Public Information Officer for the Desert Research Institute (DRI). There, she managed generation of press related content, including writing press releases and the production of DRI’s annual video for the respected Nevada Medal Event. Upon completion of her Master’s degree, Gardner left the world of reporting to teach in her profession and has served as an adjunct professor for over four years in journalism and communication in Southern Nevada.

She graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and Psychology where she began her career working for the campus news station, Newswatch. Gardner then went on to earn her Master's of Arts degree from the University of North Texas in Radio, Television and Film with an emphasis in Media Industry Studies. Gardner completed her thesis focusing on the impact of how news stations in the Las Vegas market report content related to mental health and was recognized with an Outstanding Graduate Student Award by her department.