Alumni Council - James Asplund

Jim Asplund '88

The Twin Cities area of Minnesota
Degree: Mathematics
Alumni Engagement and Communications Committee, Alumni Award Committee
jimasplund@me.com

Jim Asplund '88 is also a graduate of the University of Minnesota, where he received his master's degree in public policy with an emphasis in mathematical demography. He is currently Chief Scientist, Strengths-Based Development and Performance Impact Consulting, for Gallup, Inc. He is also coauthor of the book Human Sigma: Managing the Employee-Customer Encounter.

As Chief Scientist, Jim leads Gallup's worldwide research on the science of psychological strengths. These efforts include measuring the effectiveness of individual approaches to building strengths, conducting research on the benefits of strengths development, and examining the linkages between strengths development, individual wellbeing, and organizational performance.

As a founder and director of Gallup's Advanced Design and Analytics practice, he leads complex analytical projects for the federal government, higher education institutions, and Fortune 100 clients. He is the author of over 1,000 published and unpublished research studies.

Prior to joining Gallup, Jim spent a decade as a lobbyist and policy expert at the Minnesota Legislature, representing a diverse set of clients in the areas of taxation, education funding, utilities, land use, and economic development.

Jim lives in the Twin Cities with his wife, Susan (Rest) Asplund ’86. Jim and Susan have two sons: Jakob is a student at St Olaf, and Jonas is in middle school. Jim is an active musician; he plays drums (and occasionally guitar) in several groups. His hobbies include reading, learning karate with Susan and Jonas, and spending time on the family farm.

Updated July 14, 2014.