Remembering the Life and Legacy of Sol Pelavin, Former President and CEO of the American Institutes for Research

Pelavin oversaw dramatic expansion of the organization's mission-focused work

Arlington, Va. - Sol Pelavin, a groundbreaking social scientist who led a remarkable period of growth during his decade-long tenure as president and CEO of the American Institutes for Research (AIR), died on Sept. 17, 2026. He was 85 years old.

Pelavin served as AIR president and CEO from 2001 to 2010 and guided an era marked by significant expansion of AIR's capabilities in education, health, human services, international development, and statistical research. Before assuming AIR's top leadership position, he served as executive vice president, chief operating officer, and chief financial officer. Under his leadership, AIR grew from several hundred employees to more than 1,500 and increased revenues over 20-fold.

"I am proud that AIR is now synonymous with high-quality research, assessment, and technical assistance around the world," Pelavin said upon his retirement in 2010. "AIR is improving the lives of people, empowering them with research and information on education, health, workforce, and international development issues that can impact and improve their lives."

One highlight of his tenure was the growth of AIR Assessment, which developed and administered innovative assessments for states and school districts. It eventually became one of AIR's largest sources of revenue before it was sold in 2019 to Cambium Learning Group.

"In many ways, AIR is the organization it is today because of Sol Pelavin, and the impact of his work and leadership still resonate," said Jessica Heppen, president and CEO of AIR. "Sol oversaw a time of rapid growth and, just as importantly, helped establish a mission-driven culture at AIR that remains the foundation of our efforts today to generate and use evidence that increases opportunities for all."

After retiring, Pelavin joined the AIR Board of Directors and remained active in the organization's strategic growth. In 2021, he enthusiastically supported the establishment of the AIR Opportunity Fund, now a $225 million investment in innovative research and bold solutions to expand opportunities for all.

When it was established in 2021, Pelavin said: "We can now fund and set our own research agenda. I'm hoping it will allow AIR to do some of the most mission-oriented work it's ever done."

A Champion for Increasing Access and Opportunity

Pelavin, who received advanced degrees from the University of Chicago and Stanford University, began his career as a mathematics teacher and curriculum writer before becoming an education researcher for NTS Research Corporation, RAND, and SRI International. In 1982, Pelavin and his wife, Diane, also a noted researcher, founded the education research firm Pelavin Associates. The firm merged with AIR in 1994 to form one of the nation's leading behavioral and social science research organizations. Both Sol and Diane Pelavin took leadership roles at AIR.

Throughout his career, Pelavin championed evidence to improve access to higher education for all students. For instance, in 1990, the College Board commissioned Pelavin and his colleague Michael Kane to write "Changing the Odds: Factors Increasing Access to College." The study found a correlation between high school course selection and college attendance. Inspired by this research, the College Board launched a multimillion-dollar initiative, Equity 2000, which aimed to increase participation rates in algebra classes among Black and Hispanic ninth graders. An evaluation of the six-year pilot phase, which included 700 schools and nearly half a million students, found that participation rates among Black and Hispanic students in algebra and geometry increased significantly, as did enrollment in higher mathematics courses.

Pelavin is survived by his wife of 60 years, Diane Pelavin, a former executive vice president at AIR, and two children. Learn more about Pelavin and his life in his obituary.

About AIR
Established in 1946, the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance both domestically and internationally in the areas of education, health, and the workforce. With headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR has offices across the U.S. and abroad. For more information, visit www.air.org.