John Fries

John Fries is the Director of Research Operations in AARP Research, where he guides research and business operations in alignment with department strategy and goals. John leads the Research Operations team in the management of critical processes including contracting and budget tracking.  He also manages strategic initiatives such as the supplier compliance program and serves as lead for contract negotiations and vendor relationships for high value partnerships.  John works closely with senior management to identify opportunities and implement strategic and tactical plans to position the organization for success.  He also serves as liaison to critical internal departments including legal, procurement, finance, human resources, and information technology in order to identify process improvements and accomplish operational needs.  

John has been in the public opinion/market research industry for nearly 30 years, beginning his relationship with AARP as a graduate student at the University of Virginia’s Center for Survey Research and then as a supplier with two market research companies in Richmond, Virginia. 

He holds a Master of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Bridgewater College.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jfries

Email: jfries@aarp.org