Speakers & Presentations

Dr. Jennifer Priestley<br>Chief Data Officer<br>FLOCK Specialty Finance

Dr. Jennifer Priestley
Chief Data Officer
FLOCK Specialty Finance

Keynote Speaker

Closing the Talent Gap

After spending several years answering almost daily e-mails and telephone calls from business managers asking for staffing help and aiding fellow academics with their analytics teaching needs, Dr. Jennifer Priestley of Kennesaw State University and Dr. Robert McGrath of the University of New Hampshire wrote Closing the Analytics Talent Gap: An Executive’s Guide to Working with Universities. Dr. Priestley will share insights from the book on building bridges between university analytics programs and business organizations. Executives will gain insight on how universities can help them find strategically important personnel and learn how they can develop and educate this personnel.

+ Jennifer Priestley Bio

Dr. Priestley is a Professor of Statistics and Data Science. Since 2004, she has served as the Associate Dean of the Graduate College and as the Executive Director of the Analytics and Data Science Institute at Kennesaw State University. In 2012, the SAS Institute recognized Dr. Priestley as the 2012 Distinguished Statistics Professor of the Year. She served as the 2012 and 2015 Co-Chair of the National Analytics Conference. Datanami recognized Dr. Priestley as one of the top 12 “Data Scientists to Watch in 2016.”

She architected the first Ph.D. Program in Data Science, which launched in February 2015.

Dr. Priestley has been a featured international speaker at The World Statistical Congress, The South African Statistical Association, The Federal Reserve Bank, SAS Global Forum, Big Data Week, Technology Association of Georgia, Data Science ATL, The Atlanta CEO Council, Predictive Analytics World, INFORMS and dozens of academic and corporate conferences addressing issues related to the evolution of data science, women in data science and ethical data science.

She is the co-author of “Closing the Talent Gap: An Executive’s Guide to Working with Universities” (CRC Press). She has authored dozens of book chapters and articles on Binary Classification, Risk Modeling, Sampling, Statistical Methodologies for Problem Solving and Applications of Big Data Analytics.

Prior to receiving a Ph.D. in Statistics, Dr. Priestley worked in the Financial Services industry for 11 years. Her positions included Business Development for VISA EU in London, as well as Regional Vice President for MasterCard US and as a senior consultant with Accenture’s strategic services group.

Dr. Priestley received a Ph.D. from Georgia State University, an MBA from The Pennsylvania State University, and a BS from Georgia Institute of Technology.

Ying Wang<br>Senior Director Data ScienceCox Automotive

Ying Wang
Senior Director Data ScienceCox Automotive

Brett Carpenter<br>Senior Product Developer of ModelOps

Brett Carpenter
Senior Product Developer of ModelOps

Accelerating Data Science Impact: A Success Story of ModelOps Revolution

Over the past year, Cox Auto has made a significant investment in ModelOps, and our efforts have positioned us ahead of the curve in this domain. We have started witnessing the positive outcomes of our ModelOps capability, with faster model deployment, rigorous model operations rooted in software engineering best practices, and a gradual release of data scientists from production support duties that has enabled a greater focus on R&D efforts.

+ Ying Wang Bio

As the Senior Director of Data Science at Cox Automotive, Ying Wang oversees a team of data scientists who design and continuously improve Cox Auto’s vehicle valuation algorithms, powering industry-leading brands of valuation products utilizing advanced ML/AI techniques. Beyond evolving existing products, she constantly collaborates with Product & Engineering teams, leveraging data-driven insights to inform business decisions and product development, while also bringing new innovations to the market. Ying holds a Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Georgia Tech and serves on the Industry Advisory Board of Kennesaw State University School of Data Science and Analytics.

+ Brett Carpenter Bio

Brett Carpenter serves as Senior Product Director of ModelOps at Cox Automotive and has over 20 years of experience in software engineering, architecture, and data science. He is currently focused on standardizing and streamlining the ML/AI lifecycle, with the goal of enabling a culture of experimentation, incremental improvement, and operational excellence. Brett holds a M.S. in Operations Research from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

David ‘Dave’ Howard<br>Senior Manager Data Science<br>Cox Automotive

David ‘Dave’ Howard
Senior Manager Data Science
Cox Automotive

A Journey Into Data Science Practitioner Interviews

This presentation will comprehensively cover the different aspects of a data science (practitioner) interview, offering insights on how to effectively prepare, the wide range of topics that may be explored, elements that may lie beyond your control, common mistakes that have been observed, and valuable strategies to steer clear of them.

+ David ‘Dave’ Howard Bio

David Howard is a highly accomplished data scientist with extensive experience and expertise in leading advanced analytics and data science initiatives. As the senior most data scientist at Cox Automotive, David plays a pivotal role in providing technical leadership, driving innovation, shaping data-driven strategies, and delivering impactful insights.

With a strong quantitative background as a former mathematics professor, David brings a unique perspective to the field of data science. His passion for learning and intellectual curiosity drive him to stay at the forefront of the latest advancements in the industry. David is dedicated to continuously expanding his knowledge and skills, leveraging cutting-edge techniques and methodologies to solve complex business challenges. He also takes great satisfaction in mentoring and inspiring others, fostering a culture of growth and development within his organization.

Stephen Jacquemin<br>Data Science Fellow<br>Pegasystems

Stephen Jacquemin
Data Science Fellow
Pegasystems

Process Mining 101: Continuously Improve and Transform Your Workflows

Process mining serves as the critical bridge between traditional data mining and process management. Although beginning more than 20 years ago, it has recently come into the limelight and is now allowing organizations end-to-end visibility of their most complex processes. From mapping your process with DFGs and BPMNs to identifying its biggest obstacles such as bottlenecks and reworks, come learn about this exciting field taking the process improvement world by storm.

+ Stephen Jacquemin Bio

Steve is a Fellow Data Scientist with Pegasystems, working in R&D and driving new process mining and task mining software and features to help Pega clients crush complexity. He has more than 15 years of experience in data science covering multiple industries, including: software, CPG, hospitality, and management consulting. His skill set spans several disciplines and includes AI and ML, data wrangling, feature engineering, process mining, task mining, survey data, revenue management and communicating the “so what” to senior leaders with data visualization.

Ruth Manlapas
Enduring Hearts

Tommy Pearce<br>Executive Director<br>Neighborhood Nexus

Tommy Pearce
Executive Director
Neighborhood Nexus

Sujatha ‘Su’ Rayburn(Moderator)Delta Community Credit Union

Panel Discussion: Analytics at Work in Nonprofits

+ Ruth Manlapas Bio

Ruth is Board President at Enduring Hearts, which funds the most promising research being conducted to increase the longevity of transplanted human organs and related tissue transplants. Enduring Hearts’ grant awards specifically target research benefiting pediatric heart transplant recipients.

As a nonprofit organization, they work with a scientific advisory board to identify and award operating grants for research projects in organ transplantation to established members of academic staff at universities, transplant centers, and research institutes.

At Enduring Hearts, priority is given to clinical research projects and new emerging technologies that will translate within the next five years, involve pediatric heart transplant recipients and are innovative. They sponsor research to save lives of children who are living with a transplant today!

+ Tommy Pearce Bio

Tommy has held key roles within several nonprofits including Americorps, Georgia Center for Nonprofits, and currently serves as the Executive Director for Neighborhood Nexus. At Neighborhood Nexus, they help mission-driven organizations ask the right questions, use the best data, tell compelling stories, and make informed decisions.

+ Sujatha ‘Su’ Rayburn Bio

Sujatha (Su) Rayburn has worked in IT and the Data & Analytics industry for more than 25 years and is currently the Vice President of Information Management & Analytics for Delta Community Credit Union (DCCU), where she leads data analytics strategy and execution. As an experienced executive, Su has expertise in building and leading cross-industry teams in successfully implementing innovative data and analytics solutions. Su started her career as a Chartered Accountant in India and quickly realized her passion and talent for creating innovative solutions with data analytics. Before DCCU, she was responsible for providing valuable insight and leadership at Equifax and has also held various contributor and leadership roles at esteemed organizations such as Cox Automotive and GE. In addition to her day job, Su is a semi-professional Indian classical music singer. Su has a Doctorate in Business Administration from the Florida Institute of Technology and a Masters in Information Systems from Arizona State University. She is a regular contributor and speaker at leading industry, trade conferences, and webinars.

Ameet Shetty<br>Chief Data Officer<br>Pilot Flying J

Ameet Shetty
Chief Data Officer
Pilot Flying J

Beverly Wright, CAP(Moderator)INFORMS Analytics Society President and Head of Data Science, Burtch Works

Fireside Chat: Path to CDO/CAO

+ Ameet Shetty Bio

Ameet Shetty is a results-driven executive with high-impact, C-level management experience. He has a proven record of successfully driving key enterprise initiatives by combining strategic & tactical expertise with unique financial, operational, and technological skill set. He has experience building big data strategies and driving insight based cultural change with a focus on customer needs and drivers, including costs, risks, and execution speed in Chief Data and Analytics roles at companies like Fifth-Third Bank, SunTrust, McDonald’s, and Pilot Flying J.

+ Beverly Wright, CAP Bio

Dr. Beverly Wright has spent more than 30 years leading and delivering data science and analytics through corporate, consulting, and academic experiences. She has served as executive, leader, educator, and advisor of data science and analytics teams to help provide solutions for solving complex business problems.

As Head of Data Science at Burtch Works, Beverly provides guidance to a variety of businesses and to frame and solve critical issues using modeling and advanced analytics. She also serves as Director of Data Science for University of Georgia, Executive Education, where she builds, staffs, delivers, and evaluates programs targeted for executives.

Beverly gives back to her community through operating a nonprofit called TAG Data Science & Analytics – FOR GOOD Initiative, leveraging volunteers, data, tools, and other resources to tackle community challenges. She also serves as Board Chair for TAG Data Science & Analytics, Board Member for Georgia Institute of Technology’s Master of Science in Analytics program, and Neighborhood Nexus, President of the Analytics Society at INFORMS, and podcast host for TAG Data Talk.

Lisa Beckham

Sriram Tirunellayi

Priya Sarathy, Ph.D.Founder, Wheel Data Strategies

Arden Baxter

Eric Schmidt(Moderator)

Panel Discussion: Navigating Your Career Path

+ Lisa Beckham Bio

Lisa is a global executive marketing leader with a relentless focus on marketing transformation to drive more profitable relationships with customers. She has expertise in marketing strategy & transformation, loyalty marketing & CRM, journey mapping & audience segmentation, and MarTech. Lisa has experience across multiple industries such as banking, travel & hospitality, consumer package goods, telecom, freight & logistics, non-profit, pharmaceutical, MarTech, and retail at companies like Delta Airlines and The Coca-Cola Company.

+ Sriram Tirunellayi Bio

Sriram is a results-oriented data and analytics executive with extensive experience and a record of developing innovative data science products, delivering substantial profit growth through advanced analytics. He has held key positions at Sabre Holdings, Barclay’s, and Equifax in operations research, decision science, and data and analytics. His expertise is in building and optimizing data and analytic platforms, data management and data integration, leveraging cloud technology to drive innovations and monetization. Empowering leader, skilled in building high-performing, cross-functional teams, spearheading growth and transformational change that delivers impactful results.

+ Priya Sarathy Bio

Priya Sarathy has 20+ years of experience in leading, designing, innovating, and delivering analytic solutions across Fortune 500 companies in telecom, technology, and financial services. As the VP for Data Strategy for Identity and Fraud at Equifax, she steered the vision of a $11 MM cloud transformation for its’ first cloud data platform to enable the next generation of Identity and Fraud detection products.

Priya believes that investment in data strategy and governance foundation is critical for successful AI/ML solutions enablement. She is an advocate for enterprise data literacy and cultural awareness around this. She has deep experience in customer-centric applied solutioning leveraging actionable techniques to help customers in marketing and competitive intelligence, sales and strategy decisioning, and customer insights delivery through innovative asset creation, data product design, and road mapping data-centric digital transformation. She mentors students and early career analytic professionals, volunteers with Women in Identity and local nonprofit organizations around sustainability.

+ Arden Baxter Bio

As a Prevention Effectiveness Fellow on the Analytics and Modeling Track at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Arden Baxter is responsible for employing modeling and analytical approaches to understand the progression and transmission of HIV in the United States. Arden recently earned her Ph.D. in operations research from the Georgia Institute of Technology where she served as the president of the Georgia Tech INFORMS Student Chapter. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Computer Science from Rollins College. Her research interests and expertise are in applying operations research and data analytics to complex problems in health and humanitarian logistics.

+ Eric Schmidt Bio

Eric has more than 20 years of international experience structuring complex business questions, developing analytic tools and capabilities, translating analytics into actionable insights and recommendations for senior stakeholders.

His analytics career has spanned several industries, including banking, risk management, hospitality, consumer packaged goods, and e-commerce, where he has led credit risk model validation, pricing & revenue optimization, demand forecasting, marketing analytics, and data science.

Dr. Jennifer PriestleyChief Data OfficerFLOCK Specialty Finance