Data Analyst Specializing in Performance Metrics & Strategic Reporting
With 5+ years of experience analyzing KPIs, synthesizing research, and building reporting systems across education and federally funded initiatives, I transform complex datasets into clear, actionable insight.
Certified in Data Analytics, Nashville Software School
LeAnne Thomas
I am a data analyst with over five years of experience driving performance improvement through data-informed decision-making. My background spans classroom-level performance analytics and national education initiatives, where I analyzed KPIs, built reporting systems, and translated complex findings into actionable strategies for diverse stakeholders.
In both instructional and project coordination roles, I led data tracking efforts, synthesized research into executive-ready deliverables, and supported cross-functional teams across 10 federally funded projects. My work has consistently focused on improving outcomes, aligning strategy to measurable metrics, and ensuring accountability through structured reporting.
Today, I apply Python, SQL, Excel, Power BI, and Tableau to build dashboards, conduct exploratory data analysis, and generate insights that inform strategic planning. While I am particularly passionate about education analytics, I am equally driven to support organizations seeking data clarity, operational efficiency, and measurable impact.
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Python
Data analysis, automation, and visualization using Pandas, NumPy, and Matplotlib.
SQL
Querying relational databases using joins, aggregations, and subqueries to extract insights.
Power BI
Building interactive dashboards and KPI reports using data modeling and DAX.
Tableau
Designing visual dashboards that communicate trends, patterns, and actionable insights.
Excel
Advanced data analysis using formulas, pivot tables, and structured reporting workflows.
Projects
Advocating for equitable education through funding reform, teacher incentives, technology access, and accountability.
Python,
PowerBI
Analyzed state-level education spending and student performance data using Python in Jupyter Notebook and Power BI. The analysis shows that higher spending does not always correlate with better student performance. Outcomes are shaped by factors beyond funding, including targeted programs and equity-focused initiatives. Disaggregated data reveal achievement gaps, highlighting the impact of strategic investments on supporting all learners.
Tracking 11 seasons of The Walking Dead — ratings, viewership, and where audiences died off.
PowerBI
An interactive dashboard exploring audience trends across the full run of The Walking Dead, built from raw Kaggle data.
Professional Work Experience
2025-05 - 2025-08
Data Analyst Apprentice
Nashville Software School
- Wrangled and explored complex datasets using Python (pandas, numpy), working with WeGo Nashville public transit data to evaluate schedule adherence and identify patterns in on-time performance across routes and time periods.
- Analyzed and modeled data in Excel using pivot tables, lookups, and PowerPivot; examined Davidson County traffic and accident data to identify trends in collision types, peak time frames, and interstate-specific patterns to support data-driven insights.
- Queried and cleaned data from relational databases using SQL to ensure data integrity for downstream reporting.
- Built interactive dashboards in Tableau and Power BI to communicate findings to stakeholder audiences.
- Designed data visualizations using matplotlib and seaborn to translate insights into compelling narratives.
- Conducted geospatial analysis using GeoPandas and Folium, analyzing hubNashville service request data to map missed trash pickups, identify high-density problem areas by zip code, and quantify financial impact through estimated penalties tied to repeat service failures.
- Managed project workflows and version control using Git, GitHub, and GitHub Projects to support collaborative development.
2023-06 - 2025-05
Research Analyst | Project Coordinator
Westat
- Conducted ongoing needs sensing and research across platforms and media sources to identify emerging trends and service gaps in the education field, and created client-facing materials to help the team proactively develop targeted resources for stakeholders.
- Created the Year 5 Milestone and Output Tracker, streamlining collaboration between project teams, the evaluation team, and leadership for consistent progress tracking and client reporting.
- Designed and administered internal surveys to systematically collect team data, enabling informed resource allocation and strategic alignment across initiatives.
- Meticulously consolidated and managed guest data for a 300+ attendee national convening of education leaders from all 50 states and U.S. territories, enabling informed decisions around travel, lodging, and budgeting.
- Synthesized internal and external meeting notes into high-impact deliverables posted to the network dashboard for internal strategic alignment including collaborative reports, liaison notes and director-to-director communications.
- Maintained ongoing project oversight through monthly communication with project leads and regular updates to internal dashboards, ensuring timely milestone tracking, risk identification, and clear project visibility for staff and stakeholders.
- Coordinated and scheduled consultation meetings for 10 education projects to inform the National Comprehensive Center’s Year 5 annual service plan.
- Cross-functional responsibilities - managing leadership calendar requests, Advisory Board correspondence, file access, platform issue resolution, and meeting documentation
Why others recommend working with me!
Kimberly Anderson
Leader | Project Optimizer | Capacity Builder | Educator | Researcher
LeAnne is a stellar professional. She brings energy, sharp ideas, follow through, and insight into her work with cross-functional teams on complex projects involving data, research, technical assistance, operations and logistics, project management, and stakeholder engagement.
Lindsay W.
Communication & Dissemination Manager
LeAnne was a valued team member at Westat. She is efficient, proactive and very intelligent. I appreciated her willingness to take on any task and to work to a high standard of quality.
