National Institute on Retirement Security Appoints Barbara Butrica as Research Director

Renowned expert to lead data-driven analysis on retirement security challenges in the U.S.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 7:08pm

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A minimalist studio photograph featuring a stack of financial reports, a calculator, and a pen arranged on a clean white background, conceptually representing the data-driven research that will inform policies to strengthen retirement security.A thoughtfully curated still life of the tools of retirement policy research, symbolizing the data-driven insights that will guide solutions to improve financial security for American workers and retirees.Washington Today

The National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS) has announced the appointment of Barbara A. Butrica, Ph.D., as its new Director of Research. Butrica, a nationally recognized expert in retirement policy, Social Security, and workforce research, brings over two decades of experience to the role. She will lead NIRS's research agenda, overseeing the development of rigorous, data-driven analysis to inform policymakers, stakeholders, and the public on the state of retirement security in the United States.

Why it matters

With millions of Americans facing significant challenges in preparing for retirement, Butrica's leadership and expertise will be crucial in strengthening NIRS's ability to deliver timely and impactful research that elevates the national conversation around retirement security.

The details

Butrica most recently served as a Senior Fellow at the Urban Institute, where she designed and led major research and evaluation projects focused on retirement income, Social Security, and the economic well-being of older Americans. Throughout her distinguished career, she has authored or co-authored more than 150 research publications and has been widely cited in academic journals, policy briefs, and national media. She is an elected member of the National Academy of Social Insurance and has provided expert testimony and analysis to federal agencies and policymakers on retirement and labor issues.

  • Butrica will assume the role of NIRS Director of Research on April 27, 2026.

The players

Barbara A. Butrica

A nationally recognized expert in retirement policy, Social Security, and workforce research, with over two decades of experience. She will lead the NIRS research agenda as the new Director of Research.

Dan Doonan

The executive director of the National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS).

National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS)

A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that contributes to informed policymaking by fostering a deep understanding of the value of retirement security to employees, employers, and the economy as a whole.

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What they’re saying

“Butrica is one of the nation's leading experts on retirement policy and economic security. Her deep expertise, proven research leadership, and ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights will be invaluable as we continue to elevate the national conversation around retirement security.”

— Dan Doonan, NIRS Executive Director

“I am honored to join NIRS at such a critical moment for retirement policy in the United States. NIRS has built a strong reputation for producing high-quality, accessible research that helps illuminate the challenges facing American workers and retirees. I look forward to working with the team to further strengthen the evidence base, elevate the voices of workers, and advance solutions that improve retirement security for all Americans.”

— Barbara A. Butrica

What’s next

Butrica will assume her new role as NIRS Director of Research on April 27, 2026, where she will immediately begin leading the organization's research agenda and efforts to inform policymakers and the public on retirement security challenges.

The takeaway

The appointment of Barbara Butrica, a nationally recognized expert in retirement policy, as the new Director of Research for the National Institute on Retirement Security underscores the organization's commitment to delivering rigorous, data-driven analysis that can help address the significant challenges facing American workers and retirees when it comes to securing their financial futures.