Built on Decades of Decision Science
The Society of Decision Professionals (SDP) was founded in 2011 to advance the practice of decision excellence. As a global nonprofit organization, SDP brings together professionals dedicated to improving how important decisions are made.
Our roots trace back to the 1960s, when pioneers Howard Raiffa and Ronald A. Howard helped establish Decision Analysis as a rigorous discipline for making better decisions under uncertainty. Building on their work—along with contributions from leaders including Ralph Keeney, Jim Matheson, and Carl Spetzler—SDP carries this discipline forward through education, certification, professional standards, and a global community of practice.
Originally formed from the Decision Analysis Affinity Group (DAAG), SDP became an independent nonprofit organization in 2011.
From the beginning, the Society has been committed to:
- Advancing the practice of decision excellence
- Building a global professional community
- Establishing professional standards
- Providing education and certification
- Promoting decision excellenc across industries and sectors
Growing a Global Profession
SDP's first regional chapter was established in Houston in 2015. Since then, the Society has expanded to 17 chapters worldwide, connecting professionals across industry, government, consulting, healthcare, energy, technology, and academia. In 2025, SDP launched its first student chapter, reflecting its commitment to developing the next generation of decision leaders.
A Discipline That's Expanding
SDP’s community is growing beyond its traditional base. More than 50,000 people have now received SDP education and training, and decision excellence is no longer confined to those whose job title says, "decision analyst." Line managers, team leaders, and executives—people who get paid to do something else entirely—are enthusiastically adopting decision excellence into their everyday work. Combined with the rise of AI as a tool for better decision-making, this is naturally expanding SDP's community to include anyone engage with making or supporting important decisions.
Today, SDP continues to unite a global community dedicated to advancing decision excellence—equipping individuals and organizations with the knowledge, standards, and professional network needed to make decision-making excellence routine in an increasingly complex world.