Our Staff

Lisa Ayson
Strategic Analyst

Mrs. Ayson has worked with Jean Craciun for over 6 years tackling the toughest projects before Craciun Research.  She has consulted on numerous projects over the last 10 years involving indigenous peoples of the Northwest. She is an expert advisor in the field of market research and conducts training and human resource development for Craciun Research.  She was born and raised in Alaska and holds a BA in Sociology.

A CIRI (Cook Inlet Region Inc.) shareholder raised in two small cities in southeastern Alaska, she understands the difficulties that face Native Alaskans of yesterday and the present times.

Morgan Mense
Analyst

Morgan Mense has worked with Craciun Research since 1998. He has served in many positions, first in the Washington DC office and currently in the Seattle office. His job titles include qualitative research analyst, project manager and editor. Mr. Mense has lived in fifteen countries, he has run numerous small businesses internationally which he believes comes from his upbringing in Alaska. He has respect and appreciation for diversity no doubt what has allowed him to travel to so many places. A talented analyst and writer who is thoughtful and challenged by the diversity of the research projects conducted at Craciun.

Alana Demattio
Project Manager

Mrs. DeMattio has 7 years of market research experience; joined the Craciun team as a project manager in Alaska 3 years ago. She has worked at all levels in the data collection research area, quickly rising to supervisory and project management positions.

A Tsimshian and life-long resident of Alaska, Mrs. DeMattio is particularly well qualified and experienced to manage all Craciun Research projects working with the First Peoples of Alaska. She exemplifies its mission to employ diverse populations at every phase of the research process. We believe our vision in this regard helps us better represent the Alaska Native/American Indian population as well as serves as an authentic voice in the market research industry.

Thomas Brown
Project Manager

Mr. Brown serves as Craciun Research’s Project Manager. By monitoring interviewers he manages all aspects of data collection to insure quality results for our clients.  He believes in keeping our clients informed of every aspect of the research process.

Before coming to Alaska six years ago, Mr. Brown spent ten years working for the Department of Defense in Germany and the Netherlands.  While overseas he developed business practices for the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation of the US Army to keep on base businesses solvent during extended deployments, with an emphasis on providing quality services for the dependent families left behind. 

Finalizing a Master’s Degree in Educational History at Alaska Pacific University, Mr. Brown graduated Summa Cum Laude with an undergraduate degree in History and has trained at the University of Malta as well as at the University of Maryland’s European Campus. 

Andrey Maslov
Seattle Project Manager

Mr. Maslov first encountered Craciun Research while Jean Craciun was a research director for a USAID grant to the Academy for Educational Development (AED). Born in the Russian far east, he brings a unique experience to the states. Mr. Maslov is responsible for the company’s operations in Seattle and shares responsibility for client relations and new business in the Northwest.

Veronica Karella
Focus Group Supervisor

Ms. Karella serves as our Focus Group Logistics Supervisors. Craciun Research Supervisors must be experienced Interviewers before becoming responsible for project supervision. Ms. Karella responsibilities include managing all aspects of focus groups including; training/coaching and reviewing interviewer performance, and monitoring productivity and adherence to strict research ethics. Veronica is a proud Alaskan, and has lived in Alaska all her life. She is working on a Bachelor’s Degree in Strategic Communications from the University of Alaska Anchorage. 

Supervisors and Interviewers

Craciun Research Supervisors must be experienced interviewers before becoming responsible for shift supervision.  Their responsibilities include coaching, and reviewing Interviewer performance, and monitoring productivity and adherence to strict market research ethics.

Interviewers are required to complete 20 hours of training prior to public contact.  Craciun Research has created an Interviewer Training Module using The Survey System for its staff; it incorporates all professional standards required by interviewers for the market research industry. 

In 2003 Jean Craciun, as part of the Professionalism Committee of QRCA (Qualitative Research Consults Association) established the “Professional Competencies of Qualitative Research Consultants”. Craciun Research employees follow the QRCA Code of Member Ethics and endorse competencies specified to define professional behavior in market research.