J. Ann Selzer

1. Ann Selzer's professional journey as a pollster began over three decades ago, following her doctoral work on political communication and polls at the University of Iowa in 1984. After gaining significant experience in various research roles, she joined The Des Moines Register to oversee their highly regarded Iowa Poll. In 1994, she founded Selzer & Company, marking a significant step in her career.

Her meticulous approach to polling, especially her focus on sample selection and innovative techniques, has contributed to her reputation for exceptional accuracy in election polls, both in Iowa and nationally. This reputation is underscored by an A+ rating from Nate Silver's FiveThirtyEight.com, a distinction shared with only two other polling firms from an analysis of over 300. She holds the title of pollster-in-chief for Bloomberg Politics and has featured on their daily TV show "With All Due Respect," hosted by Mark Halperin and John Heilemann.

Selzer's expertise has not only made her a trusted figure in political polling but also a sought-after speaker, particularly on topics related to the Iowa caucuses, election year polling, and American political dynamics. Her presentations, renowned for being non-partisan, insightful, and at times playful, aim to make complex political polling accessible and engaging. She regularly engages with her audience, addressing questions on polling and political trends, and has been a guest on major news programs like CBS Evening News, Face the Nation, and Morning Joe, among others. Her insights were also featured in a TEDx talk in 2012.

Beyond polling, Selzer offers her expertise to a diverse set of clients, including non-profit organizations, for-profit companies, and startups, helping them with audience development and strategic research. Her community involvement includes singing alto with the Des Moines Choral Society and participating in local competitive events like Scrabble tournaments. In 2011, she was honored as the Woman Business Owner of the Year by the Des Moines Business Record. Based in Iowa, USA, Selzer presents her work in English and is recognized for her significant contributions to understanding and interpreting complex political landscapes.