Alumni Award Recipients

Brian Sanderoff
Zia Award, 2009

If you were to conduct a survey of New Mexico business and government leaders and ask them to name the top research and polling expert in the state, I’d venture to guess that 100 percent of respondents would name Brian Sanderoff. And that’s with a zero percent margin of error.

Brian knows New Mexico county demographics and who won what political race and by how much. He can report on the performance of the state’s District Court Judges, and can tell you where New Mexicans stand on the day’s most pressing social issues . . . He can probably even give you the exact percentage of New Mexicans who like green chile versus red.

As President of Research and Polling, Incorporated, the state’s largest survey and research company, Brian has his finger on the pulse of business, public opinion, and more in New Mexico and around the country. The firm conducts market research, public opinion polling, and demographic analysis for organizations in both the private and public sectors.

Brian has been deeply involved in all three branches of state government providing professional counsel to governors and cabinet level departments. Other government branches depend on him for technical, professional, and demographic services.

His expertise is also in heavy demand from New Mexico’s leading corporate and non-profit organizations. In addition, the Research and Polling team works closely with the state’s top advertising agencies, public relations firms, and planners to measure advertising effectiveness and refine marketing campaigns.

With all of his knowledge and know how, Brian is a frequent guest on local and national TV -- especially during elections. You’ve probably seen him on news shows making projections and discussing results about political races. He’s appeared on CNN, MSNBC, FOX, BBC and the Jim Lehrer News Hour and serves as the on-air election analyst for KOAT-TV Channel 7. It’s no wonder Brian is in demand – he’s recognized nationally for his record of accuracy.

Some of Brian’s expertise was fostered right here at UNM where he earned his bachelor’s in political science. He also attended graduate school at UNM’s Political Science Department.

The research is clear and the polling results are unanimous: Brian Sanderoff deserves to be recognized for his success with this Zia Award.