{"id":244,"date":"2025-07-09T19:08:56","date_gmt":"2025-07-09T19:08:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-midwest2019\/?page_id=244"},"modified":"2025-11-21T15:46:52","modified_gmt":"2025-11-21T15:46:52","slug":"speakers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/speakers\/","title":{"rendered":"Speakers &#038; Presentations"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-244\" data-postid=\"244\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-244 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n                    <div  data-zooming-bg=\"desktop\" data-css_id=\"qj7b394\" data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row fullwidth_row_container tb_qj7b394 tb_first tf_w\">\n            <span  class=\"builder_row_cover tf_abs\" data-lazy=\"1\"><\/span>            <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_bruq394 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_9v3o394   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h1 style=\"text-align: left;\">Speakers &amp; Presentations<\/h1>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_ar5b520   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"#FinancialServicesPanel\">Financial Services Panel<\/a> | <a href=\"#LawPanel\">Law Panel<\/a> | <a href=\"#ConsumerGoodsPanel\">Consumer Goods &amp; Services Panel<\/a><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-anchor=\"FinancialServicesPanel\" data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_has_section tb_section-FinancialServicesPanel tb_kfdo211 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_4mwn212 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_7whw707   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h2>Financial Services Panel<\/h2>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_9wx6979 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-1 tb_hoom979 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_y6rp979 image-card-layout bordered  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"288\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Joe_Peedikayil_crop_2.jpg\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-2402\" title=\"Joe Peedikayil\" alt=\"Managing Director, Accenture\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Joe_Peedikayil_crop_2.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Joe_Peedikayil_crop_2-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/>    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <div class=\"image-content\">\n                    <h3 class=\"image-title\">\n                                    Joe Peedikayil                            <\/h3>\n                        <div class=\"image-caption tb_text_wrap\">\n            Managing Director, Accenture        <\/div>\n        <!-- \/image-caption -->\n            <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-content -->\n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-3 tb_13ly979 last\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_21b9979   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Moderator<\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module accordion -->\n<div  class=\"module module-accordion tb_q6vd979 \" data-behavior=\"toggle\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <ul class=\"ui module-accordion   tb_default_color\">\n            <li class=\"builder-accordion-active\">\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-q6vd979-0\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-q6vd979-0-content\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\n                                                            <span class=\"accordion-title-wrap\">+ Bio<\/span>                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-q6vd979-0-content\" data-id=\"acc-q6vd979-0\" aria-hidden=\"false\" class=\"accordion-content tf_clearfix\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_tgc0979\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column tb_vxkg979 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_mi98979   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p>Joe serves as the North America Enterprise Finance, AI, Risk &amp; Regulatory Compliance Lead at Accenture. Joe is a functional executive and Subject Matter Expert who has led teams Global Systemically Important Banks (GSIBs), Strategy &amp; Consulting firms, and Federal Banking Regulatory Agencies in AI and Analytics. With hands-on transformation experience, Joe focuses on supporting C-Suite executives to enhance enterprise-wide Finance, AI\/Agentic and Risk programs, improve &amp; scale Data, AI &amp; Analytics uses and adoption, align to Regulatory requirements, and lead end-to-end program transformations. Joe holds a Master of Science in Data Sciences and Artificial Intelligence from Northwestern University, a Master of Science in Finance from Indiana University, and a Bachelor of Science in Consumer Economics &amp; Finance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He is a Commissioned Federal Bank Examiner, Certified Treasury Professional (CTP), holds a Credit Risk Certification (CRC), and has completed the Executive Risk Management Program at Harvard Business School and the Applied Generative AI for Digital Transformation Program at MIT.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><!-- \/module accordion -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_qjja979 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-1 tb_pyd9979 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_chos979 image-card-layout bordered  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Ram_Peddu.png\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-2430\" title=\"Ram Peddu\" alt=\"CDAO, BMO\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Ram_Peddu.png 1000w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Ram_Peddu-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Ram_Peddu-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Ram_Peddu-768x768.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <div class=\"image-content\">\n                    <h3 class=\"image-title\">\n                                    Ram Peddu                            <\/h3>\n                        <div class=\"image-caption tb_text_wrap\">\n            CDAO, BMO        <\/div>\n        <!-- \/image-caption -->\n            <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-content -->\n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-3 tb_042s979 last\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_4rj7979   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Panelist<\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module accordion -->\n<div  class=\"module module-accordion tb_p7nj979 \" data-behavior=\"toggle\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <ul class=\"ui module-accordion   tb_default_color\">\n            <li class=\"builder-accordion-active\">\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-p7nj979-0\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-p7nj979-0-content\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\n                                                            <span class=\"accordion-title-wrap\">+ Bio<\/span>                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-p7nj979-0-content\" data-id=\"acc-p7nj979-0\" aria-hidden=\"false\" class=\"accordion-content tf_clearfix\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_jqiz979\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column tb_laz2979 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_f4al979   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p>Ram Peddu is the\u00a0<strong>Chief Data &amp; Analytics Officer, Risk and Finance at BMO Financial Group<\/strong>, responsible for driving data strategy, analytics capabilities, and AI initiatives to enable business transformation and informed decision-making. With over 20 years of experience driving data transformation across leading financial institutions\u2014including\u00a0<strong>JPMorgan Chase, and American Express,\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>Citizens Bank and Fifth Third Bank. [<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/rpeddu\"><strong>LinkedIn<\/strong><\/a><strong>]<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Ram is recognized for building high-impact analytics ecosystems and AI governance frameworks. Before joining BMO, Ram served as\u00a0<strong>Senior Vice President and Head of Advanced Analytics at Citizens Bank<\/strong>, where he advanced conversational AI, machine learning capabilities and established an enterprise data office. His career spans leadership in\u00a0<strong>AI Strategy<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>intelligent automation, machine learning, data lake and geo-spatial analytics\u00a0<\/strong>enabling banks to unlock new efficiencies and customer insights.<\/p>\n<p>Ram holds a\u00a0<strong>MS in Computer Science from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette<\/strong>, and an\u00a0<strong>MBA from Northwestern University\u2019s Kellogg School of Management<\/strong>. He is completing executive education in\u00a0<strong>Chief AI Officer certificate program at Chicago Booth<\/strong>\u00a0and earned certifications in\u00a0<strong>Ethics of AI from MIT<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>He serves on advisory boards for\u00a0<strong>Loyola University Chicago\u2019s AI Business Consortium<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>Northwestern University\u2019s Retail Analytics Council<\/strong>. Ram is also a frequent speaker at industry event like Loyola\u2019s\u00a0<strong>AI in Financial Services<\/strong>\u00a0forum. Outside of work, Ram is an\u00a0<strong>Abbott Six Star Marathon Majors finisher<\/strong>, passionate about endurance sports, and enjoys playing tennis with his kids.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><!-- \/module accordion -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_trz4294 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-1 tb_ug8h294 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_1bdz294 image-card-layout bordered  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"288\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Mohamed_Khalifa.jpg\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-2437\" title=\"Mohamed Khalifa\" alt=\"Executive Director - Head of AI and Innovation, JPM\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Mohamed_Khalifa.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Mohamed_Khalifa-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/>    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <div class=\"image-content\">\n                    <h3 class=\"image-title\">\n                                    Mohamed Khalifa                            <\/h3>\n                        <div class=\"image-caption tb_text_wrap\">\n            Executive Director &#8211; Head of AI and Innovation, JPM        <\/div>\n        <!-- \/image-caption -->\n            <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-content -->\n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-3 tb_cfkx294 last\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_g84b294   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Panelist<\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module accordion -->\n<div  class=\"module module-accordion tb_yxj6294 \" data-behavior=\"toggle\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <ul class=\"ui module-accordion   tb_default_color\">\n            <li class=\"builder-accordion-active\">\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-yxj6294-0\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-yxj6294-0-content\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\n                                                            <span class=\"accordion-title-wrap\">+ Bio<\/span>                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-yxj6294-0-content\" data-id=\"acc-yxj6294-0\" aria-hidden=\"false\" class=\"accordion-content tf_clearfix\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_xa9z294\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column tb_ce88294 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_uofz294   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><span class=\"c27 c2 c31\">Mo Khalifa is the Head of AI &amp; Innovation for J.P. Morgan Global Private Bank. Mo is responsible for driving AI innovation initiatives across the Global Private Bank, setting the strategic direction for AI within the business, overseeing the development and deployment of transformative capabilities, and advising the firm\u2019s investment teams on the evolving AI landscape and its implications for markets and clients.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c1 c28 c33\"><span class=\"c27 c31 c2\">Mo started his career at Goldman Sachs in 2014. He joined J.P. Morgan in 2017 in the Commercial &amp; Investment Bank in Markets in London before moving to the Global Private Bank in New York in 2019.<\/span><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><!-- \/module accordion -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_8fox705 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-1 tb_6zo5705 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_487g705 image-card-layout bordered  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"288\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Cynthia_Pekron_crop_2.jpg\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-2403\" title=\"Cynthia Pekron\" alt=\"Head of Data Collections Systems, Morningstar\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Cynthia_Pekron_crop_2.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Cynthia_Pekron_crop_2-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/>    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <div class=\"image-content\">\n                    <h3 class=\"image-title\">\n                                    Cynthia Pekron                            <\/h3>\n                        <div class=\"image-caption tb_text_wrap\">\n            Head of Data Collections Systems, Morningstar        <\/div>\n        <!-- \/image-caption -->\n            <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-content -->\n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-3 tb_s15q705 last\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_st3d705   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Panelist<\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module accordion -->\n<div  class=\"module module-accordion tb_91d5705 \" data-behavior=\"toggle\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <ul class=\"ui module-accordion   tb_default_color\">\n            <li class=\"builder-accordion-active\">\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-91d5705-0\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-91d5705-0-content\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\n                                                            <span class=\"accordion-title-wrap\">+ Bio<\/span>                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-91d5705-0-content\" data-id=\"acc-91d5705-0\" aria-hidden=\"false\" class=\"accordion-content tf_clearfix\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_l77x705\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column tb_i6x0705 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_szu0705   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><strong>Cynthia Pekron is Head of Morningstar\u2019s Data Collections Systems, innovating to provide high quality data that empower Investor Success.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Cynthia is a mission-oriented leader with more than 15 years of experience in human-in-the-loop machine learning system design, new product and application development, and scaled operations across a wide range of industries from non-ferrous metals to green building design, to government and nonprofit, to digital publishing, and for the last 12 years\u2014fintech. She was once referred to as the \u201cLebron James of her discipline\u201d, which she\u2019s told is a compliment since she has not watched basketball since the Bulls won the 1993 three-peat.<\/p>\n<p>After leaving Amazon.com in 2013, Cynthia joined Morningstar\u2019s Institutional Software Product, Morningstar Direct, before moving into Analytics in 2018 to build out her team of product management, engineering, model validation, and QA to productionize new analytics including the Morningstar Medalist Rating, Risk Model, and Portfolio Construction engines (batch and interactive APIs). Cynthia transformed Morningstar\u2019s Flagship Medalist Rating through proprietary human-in-the-loop machine learning system resulting in 10x analyst productivity increase, and 20x increase in ratings coverage. Most recently she has launched Morningstar\u2019s LLM-based data extraction engine and Morningstar\u2019s first agent-collected datasets in production with over 99%+ accuracy.<\/p>\n<p>She is a recognized thought leader in applied AI and decision science, contributing to pioneering research on machine learning\u2019s influence on knowledge worker decisions with collaborators from INSEAD, Harvard Business School, and Vanderbilt University. Cynthia lectures at institutions such as NYU Stern, Northwestern Law, and DePaul University and has spoken at leading forums including AWS Re:Invent, the CDAO Chicago Conference, and Chicago Climate TechWeek to name a few. Cynthia serves on the Board for Chicago Financial Women\u2019s Alliance, as well as several of Morningstar\u2019s governing bodies including Morningstar\u2019s AI Council and previously the Morningstar Indexes Oversight Committee. Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Science of Foreign Service from Georgetown University and a Master of Arts Management from the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University. She\u2019s passionate about furthering enlightenment ideals and the liberal arts, libraries, and musical instrument selection as a reflection of personality. She, herself, is a cellist in the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra\u2014infer what you will about her personality from that. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and 4 children.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><!-- \/module accordion -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-anchor=\"LawPanel\" data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_has_section tb_section-LawPanel tb_532l449 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_dzpb449 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_xlwy449   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h2>Law Panel<\/h2>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_zfbu745 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-1 tb_yrtj745 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_hg7a745 image-card-layout bordered  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"288\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Carmin_Ballou.jpg\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-2434\" title=\"Carmin Ballou\" alt=\"Carmin Ballou\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Carmin_Ballou.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Carmin_Ballou-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/>    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <div class=\"image-content\">\n                    <h3 class=\"image-title\">\n                                    Carmin Ballou                            <\/h3>\n                    <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-content -->\n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-3 tb_3leb745 last\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_deog745   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Moderator<\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module accordion -->\n<div  class=\"module module-accordion tb_rz89745 \" data-behavior=\"toggle\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <ul class=\"ui module-accordion   tb_default_color\">\n            <li class=\"builder-accordion-active\">\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-rz89745-0\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-rz89745-0-content\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\n                                                            <span class=\"accordion-title-wrap\">+ Bio<\/span>                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-rz89745-0-content\" data-id=\"acc-rz89745-0\" aria-hidden=\"false\" class=\"accordion-content tf_clearfix\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_ga72745\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column tb_evgb745 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_hvoz745   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><span class=\"c19 c2\">Carmin Ballou leads ALAS\u2019s data analytics and innovation efforts at ALAS. She is also currently helping lead our efforts to use artificial intelligence to improve company operations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c10 c21\"><span class=\"c19 c2\">Through her leadership, her team develops innovative products and tools to enhance members\u2019 loss prevention efforts and help them understand and manage their professional liability risks. Most recently, Carmin helped lead the implementation of the new web portal for member firms. Additional web-based products launched under her direction include ALAS DataView, ALAS Edge, and ALAS Coverage Explorer. She also monitors the legal technology space for risks posed to ALAS member firms as well as areas that certain products may benefit these firms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c21 c10\"><span class=\"c2 c19\">Carmin received her MS in Data Analytics in 2021, which, combined with her prior litigation experience and knowledge of ALAS membership, allows her to develop products that benefit ALAS member firms. One of Carmin\u2019s first major projects at ALAS was the implementation of Passport, ALAS\u2019s claim and matter management software, which supports the collection of key data points about legal malpractice matters. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c21 c10\"><span class=\"c19 c2\">Carmin first joined ALAS in 2014 as Claim Administrator, which gave her firsthand experience with the data needs of ALAS member firms. Prior to joining ALAS, Carmin was a litigation associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &amp; Flom LLP for seven years, specializing in financial and accounting litigation. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c10 c24\"><span class=\"c19 c2\">When not at work, you are likely to find Carmin obsessively planning her next trip\u2014which will preferably involve some travel via train.<\/span><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><!-- \/module accordion -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_48ab475 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_uepn475 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_cxr5475 image-card-layout bordered  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"288\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Fernando_Delgado_crop_1.jpg\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-2408\" title=\"Fernando Delgado, PhD\" alt=\"Executive Director, Lighthouse\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Fernando_Delgado_crop_1.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Fernando_Delgado_crop_1-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/>    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <div class=\"image-content\">\n                    <h3 class=\"image-title\">\n                                    Fernando Delgado, PhD                            <\/h3>\n                        <div class=\"image-caption tb_text_wrap\">\n            Executive Director, Lighthouse        <\/div>\n        <!-- \/image-caption -->\n            <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-content -->\n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_blil475 last\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_x7v9475   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Panelist<\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module accordion -->\n<div  class=\"module module-accordion tb_qnaw475 \" data-behavior=\"toggle\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <ul class=\"ui module-accordion   tb_default_color\">\n            <li class=\"builder-accordion-active\">\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-qnaw475-0\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-qnaw475-0-content\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\n                                                            <span class=\"accordion-title-wrap\">+ Bio<\/span>                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-qnaw475-0-content\" data-id=\"acc-qnaw475-0\" aria-hidden=\"false\" class=\"accordion-content tf_clearfix\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_9tsw475\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column tb_i4yp475 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_vmkt475   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p>Fernando Delgado, PhD is an expert in legal AI with 20 years of experience in the legal technology sector. Fernando is the Executive Director of the AI &amp; Analytics group at Lighthouse, responsible for the design and implementation of Lighthouse proprietary solutions across the areas of structured analytics, predictive AI and generative AI. A veteran ediscovery technologist, Fernando has pioneered multiple solutions including Lighthouse\u2019s Key Documentation Identification (KDI) for targeted fact-finding, Cross-Matter Analysis for strategic work-product re-use, and GenAI Subject Matter Descriptions for privilege logs.<\/p>\n<p>Fernando holds a PhD in information science from Cornell University. His academic work on AI and legal technology has been published in leading Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) journals. His scholar-practitioner oriented work was supported by the National Science Foundation (Law &amp; Science Directorate), MacArthur Foundation (Technology in the Public Interest), and the Russell Sage Foundation (Initiative on Computational Social Science).<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><!-- \/module accordion -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_10tz403 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_kpt6403 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_xflo403 image-card-layout bordered  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"288\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Joseph_Rejano_crop_3.jpg\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-2409\" title=\"Joseph Rejano\" alt=\"Director of AI &amp; Innovation, Foley Mansfield\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Joseph_Rejano_crop_3.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Joseph_Rejano_crop_3-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/>    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <div class=\"image-content\">\n                    <h3 class=\"image-title\">\n                                    Joseph Rejano                            <\/h3>\n                        <div class=\"image-caption tb_text_wrap\">\n            Director of AI &#038; Innovation, Foley Mansfield        <\/div>\n        <!-- \/image-caption -->\n            <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-content -->\n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_xg8m403 last\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_8oqe403   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Panelist<\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module accordion -->\n<div  class=\"module module-accordion tb_mjmu403 \" data-behavior=\"toggle\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <ul class=\"ui module-accordion   tb_default_color\">\n            <li class=\"builder-accordion-active\">\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-mjmu403-0\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-mjmu403-0-content\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\n                                                            <span class=\"accordion-title-wrap\">+ Bio<\/span>                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-mjmu403-0-content\" data-id=\"acc-mjmu403-0\" aria-hidden=\"false\" class=\"accordion-content tf_clearfix\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_54pa403\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column tb_r24u403 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_91sj403   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p>Joe serves as the Director of Artificial Intelligence &amp; Innovation at Foley Mansfield, where he leads the firm\u2019s exploration, adoption, and implementation of cutting-edge AI solutions. With over 22 years of experience as a practicing attorney, several of which were spent as Managing Partner of the firm\u2019s Chicago office, Joe brings a unique perspective bridging legal expertise with advanced technology.<\/p>\n<p>Joe\u2019s focus goes beyond simple automation to developing systems that enhance efficiency and establish new paradigms for human-AI collaboration. As an educator and change leader, Joe guides stakeholders through AI adoption and serves as the firm\u2019s primary advisor on AI capabilities. His approach is both strategic and hands-on, while ensuring ethical AI integration.<\/p>\n<p>With expertise spanning data analytics, machine learning, and computer programming, Joe constantly seeks ways to blend his legal acumen with technology. Outside of the office, Joe cherishes family time, enjoys music, and is constantly learning new things.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><!-- \/module accordion -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_x9v5207 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_ln97207 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_w7p6207 image-card-layout bordered  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"288\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Collin_Starkweather.jpg\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-2435\" title=\"Collin Starkweather, PhD\" alt=\"Collin Starkweather, PhD\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Collin_Starkweather.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Collin_Starkweather-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/>    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <div class=\"image-content\">\n                    <h3 class=\"image-title\">\n                                    Collin Starkweather, PhD                            <\/h3>\n                    <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-content -->\n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_lt3y207 last\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_1d8k207   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Panelist<\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module accordion -->\n<div  class=\"module module-accordion tb_g025207 \" data-behavior=\"toggle\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <ul class=\"ui module-accordion   tb_default_color\">\n            <li class=\"builder-accordion-active\">\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-g025207-0\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-g025207-0-content\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\n                                                            <span class=\"accordion-title-wrap\">+ Bio<\/span>                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-g025207-0-content\" data-id=\"acc-g025207-0\" aria-hidden=\"false\" class=\"accordion-content tf_clearfix\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_1og9207\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column tb_jnvh207 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_nbph207   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><span class=\"c15 c2\">Dr. Starkweather has spent over 20 years providing expert services for high-profile, complex litigation and consulting engagements with a toolkit including artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI\/ML) and advanced econometrics. \u00a0His work has focused on technology and financial markets and has spanned competition and financial economics, including antitrust, intellectual property, securities fraud and market manipulation, and valuation mattersE, and involved many of the leading multinational technology and financial firms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c1 c10 c28\"><span class=\"c2 c15\">He has also worked as a data scientist, enterprise software architect and engineer, and executive at numerous successful high-tech startup ventures through both the dot-com and AI booms. \u00a0Previously, he served as Chief Data Scientist at Luminos, which provides automated testing and governance software for AI\/ML models, and most recently, he founded a legaltech AI startup that remains in stealth mode.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c1 c10 c28\"><span class=\"c15 c2\">In addition, he has taught economics, finance, and business at universities both in the United States and abroad and regularly publishes and speaks on topics including AI\/ML, competition, intellectual property, finance, and cryptocurrency.<\/span><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><!-- \/module accordion -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_086g642 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_ydy4642 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_27qt642 image-card-layout bordered  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"288\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Matthew_Dunne_crop_1.jpg\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-2412\" title=\"Matthew Dunne\" alt=\"Sr Manager, Data Science - Katten\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Matthew_Dunne_crop_1.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Matthew_Dunne_crop_1-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/>    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <div class=\"image-content\">\n                    <h3 class=\"image-title\">\n                                    Matthew Dunne                            <\/h3>\n                        <div class=\"image-caption tb_text_wrap\">\n            Sr Manager, Data Science &#8211; Katten        <\/div>\n        <!-- \/image-caption -->\n            <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-content -->\n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_lp2q642 last\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_f33l642   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Panelist<\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module accordion -->\n<div  class=\"module module-accordion tb_fufx642 \" data-behavior=\"toggle\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <ul class=\"ui module-accordion   tb_default_color\">\n            <li class=\"builder-accordion-active\">\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-fufx642-0\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-fufx642-0-content\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\n                                                            <span class=\"accordion-title-wrap\">+ Bio<\/span>                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-fufx642-0-content\" data-id=\"acc-fufx642-0\" aria-hidden=\"false\" class=\"accordion-content tf_clearfix\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_eshu642\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column tb_7tb8642 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_72yk642   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p>In his role, Matthew combines several areas under the umbrella of \u201cinnovation.\u201d This includes data science, management consulting, implementing legal tech software, and creative strategic thinking. He leads Katten\u2019s DataLAB which provides legal data science services including custom Gen AI applications for lawyers. Matthew holds a MS in Applied Data Science from the University of Chicago and a JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law. He is also licensed attorney.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><!-- \/module accordion -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-anchor=\"ConsumerGoodsPanel\" data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_has_section tb_section-ConsumerGoodsPanel tb_9p1z511 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_20eo511 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_keeg511   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h2>Consumer Goods &amp; Services Panel<\/h2>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_j5pg500 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_jlg0500 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_zqte500 image-card-layout bordered  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"288\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Beverly_Wright_crop_1.jpg\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-2413\" title=\"Beverly Wright, PhD, CAP-X\" alt=\"VP Data Science &amp; AI, Wavicle Data Solutions\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Beverly_Wright_crop_1.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Beverly_Wright_crop_1-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/>    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <div class=\"image-content\">\n                    <h3 class=\"image-title\">\n                                    Beverly Wright, PhD, CAP-X                            <\/h3>\n                        <div class=\"image-caption tb_text_wrap\">\n            VP Data Science &#038; AI, Wavicle Data Solutions        <\/div>\n        <!-- \/image-caption -->\n            <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-content -->\n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_3q58500 last\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_ru7w500   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Moderator<\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module accordion -->\n<div  class=\"module module-accordion tb_ljn5500 \" data-behavior=\"toggle\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <ul class=\"ui module-accordion   tb_default_color\">\n            <li class=\"builder-accordion-active\">\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-ljn5500-0\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-ljn5500-0-content\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\n                                                            <span class=\"accordion-title-wrap\">+ Bio<\/span>                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-ljn5500-0-content\" data-id=\"acc-ljn5500-0\" aria-hidden=\"false\" class=\"accordion-content tf_clearfix\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_ltkm500\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column tb_qgwz500 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_ii40500   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p>Beverly Wright, PhD, CAP-X serves as Vice President of Data Science &amp; AI at Wavicle Data Solutions, Executive in Residence at Georgia State University, and Academic Director for Data Science &amp; AI at University of Georgia\u2019s Executive Education. With a career spanning over 30 years across utilities, financial services, telecommunications, healthcare, consulting, and academia, Beverly has led numerous teams and established herself as a data science &amp; AI thought leader, executive professor, national speaker, podcast host, and a trailblazing advocate for data science and AI for good. She also serves as Board Chair for TAG Data Science &amp; AI, Board Member for Georgia Institute of Technology\u2019s Master of Science in Analytics program, Past President of the Analytics Society at INFORMS, and podcast host for TAG Data Talk.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><!-- \/module accordion -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_wryf181 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_2q4q181 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_cgzy181 image-card-layout bordered  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"288\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Kurt_Schuepfer_crop_1.jpg\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-2414\" title=\"Kurt Schuepfer\" alt=\"Senior Manager, Data Science, McDonalds\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Kurt_Schuepfer_crop_1.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Kurt_Schuepfer_crop_1-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/>    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <div class=\"image-content\">\n                    <h3 class=\"image-title\">\n                                    Kurt Schuepfer                            <\/h3>\n                        <div class=\"image-caption tb_text_wrap\">\n            Senior Manager, Data Science, McDonalds        <\/div>\n        <!-- \/image-caption -->\n            <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-content -->\n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_ehhn181 last\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_9in9181   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Panelist<\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module accordion -->\n<div  class=\"module module-accordion tb_my29181 \" data-behavior=\"toggle\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <ul class=\"ui module-accordion   tb_default_color\">\n            <li class=\"builder-accordion-active\">\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-my29181-0\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-my29181-0-content\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\n                                                            <span class=\"accordion-title-wrap\">+ Bio<\/span>                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-my29181-0-content\" data-id=\"acc-my29181-0\" aria-hidden=\"false\" class=\"accordion-content tf_clearfix\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_owoj181\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column tb_2gmn181 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_1oqi181   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kurt Schuepfer is a Sr. Manager of Data Science at McDonald\u2019s. He currently leads 5 data scientists and works with large cross-functional teams to build AI products at global scale. His works spans multiple domains, but has just focused largely in supply chain. While pursuing his PhD, he taught for several years and still is a passionate educator and mentor. His current professional interest center around enterprise analytics transformation and data strategy. <\/span><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><!-- \/module accordion -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_du0z586 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_8npj586 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_otuc586 image-card-layout bordered  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"288\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Michelangelo_DAgostiono_crop_1.jpg\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-2415\" title=\"Michelangelo D\u2019Agostiono\" alt=\"VP of AI and Machine Learning, Grainger\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Michelangelo_DAgostiono_crop_1.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Michelangelo_DAgostiono_crop_1-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/>    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <div class=\"image-content\">\n                    <h3 class=\"image-title\">\n                                    Michelangelo D\u2019Agostiono                            <\/h3>\n                        <div class=\"image-caption tb_text_wrap\">\n            VP of AI and Machine Learning, Grainger        <\/div>\n        <!-- \/image-caption -->\n            <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-content -->\n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_sp62586 last\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_r6qs586   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Panelist<\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module accordion -->\n<div  class=\"module module-accordion tb_shm4586 \" data-behavior=\"toggle\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <ul class=\"ui module-accordion   tb_default_color\">\n            <li class=\"builder-accordion-active\">\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-shm4586-0\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-shm4586-0-content\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\n                                                            <span class=\"accordion-title-wrap\">+ Bio<\/span>                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-shm4586-0-content\" data-id=\"acc-shm4586-0\" aria-hidden=\"false\" class=\"accordion-content tf_clearfix\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_745c586\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column tb_d83i586 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_wfxl586   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p>Michelangelo D\u2019Agostino is the VP of AI \/ ML at Grainger, where his team builds AI-driven products for the maintenance, repair, and operations industry. Prior to Grainger, Michelangelo held data and machine learning leadership roles at Tegus\u2014a fintech company acquired by AlphaSense in 2024, Cameo&#8211;a marketplace for celebrity shout-out videos, ShopRunner&#8211;an ecommerce retail network that was acquired by FedEx, and Civis Analytics, a Chicago-based data science software and consulting company that spun out of the 2012 Obama reelection campaign. Michelangelo holds a PhD in particle astrophysics from UC Berkeley and got his start in analytics sifting through neutrino data from the IceCube experiment. Accordingly, he spent two glorious months at the South Pole, where he slept in a tent salvaged from the Korean War and enjoyed the twice-weekly shower rationing. He\u2019s also written about science and technology for the Economist.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><!-- \/module accordion -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_mogf234 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_j5u4234 first\">\n                    <!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_6ibo234 image-card-layout bordered  tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"288\" height=\"320\" src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Mike_Baker.jpg\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-2436\" title=\"Mike Baker\" alt=\"Global Head, Consumer Data Science, Methods and AI,  NeilsenIQ\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Mike_Baker.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Mike_Baker-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/>    \n        <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n        <div class=\"image-content\">\n                    <h3 class=\"image-title\">\n                                    Mike Baker                            <\/h3>\n                        <div class=\"image-caption tb_text_wrap\">\n            Global Head, Consumer Data Science, Methods and AI,  NeilsenIQ        <\/div>\n        <!-- \/image-caption -->\n            <\/div>\n    <!-- \/image-content -->\n        <\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->        <\/div>\n                    <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col4-2 tb_p6si234 last\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_kf83234   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <h3>Panelist<\/h3>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module accordion -->\n<div  class=\"module module-accordion tb_zvoo234 \" data-behavior=\"toggle\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    \n    <ul class=\"ui module-accordion   tb_default_color\">\n            <li class=\"builder-accordion-active\">\n            <div class=\"accordion-title tf_rel\">\n                <a href=\"#acc-zvoo234-0\" class=\"tb_title_accordion\" aria-controls=\"acc-zvoo234-0-content\" aria-expanded=\"true\">\n                                                            <span class=\"accordion-title-wrap\">+ Bio<\/span>                <\/a>\n            <\/div><!-- .accordion-title -->\n            <div id=\"acc-zvoo234-0-content\" data-id=\"acc-zvoo234-0\" aria-hidden=\"false\" class=\"accordion-content tf_clearfix\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tf_w col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tb_lgab234\">\n                <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column tb_escr234 first\">\n                    <!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_pmtt234   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n        <p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Michael Baker leads the global Consumer Data Science organization at NielsenIQ, overseeing consumer measurement data strategy, advanced analytics, and AI innovation across 25 countries. His team drives the design and modernization of data science and analytics solutions that power insights for the world\u2019s largest consumer goods companies. With more than two decades of leadership in data, analytics, and AI, he has guided organizations through digital transformation, platform modernization, and scaled AI adoption.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before his current role, Michael served as Vice President of Advanced Analytics, Data Platforms, Governance &amp; Strategy at Chamberlain Group and held multiple senior leadership roles at Nielsen. He is also the founder of Navigar Partners, a consulting firm focused on data and AI strategy, talent, and execution. Michael has served as an adjunct professor of statistics in the MBA program at Benedictine University and as a visiting professor of economics at Knox College. He holds a Master\u2019s in Economics from Roosevelt University and a Bachelor\u2019s in Economics from Knox College. He lives in the Chicago suburbs with his wife and four sons and enjoys sailing and cooking.<\/span><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div><!-- .accordion-content -->\n        <\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n\n<\/div><!-- \/module accordion -->        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row social-banner tb_9tck978 tf_w\">\n                        <div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n                        <div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_zspo978 first\">\n                    <!-- module widget -->\n<div  class=\"module module-widget tb_7fuo978  \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    <h3 class=\"module-title\">Connect with Us on Social Media<\/h3><div class=\"widget themify-social-links\"><ul class=\"social-links horizontal\">\n                        <li class=\"social-link-item twitter font-icon icon-large\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/INFORMS\" aria-label=\"twitter\" ><em style=\"color:#ffffff;\"><svg  aria-label=\"Twitter\" class=\"tf_fa tf-fab-twitter\" role=\"img\"><use href=\"#tf-fab-twitter\"><\/use><\/svg><\/em>  <\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                        <!-- \/themify-link-item -->\n                        <li class=\"social-link-item facebook font-icon icon-large\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/INFORMSpage\/\" aria-label=\"facebook\" ><em style=\"color:#ffffff;\"><svg  aria-label=\"Facebook\" class=\"tf_fa tf-fab-facebook\" role=\"img\"><use href=\"#tf-fab-facebook\"><\/use><\/svg><\/em>  <\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                        <!-- \/themify-link-item -->\n                        <li class=\"social-link-item linkedin font-icon icon-large\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/informs_2\" aria-label=\"linkedin\" ><em style=\"color:#ffffff;\"><svg  aria-label=\"LinkedIn\" class=\"tf_fa tf-fab-linkedin\" role=\"img\"><use href=\"#tf-fab-linkedin\"><\/use><\/svg><\/em>  <\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                        <!-- \/themify-link-item -->\n                        <li class=\"social-link-item mail font-icon icon-large\">\n                            <a href=\"mailto:informs@informs.org\" aria-label=\"mail\" ><em style=\"color:#ffffff;\"><svg  aria-label=\"Mail\" class=\"tf_fa tf-far-envelope\" role=\"img\"><use href=\"#tf-far-envelope\"><\/use><\/svg><\/em>  <\/a>\n                        <\/li>\n                        <!-- \/themify-link-item --><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n<!-- \/module widget -->\n        <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n<!--\/themify_builder_content-->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Speakers &amp; Presentations<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1001096,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-244","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","has-post-title","has-post-date","has-post-category","has-post-tag","has-post-comment","has-post-author",""],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.0 (Yoast SEO v26.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Speakers &amp; Presentations &#187; INFORMS Regional Analytics Conference in Chicago 2025<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"See the confirmed speakers and their presentations for the 2025 INFORMS Regional Analytics Conference in Chicago.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/speakers\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Speakers &amp; 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Presentations"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/#website","url":"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/","name":"INFORMS Regional Analytics Conference in Chicago 2025","description":"AI in Action: Showcasing Chicago\u2019s AI Success Stories","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"builder_content":"<h1 style=\"text-align: left;\">Speakers &amp; Presentations<\/h1>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"#FinancialServicesPanel\">Financial Services Panel<\/a> | <a href=\"#LawPanel\">Law Panel<\/a> | <a href=\"#ConsumerGoodsPanel\">Consumer Goods &amp; Services Panel<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Financial Services Panel<\/h2>\n<img src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Joe_Peedikayil_crop_2.jpg\" title=\"Joe Peedikayil\" alt=\"Managing Director, Accenture\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Joe_Peedikayil_crop_2.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Joe_Peedikayil_crop_2-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/> <h3> Joe Peedikayil <\/h3> Managing Director, Accenture\n<h3>Moderator<\/h3>\n<ul><li><h4>+ Bio<\/h4><p>Joe serves as the North America Enterprise Finance, AI, Risk &amp; Regulatory Compliance Lead at Accenture. Joe is a functional executive and Subject Matter Expert who has led teams Global Systemically Important Banks (GSIBs), Strategy &amp; Consulting firms, and Federal Banking Regulatory Agencies in AI and Analytics. With hands-on transformation experience, Joe focuses on supporting C-Suite executives to enhance enterprise-wide Finance, AI\/Agentic and Risk programs, improve &amp; scale Data, AI &amp; Analytics uses and adoption, align to Regulatory requirements, and lead end-to-end program transformations. Joe holds a Master of Science in Data Sciences and Artificial Intelligence from Northwestern University, a Master of Science in Finance from Indiana University, and a Bachelor of Science in Consumer Economics &amp; Finance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He is a Commissioned Federal Bank Examiner, Certified Treasury Professional (CTP), holds a Credit Risk Certification (CRC), and has completed the Executive Risk Management Program at Harvard Business School and the Applied Generative AI for Digital Transformation Program at MIT.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n<p>Joe serves as the North America Enterprise Finance, AI, Risk &amp; Regulatory Compliance Lead at Accenture. Joe is a functional executive and Subject Matter Expert who has led teams Global Systemically Important Banks (GSIBs), Strategy &amp; Consulting firms, and Federal Banking Regulatory Agencies in AI and Analytics. With hands-on transformation experience, Joe focuses on supporting C-Suite executives to enhance enterprise-wide Finance, AI\/Agentic and Risk programs, improve &amp; scale Data, AI &amp; Analytics uses and adoption, align to Regulatory requirements, and lead end-to-end program transformations. Joe holds a Master of Science in Data Sciences and Artificial Intelligence from Northwestern University, a Master of Science in Finance from Indiana University, and a Bachelor of Science in Consumer Economics &amp; Finance from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He is a Commissioned Federal Bank Examiner, Certified Treasury Professional (CTP), holds a Credit Risk Certification (CRC), and has completed the Executive Risk Management Program at Harvard Business School and the Applied Generative AI for Digital Transformation Program at MIT.<\/p>\n<img src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Ram_Peddu.png\" title=\"Ram Peddu\" alt=\"CDAO, BMO\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Ram_Peddu.png 1000w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Ram_Peddu-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Ram_Peddu-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Ram_Peddu-768x768.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/> <h3> Ram Peddu <\/h3> CDAO, BMO\n<h3>Panelist<\/h3>\n<ul><li><h4>+ Bio<\/h4><p>Ram Peddu is the\u00a0<strong>Chief Data &amp; Analytics Officer, Risk and Finance at BMO Financial Group<\/strong>, responsible for driving data strategy, analytics capabilities, and AI initiatives to enable business transformation and informed decision-making. With over 20 years of experience driving data transformation across leading financial institutions\u2014including\u00a0<strong>JPMorgan Chase, and American Express,\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>Citizens Bank and Fifth Third Bank. [<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/rpeddu\"><strong>LinkedIn<\/strong><\/a><strong>]<\/strong><\/p> <p>Ram is recognized for building high-impact analytics ecosystems and AI governance frameworks. Before joining BMO, Ram served as\u00a0<strong>Senior Vice President and Head of Advanced Analytics at Citizens Bank<\/strong>, where he advanced conversational AI, machine learning capabilities and established an enterprise data office. His career spans leadership in\u00a0<strong>AI Strategy<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>intelligent automation, machine learning, data lake and geo-spatial analytics\u00a0<\/strong>enabling banks to unlock new efficiencies and customer insights.<\/p> <p>Ram holds a\u00a0<strong>MS in Computer Science from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette<\/strong>, and an\u00a0<strong>MBA from Northwestern University\u2019s Kellogg School of Management<\/strong>. He is completing executive education in\u00a0<strong>Chief AI Officer certificate program at Chicago Booth<\/strong>\u00a0and earned certifications in\u00a0<strong>Ethics of AI from MIT<\/strong>.<\/p> <p>He serves on advisory boards for\u00a0<strong>Loyola University Chicago\u2019s AI Business Consortium<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>Northwestern University\u2019s Retail Analytics Council<\/strong>. Ram is also a frequent speaker at industry event like Loyola\u2019s\u00a0<strong>AI in Financial Services<\/strong>\u00a0forum. Outside of work, Ram is an\u00a0<strong>Abbott Six Star Marathon Majors finisher<\/strong>, passionate about endurance sports, and enjoys playing tennis with his kids.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n<p>Ram Peddu is the\u00a0<strong>Chief Data &amp; Analytics Officer, Risk and Finance at BMO Financial Group<\/strong>, responsible for driving data strategy, analytics capabilities, and AI initiatives to enable business transformation and informed decision-making. With over 20 years of experience driving data transformation across leading financial institutions\u2014including\u00a0<strong>JPMorgan Chase, and American Express,\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>Citizens Bank and Fifth Third Bank. [<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/rpeddu\"><strong>LinkedIn<\/strong><\/a><strong>]<\/strong><\/p> <p>Ram is recognized for building high-impact analytics ecosystems and AI governance frameworks. Before joining BMO, Ram served as\u00a0<strong>Senior Vice President and Head of Advanced Analytics at Citizens Bank<\/strong>, where he advanced conversational AI, machine learning capabilities and established an enterprise data office. His career spans leadership in\u00a0<strong>AI Strategy<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>intelligent automation, machine learning, data lake and geo-spatial analytics\u00a0<\/strong>enabling banks to unlock new efficiencies and customer insights.<\/p> <p>Ram holds a\u00a0<strong>MS in Computer Science from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette<\/strong>, and an\u00a0<strong>MBA from Northwestern University\u2019s Kellogg School of Management<\/strong>. He is completing executive education in\u00a0<strong>Chief AI Officer certificate program at Chicago Booth<\/strong>\u00a0and earned certifications in\u00a0<strong>Ethics of AI from MIT<\/strong>.<\/p> <p>He serves on advisory boards for\u00a0<strong>Loyola University Chicago\u2019s AI Business Consortium<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>Northwestern University\u2019s Retail Analytics Council<\/strong>. Ram is also a frequent speaker at industry event like Loyola\u2019s\u00a0<strong>AI in Financial Services<\/strong>\u00a0forum. Outside of work, Ram is an\u00a0<strong>Abbott Six Star Marathon Majors finisher<\/strong>, passionate about endurance sports, and enjoys playing tennis with his kids.<\/p>\n<img src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Mohamed_Khalifa.jpg\" title=\"Mohamed Khalifa\" alt=\"Executive Director - Head of AI and Innovation, JPM\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Mohamed_Khalifa.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Mohamed_Khalifa-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/> <h3> Mohamed Khalifa <\/h3> Executive Director - Head of AI and Innovation, JPM\n<h3>Panelist<\/h3>\n<ul><li><h4>+ Bio<\/h4><p>Mo Khalifa is the Head of AI &amp; Innovation for J.P. Morgan Global Private Bank. Mo is responsible for driving AI innovation initiatives across the Global Private Bank, setting the strategic direction for AI within the business, overseeing the development and deployment of transformative capabilities, and advising the firm\u2019s investment teams on the evolving AI landscape and its implications for markets and clients.<\/p> <p>Mo started his career at Goldman Sachs in 2014. He joined J.P. Morgan in 2017 in the Commercial &amp; Investment Bank in Markets in London before moving to the Global Private Bank in New York in 2019.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n<p>Mo Khalifa is the Head of AI &amp; Innovation for J.P. Morgan Global Private Bank. Mo is responsible for driving AI innovation initiatives across the Global Private Bank, setting the strategic direction for AI within the business, overseeing the development and deployment of transformative capabilities, and advising the firm\u2019s investment teams on the evolving AI landscape and its implications for markets and clients.<\/p> <p>Mo started his career at Goldman Sachs in 2014. He joined J.P. Morgan in 2017 in the Commercial &amp; Investment Bank in Markets in London before moving to the Global Private Bank in New York in 2019.<\/p>\n<img src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Cynthia_Pekron_crop_2.jpg\" title=\"Cynthia Pekron\" alt=\"Head of Data Collections Systems, Morningstar\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Cynthia_Pekron_crop_2.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Cynthia_Pekron_crop_2-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/> <h3> Cynthia Pekron <\/h3> Head of Data Collections Systems, Morningstar\n<h3>Panelist<\/h3>\n<ul><li><h4>+ Bio<\/h4><p><strong>Cynthia Pekron is Head of Morningstar\u2019s Data Collections Systems, innovating to provide high quality data that empower Investor Success.<\/strong><\/p> <p>Cynthia is a mission-oriented leader with more than 15 years of experience in human-in-the-loop machine learning system design, new product and application development, and scaled operations across a wide range of industries from non-ferrous metals to green building design, to government and nonprofit, to digital publishing, and for the last 12 years\u2014fintech. She was once referred to as the \u201cLebron James of her discipline\u201d, which she\u2019s told is a compliment since she has not watched basketball since the Bulls won the 1993 three-peat.<\/p> <p>After leaving Amazon.com in 2013, Cynthia joined Morningstar\u2019s Institutional Software Product, Morningstar Direct, before moving into Analytics in 2018 to build out her team of product management, engineering, model validation, and QA to productionize new analytics including the Morningstar Medalist Rating, Risk Model, and Portfolio Construction engines (batch and interactive APIs). Cynthia transformed Morningstar\u2019s Flagship Medalist Rating through proprietary human-in-the-loop machine learning system resulting in 10x analyst productivity increase, and 20x increase in ratings coverage. Most recently she has launched Morningstar\u2019s LLM-based data extraction engine and Morningstar\u2019s first agent-collected datasets in production with over 99%+ accuracy.<\/p> <p>She is a recognized thought leader in applied AI and decision science, contributing to pioneering research on machine learning\u2019s influence on knowledge worker decisions with collaborators from INSEAD, Harvard Business School, and Vanderbilt University. Cynthia lectures at institutions such as NYU Stern, Northwestern Law, and DePaul University and has spoken at leading forums including AWS Re:Invent, the CDAO Chicago Conference, and Chicago Climate TechWeek to name a few. Cynthia serves on the Board for Chicago Financial Women\u2019s Alliance, as well as several of Morningstar\u2019s governing bodies including Morningstar\u2019s AI Council and previously the Morningstar Indexes Oversight Committee. Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Science of Foreign Service from Georgetown University and a Master of Arts Management from the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University. She\u2019s passionate about furthering enlightenment ideals and the liberal arts, libraries, and musical instrument selection as a reflection of personality. She, herself, is a cellist in the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra\u2014infer what you will about her personality from that. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and 4 children.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n<p><strong>Cynthia Pekron is Head of Morningstar\u2019s Data Collections Systems, innovating to provide high quality data that empower Investor Success.<\/strong><\/p> <p>Cynthia is a mission-oriented leader with more than 15 years of experience in human-in-the-loop machine learning system design, new product and application development, and scaled operations across a wide range of industries from non-ferrous metals to green building design, to government and nonprofit, to digital publishing, and for the last 12 years\u2014fintech. She was once referred to as the \u201cLebron James of her discipline\u201d, which she\u2019s told is a compliment since she has not watched basketball since the Bulls won the 1993 three-peat.<\/p> <p>After leaving Amazon.com in 2013, Cynthia joined Morningstar\u2019s Institutional Software Product, Morningstar Direct, before moving into Analytics in 2018 to build out her team of product management, engineering, model validation, and QA to productionize new analytics including the Morningstar Medalist Rating, Risk Model, and Portfolio Construction engines (batch and interactive APIs). Cynthia transformed Morningstar\u2019s Flagship Medalist Rating through proprietary human-in-the-loop machine learning system resulting in 10x analyst productivity increase, and 20x increase in ratings coverage. Most recently she has launched Morningstar\u2019s LLM-based data extraction engine and Morningstar\u2019s first agent-collected datasets in production with over 99%+ accuracy.<\/p> <p>She is a recognized thought leader in applied AI and decision science, contributing to pioneering research on machine learning\u2019s influence on knowledge worker decisions with collaborators from INSEAD, Harvard Business School, and Vanderbilt University. Cynthia lectures at institutions such as NYU Stern, Northwestern Law, and DePaul University and has spoken at leading forums including AWS Re:Invent, the CDAO Chicago Conference, and Chicago Climate TechWeek to name a few. Cynthia serves on the Board for Chicago Financial Women\u2019s Alliance, as well as several of Morningstar\u2019s governing bodies including Morningstar\u2019s AI Council and previously the Morningstar Indexes Oversight Committee. Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Science of Foreign Service from Georgetown University and a Master of Arts Management from the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University. She\u2019s passionate about furthering enlightenment ideals and the liberal arts, libraries, and musical instrument selection as a reflection of personality. She, herself, is a cellist in the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra\u2014infer what you will about her personality from that. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and 4 children.<\/p>\n<h2>Law Panel<\/h2>\n<img src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Carmin_Ballou.jpg\" title=\"Carmin Ballou\" alt=\"Carmin Ballou\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Carmin_Ballou.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Carmin_Ballou-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/> <h3> Carmin Ballou <\/h3>\n<h3>Moderator<\/h3>\n<ul><li><h4>+ Bio<\/h4><p>Carmin Ballou leads ALAS\u2019s data analytics and innovation efforts at ALAS. She is also currently helping lead our efforts to use artificial intelligence to improve company operations.<\/p> <p>Through her leadership, her team develops innovative products and tools to enhance members\u2019 loss prevention efforts and help them understand and manage their professional liability risks. Most recently, Carmin helped lead the implementation of the new web portal for member firms. Additional web-based products launched under her direction include ALAS DataView, ALAS Edge, and ALAS Coverage Explorer. She also monitors the legal technology space for risks posed to ALAS member firms as well as areas that certain products may benefit these firms.<\/p> <p>Carmin received her MS in Data Analytics in 2021, which, combined with her prior litigation experience and knowledge of ALAS membership, allows her to develop products that benefit ALAS member firms. One of Carmin\u2019s first major projects at ALAS was the implementation of Passport, ALAS\u2019s claim and matter management software, which supports the collection of key data points about legal malpractice matters. \u00a0<\/p> <p>Carmin first joined ALAS in 2014 as Claim Administrator, which gave her firsthand experience with the data needs of ALAS member firms. Prior to joining ALAS, Carmin was a litigation associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &amp; Flom LLP for seven years, specializing in financial and accounting litigation. \u00a0<\/p> <p>When not at work, you are likely to find Carmin obsessively planning her next trip\u2014which will preferably involve some travel via train.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n<p>Carmin Ballou leads ALAS\u2019s data analytics and innovation efforts at ALAS. She is also currently helping lead our efforts to use artificial intelligence to improve company operations.<\/p> <p>Through her leadership, her team develops innovative products and tools to enhance members\u2019 loss prevention efforts and help them understand and manage their professional liability risks. Most recently, Carmin helped lead the implementation of the new web portal for member firms. Additional web-based products launched under her direction include ALAS DataView, ALAS Edge, and ALAS Coverage Explorer. She also monitors the legal technology space for risks posed to ALAS member firms as well as areas that certain products may benefit these firms.<\/p> <p>Carmin received her MS in Data Analytics in 2021, which, combined with her prior litigation experience and knowledge of ALAS membership, allows her to develop products that benefit ALAS member firms. One of Carmin\u2019s first major projects at ALAS was the implementation of Passport, ALAS\u2019s claim and matter management software, which supports the collection of key data points about legal malpractice matters. \u00a0<\/p> <p>Carmin first joined ALAS in 2014 as Claim Administrator, which gave her firsthand experience with the data needs of ALAS member firms. Prior to joining ALAS, Carmin was a litigation associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher &amp; Flom LLP for seven years, specializing in financial and accounting litigation. \u00a0<\/p> <p>When not at work, you are likely to find Carmin obsessively planning her next trip\u2014which will preferably involve some travel via train.<\/p>\n<img src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Fernando_Delgado_crop_1.jpg\" title=\"Fernando Delgado, PhD\" alt=\"Executive Director, Lighthouse\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Fernando_Delgado_crop_1.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Fernando_Delgado_crop_1-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/> <h3> Fernando Delgado, PhD <\/h3> Executive Director, Lighthouse\n<h3>Panelist<\/h3>\n<ul><li><h4>+ Bio<\/h4><p>Fernando Delgado, PhD is an expert in legal AI with 20 years of experience in the legal technology sector. Fernando is the Executive Director of the AI &amp; Analytics group at Lighthouse, responsible for the design and implementation of Lighthouse proprietary solutions across the areas of structured analytics, predictive AI and generative AI. A veteran ediscovery technologist, Fernando has pioneered multiple solutions including Lighthouse\u2019s Key Documentation Identification (KDI) for targeted fact-finding, Cross-Matter Analysis for strategic work-product re-use, and GenAI Subject Matter Descriptions for privilege logs.<\/p> <p>Fernando holds a PhD in information science from Cornell University. His academic work on AI and legal technology has been published in leading Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) journals. His scholar-practitioner oriented work was supported by the National Science Foundation (Law &amp; Science Directorate), MacArthur Foundation (Technology in the Public Interest), and the Russell Sage Foundation (Initiative on Computational Social Science).<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n<p>Fernando Delgado, PhD is an expert in legal AI with 20 years of experience in the legal technology sector. Fernando is the Executive Director of the AI &amp; Analytics group at Lighthouse, responsible for the design and implementation of Lighthouse proprietary solutions across the areas of structured analytics, predictive AI and generative AI. A veteran ediscovery technologist, Fernando has pioneered multiple solutions including Lighthouse\u2019s Key Documentation Identification (KDI) for targeted fact-finding, Cross-Matter Analysis for strategic work-product re-use, and GenAI Subject Matter Descriptions for privilege logs.<\/p> <p>Fernando holds a PhD in information science from Cornell University. His academic work on AI and legal technology has been published in leading Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) journals. His scholar-practitioner oriented work was supported by the National Science Foundation (Law &amp; Science Directorate), MacArthur Foundation (Technology in the Public Interest), and the Russell Sage Foundation (Initiative on Computational Social Science).<\/p>\n<img src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Joseph_Rejano_crop_3.jpg\" title=\"Joseph Rejano\" alt=\"Director of AI &amp; Innovation, Foley Mansfield\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Joseph_Rejano_crop_3.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Joseph_Rejano_crop_3-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/> <h3> Joseph Rejano <\/h3> Director of AI &amp; Innovation, Foley Mansfield\n<h3>Panelist<\/h3>\n<ul><li><h4>+ Bio<\/h4><p>Joe serves as the Director of Artificial Intelligence &amp; Innovation at Foley Mansfield, where he leads the firm\u2019s exploration, adoption, and implementation of cutting-edge AI solutions. With over 22 years of experience as a practicing attorney, several of which were spent as Managing Partner of the firm\u2019s Chicago office, Joe brings a unique perspective bridging legal expertise with advanced technology.<\/p> <p>Joe\u2019s focus goes beyond simple automation to developing systems that enhance efficiency and establish new paradigms for human-AI collaboration. As an educator and change leader, Joe guides stakeholders through AI adoption and serves as the firm\u2019s primary advisor on AI capabilities. His approach is both strategic and hands-on, while ensuring ethical AI integration.<\/p> <p>With expertise spanning data analytics, machine learning, and computer programming, Joe constantly seeks ways to blend his legal acumen with technology. Outside of the office, Joe cherishes family time, enjoys music, and is constantly learning new things.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n<p>Joe serves as the Director of Artificial Intelligence &amp; Innovation at Foley Mansfield, where he leads the firm\u2019s exploration, adoption, and implementation of cutting-edge AI solutions. With over 22 years of experience as a practicing attorney, several of which were spent as Managing Partner of the firm\u2019s Chicago office, Joe brings a unique perspective bridging legal expertise with advanced technology.<\/p> <p>Joe\u2019s focus goes beyond simple automation to developing systems that enhance efficiency and establish new paradigms for human-AI collaboration. As an educator and change leader, Joe guides stakeholders through AI adoption and serves as the firm\u2019s primary advisor on AI capabilities. His approach is both strategic and hands-on, while ensuring ethical AI integration.<\/p> <p>With expertise spanning data analytics, machine learning, and computer programming, Joe constantly seeks ways to blend his legal acumen with technology. Outside of the office, Joe cherishes family time, enjoys music, and is constantly learning new things.<\/p>\n<img src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Collin_Starkweather.jpg\" title=\"Collin Starkweather, PhD\" alt=\"Collin Starkweather, PhD\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Collin_Starkweather.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Collin_Starkweather-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/> <h3> Collin Starkweather, PhD <\/h3>\n<h3>Panelist<\/h3>\n<ul><li><h4>+ Bio<\/h4><p>Dr. Starkweather has spent over 20 years providing expert services for high-profile, complex litigation and consulting engagements with a toolkit including artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI\/ML) and advanced econometrics. \u00a0His work has focused on technology and financial markets and has spanned competition and financial economics, including antitrust, intellectual property, securities fraud and market manipulation, and valuation mattersE, and involved many of the leading multinational technology and financial firms.<\/p> <p>He has also worked as a data scientist, enterprise software architect and engineer, and executive at numerous successful high-tech startup ventures through both the dot-com and AI booms. \u00a0Previously, he served as Chief Data Scientist at Luminos, which provides automated testing and governance software for AI\/ML models, and most recently, he founded a legaltech AI startup that remains in stealth mode.<\/p> <p>In addition, he has taught economics, finance, and business at universities both in the United States and abroad and regularly publishes and speaks on topics including AI\/ML, competition, intellectual property, finance, and cryptocurrency.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n<p>Dr. Starkweather has spent over 20 years providing expert services for high-profile, complex litigation and consulting engagements with a toolkit including artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI\/ML) and advanced econometrics. \u00a0His work has focused on technology and financial markets and has spanned competition and financial economics, including antitrust, intellectual property, securities fraud and market manipulation, and valuation mattersE, and involved many of the leading multinational technology and financial firms.<\/p> <p>He has also worked as a data scientist, enterprise software architect and engineer, and executive at numerous successful high-tech startup ventures through both the dot-com and AI booms. \u00a0Previously, he served as Chief Data Scientist at Luminos, which provides automated testing and governance software for AI\/ML models, and most recently, he founded a legaltech AI startup that remains in stealth mode.<\/p> <p>In addition, he has taught economics, finance, and business at universities both in the United States and abroad and regularly publishes and speaks on topics including AI\/ML, competition, intellectual property, finance, and cryptocurrency.<\/p>\n<img src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Matthew_Dunne_crop_1.jpg\" title=\"Matthew Dunne\" alt=\"Sr Manager, Data Science - Katten\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Matthew_Dunne_crop_1.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Matthew_Dunne_crop_1-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/> <h3> Matthew Dunne <\/h3> Sr Manager, Data Science - Katten\n<h3>Panelist<\/h3>\n<ul><li><h4>+ Bio<\/h4><p>In his role, Matthew combines several areas under the umbrella of \u201cinnovation.\u201d This includes data science, management consulting, implementing legal tech software, and creative strategic thinking. He leads Katten\u2019s DataLAB which provides legal data science services including custom Gen AI applications for lawyers. Matthew holds a MS in Applied Data Science from the University of Chicago and a JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law. He is also licensed attorney.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n<p>In his role, Matthew combines several areas under the umbrella of \u201cinnovation.\u201d This includes data science, management consulting, implementing legal tech software, and creative strategic thinking. He leads Katten\u2019s DataLAB which provides legal data science services including custom Gen AI applications for lawyers. Matthew holds a MS in Applied Data Science from the University of Chicago and a JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law. He is also licensed attorney.<\/p>\n<h2>Consumer Goods &amp; Services Panel<\/h2>\n<img src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Beverly_Wright_crop_1.jpg\" title=\"Beverly Wright, PhD, CAP-X\" alt=\"VP Data Science &amp; AI, Wavicle Data Solutions\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Beverly_Wright_crop_1.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Beverly_Wright_crop_1-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/> <h3> Beverly Wright, PhD, CAP-X <\/h3> VP Data Science &amp; AI, Wavicle Data Solutions\n<h3>Moderator<\/h3>\n<ul><li><h4>+ Bio<\/h4><p>Beverly Wright, PhD, CAP-X serves as Vice President of Data Science &amp; AI at Wavicle Data Solutions, Executive in Residence at Georgia State University, and Academic Director for Data Science &amp; AI at University of Georgia\u2019s Executive Education. With a career spanning over 30 years across utilities, financial services, telecommunications, healthcare, consulting, and academia, Beverly has led numerous teams and established herself as a data science &amp; AI thought leader, executive professor, national speaker, podcast host, and a trailblazing advocate for data science and AI for good. She also serves as Board Chair for TAG Data Science &amp; AI, Board Member for Georgia Institute of Technology\u2019s Master of Science in Analytics program, Past President of the Analytics Society at INFORMS, and podcast host for TAG Data Talk.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n<p>Beverly Wright, PhD, CAP-X serves as Vice President of Data Science &amp; AI at Wavicle Data Solutions, Executive in Residence at Georgia State University, and Academic Director for Data Science &amp; AI at University of Georgia\u2019s Executive Education. With a career spanning over 30 years across utilities, financial services, telecommunications, healthcare, consulting, and academia, Beverly has led numerous teams and established herself as a data science &amp; AI thought leader, executive professor, national speaker, podcast host, and a trailblazing advocate for data science and AI for good. She also serves as Board Chair for TAG Data Science &amp; AI, Board Member for Georgia Institute of Technology\u2019s Master of Science in Analytics program, Past President of the Analytics Society at INFORMS, and podcast host for TAG Data Talk.<\/p>\n<img src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Kurt_Schuepfer_crop_1.jpg\" title=\"Kurt Schuepfer\" alt=\"Senior Manager, Data Science, McDonalds\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Kurt_Schuepfer_crop_1.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Kurt_Schuepfer_crop_1-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/> <h3> Kurt Schuepfer <\/h3> Senior Manager, Data Science, McDonalds\n<h3>Panelist<\/h3>\n<ul><li><h4>+ Bio<\/h4><p>Kurt Schuepfer is a Sr. Manager of Data Science at McDonald\u2019s. He currently leads 5 data scientists and works with large cross-functional teams to build AI products at global scale. His works spans multiple domains, but has just focused largely in supply chain. While pursuing his PhD, he taught for several years and still is a passionate educator and mentor. His current professional interest center around enterprise analytics transformation and data strategy. <\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n<p>Kurt Schuepfer is a Sr. Manager of Data Science at McDonald\u2019s. He currently leads 5 data scientists and works with large cross-functional teams to build AI products at global scale. His works spans multiple domains, but has just focused largely in supply chain. While pursuing his PhD, he taught for several years and still is a passionate educator and mentor. His current professional interest center around enterprise analytics transformation and data strategy. <\/p>\n<img src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Michelangelo_DAgostiono_crop_1.jpg\" title=\"Michelangelo D\u2019Agostiono\" alt=\"VP of AI and Machine Learning, Grainger\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Michelangelo_DAgostiono_crop_1.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/10\/Michelangelo_DAgostiono_crop_1-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/> <h3> Michelangelo D\u2019Agostiono <\/h3> VP of AI and Machine Learning, Grainger\n<h3>Panelist<\/h3>\n<ul><li><h4>+ Bio<\/h4><p>Michelangelo D\u2019Agostino is the VP of AI \/ ML at Grainger, where his team builds AI-driven products for the maintenance, repair, and operations industry. Prior to Grainger, Michelangelo held data and machine learning leadership roles at Tegus\u2014a fintech company acquired by AlphaSense in 2024, Cameo--a marketplace for celebrity shout-out videos, ShopRunner--an ecommerce retail network that was acquired by FedEx, and Civis Analytics, a Chicago-based data science software and consulting company that spun out of the 2012 Obama reelection campaign. Michelangelo holds a PhD in particle astrophysics from UC Berkeley and got his start in analytics sifting through neutrino data from the IceCube experiment. Accordingly, he spent two glorious months at the South Pole, where he slept in a tent salvaged from the Korean War and enjoyed the twice-weekly shower rationing. He\u2019s also written about science and technology for the Economist.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n<p>Michelangelo D\u2019Agostino is the VP of AI \/ ML at Grainger, where his team builds AI-driven products for the maintenance, repair, and operations industry. Prior to Grainger, Michelangelo held data and machine learning leadership roles at Tegus\u2014a fintech company acquired by AlphaSense in 2024, Cameo--a marketplace for celebrity shout-out videos, ShopRunner--an ecommerce retail network that was acquired by FedEx, and Civis Analytics, a Chicago-based data science software and consulting company that spun out of the 2012 Obama reelection campaign. Michelangelo holds a PhD in particle astrophysics from UC Berkeley and got his start in analytics sifting through neutrino data from the IceCube experiment. Accordingly, he spent two glorious months at the South Pole, where he slept in a tent salvaged from the Korean War and enjoyed the twice-weekly shower rationing. He\u2019s also written about science and technology for the Economist.<\/p>\n<img src=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Mike_Baker.jpg\" title=\"Mike Baker\" alt=\"Global Head, Consumer Data Science, Methods and AI, NeilsenIQ\" srcset=\"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Mike_Baker.jpg 288w, https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/files\/2025\/11\/Mike_Baker-270x300.jpg 270w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px\" \/> <h3> Mike Baker <\/h3> Global Head, Consumer Data Science, Methods and AI, NeilsenIQ\n<h3>Panelist<\/h3>\n<ul><li><h4>+ Bio<\/h4><p>Michael Baker leads the global Consumer Data Science organization at NielsenIQ, overseeing consumer measurement data strategy, advanced analytics, and AI innovation across 25 countries. His team drives the design and modernization of data science and analytics solutions that power insights for the world\u2019s largest consumer goods companies. With more than two decades of leadership in data, analytics, and AI, he has guided organizations through digital transformation, platform modernization, and scaled AI adoption.<\/p> <p>Before his current role, Michael served as Vice President of Advanced Analytics, Data Platforms, Governance &amp; Strategy at Chamberlain Group and held multiple senior leadership roles at Nielsen. He is also the founder of Navigar Partners, a consulting firm focused on data and AI strategy, talent, and execution. Michael has served as an adjunct professor of statistics in the MBA program at Benedictine University and as a visiting professor of economics at Knox College. He holds a Master\u2019s in Economics from Roosevelt University and a Bachelor\u2019s in Economics from Knox College. He lives in the Chicago suburbs with his wife and four sons and enjoys sailing and cooking.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>\n<p>Michael Baker leads the global Consumer Data Science organization at NielsenIQ, overseeing consumer measurement data strategy, advanced analytics, and AI innovation across 25 countries. His team drives the design and modernization of data science and analytics solutions that power insights for the world\u2019s largest consumer goods companies. With more than two decades of leadership in data, analytics, and AI, he has guided organizations through digital transformation, platform modernization, and scaled AI adoption.<\/p> <p>Before his current role, Michael served as Vice President of Advanced Analytics, Data Platforms, Governance &amp; Strategy at Chamberlain Group and held multiple senior leadership roles at Nielsen. He is also the founder of Navigar Partners, a consulting firm focused on data and AI strategy, talent, and execution. Michael has served as an adjunct professor of statistics in the MBA program at Benedictine University and as a visiting professor of economics at Knox College. He holds a Master\u2019s in Economics from Roosevelt University and a Bachelor\u2019s in Economics from Knox College. He lives in the Chicago suburbs with his wife and four sons and enjoys sailing and cooking.<\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/INFORMS\">Twitter<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/INFORMSpage\/\">Facebook<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/informs_2\">LinkedIn<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"mailto:informs@informs.org\">Mail<\/a><\/li><\/ul>","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/244","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1001096"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=244"}],"version-history":[{"count":553,"href":"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/244\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2454,"href":"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/244\/revisions\/2454"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/meetings.informs.org\/wordpress\/regional-analytics-chicago2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=244"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}