2024 Great Lakes Data, AI & Analytics Summit

Shane Risk is a seasoned veteran in the realm of data, boasting an impressive 22-year tenure in the industry. The last decade dedicated to Microsoft, most recently as the Global Fabric Data Warehouse Customer Advisory Team (CAT) Lead. With a wealth of experience as a Business Intelligence and Data Warehouse consultant, Shane has had the opportunity to work with many Fortune 500 companies, leveraging his deep understanding of technology and AI to tackle their data challenges.

Beyond the boardroom, Shane finds joy in the simple pleasures of life in Michigan, where he resides with his wife and three children. Whether he's casting lines on tranquil lakes or diving into the world of 3D printing, Shane's passion for fishing and technology knows no bounds.

Currently enrolled in the Michigan State University Executive MBA program, Shane exemplifies a commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth. With his expertise and dedication, Shane Risk continues to shape the future of data innovation, one strategic insight at a time.

From Silos to Success: Modernizing Analytics with Data Governance and GenAI

Join this discussion to learn about Microsoft and others' data transformation journeys to unlock value and enable innovation. Improve your data infrastructure with governance and security, using proven methods and best practices. Break down data silos, foster collaboration, and optimize data accessibility, empowering your business units with the data and technologies they need. Learn how AI improves efficiency and streamlines data product development.

Donald Farmer is a seasoned data and analytics strategist, author and speaker with over 30 years of experience designing data and analytics products. He has led teams at Microsoft and Qlik Technologies and is now the Principal of TreeHive Strategy, where he advises software vendors, enterprises, and investors on data and advanced analytics strategy. In addition to his work at TreeHive, Donald serves as VP of Innovation and Research at Nobody Studios, a crowd-infused venture studio.

Donald has a passion for innovation and has worked on some of the leading data technologies in the market, as well as in award-winning startups. He has a diverse background, having worked in fish farming, archaeology, and forestry, but data has always been at the heart of his work.

The Future of Insight: How AI is Transforming Business and Being Transformed

At first sight, the map of the data landscape seems to be getting complicated, with new data sources, powerful analytics platforms and radical architectures appearing in the lab and in the market place.

But perhaps this is just a phase? Will AI make things much simpler, when a powerful, highly-informed, deeply insightful engine can track, predict and advise on every business question?

In this keynote Donald Farmer draws on his 40+ years of experience with data, AI and analytics technologies to give an overview of what is working and what is not in the world of business intelligence … and what we might see in the next few years.

For nearly a decade, terms like Big Data, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence have been overused and misunderstood. While certain modern problems can benefit from the latest analytics technology, highly sophisticated analytical tools and enormously large datasets are not always required to deliver the value that you need. In this session we will discuss winning with simplicity and why the most impactful analytics solution might not involve shiny new tech.

Presented by: Chris Smith, General Motors

Chris Smith is a leader in the Enterprise Data, Analytics & Insights (EDAI) group at General Motors. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Mathematics and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in MIS. He has nearly 15 years of IT and analytics experience in the automotive industry. Chris is passionate about cars and the future of the auto industry, and customer-obsessed with experiences in and out of the vehicles. In his spare time, he enjoys home renovation projects, working on cars, and spending time with his wife and three young children.

The year 2024 marks a pivotal milestone for privacy as the USA moves from five state privacy laws to 12! This forces companies to face the fact privacy is here to stay. Security and privacy laws and regulations have significant impacts on how organizations collect, share, and use data. This session will present updates to security and privacy laws, regulations, and industry standards to prepare for 2024 and data strategies for the use and management of information.

Presented by: Dr. Lisa McKee, American Security and Privacy

Dr. Lisa McKee, Ph.D., CISA, CDPSE, CRISC, has over 20 years of industry experience. She provides security and privacy services, assessments, training, program development and leadership as a virtual Data Protection Officer (vDPO) for companies globally. Lisa has a Ph.D. in Cyber Defense with an emphasis in Privacy. She is a highly regarded privacy expert, international speaker, and keynotes events worldwide. She is a member of the Accredited Standards Committee X9 and provides input on industry standards. Lisa is passionate about privacy and shares her knowledge as an APMG Certified ISACA Trainer, volunteer on boards for several professional groups, mentor, professor, and research advisor for graduate students. She has authored several publications including a Data Privacy Management textbook.

Embark on a transformative journey as we navigate the evolution of Priority Health’s data and analytics landscape from traditional request fulfillment to a dynamic self-service culture. As an internal consultant, I'll share insights into how our organization shifted gears, liberating end-users from reliance on ad-hoc requests, to fostering autonomy through self-service. Discover the strategic transition that unlocked the true potential of our workforce, enabling them to generate their own insights. Join me as we explore the benefits, challenges, and key milestones in this paradigm shift, paving the way for a more agile and empowered data-driven future.

Presented by: Jay Lindeman, Priority Health

Jay Lindeman is a seasoned data professional with a successful track record spanning over a decade in the Healthcare industry. Presently serving as an Advisor and Business Intelligence Developer at Priority Health, Michigan's second-largest health plan, Jay brings a wealth of experience to his role. His expertise lies in Healthcare data, where he dedicates a significant portion of his time to crafting self-service solutions and overseeing a team focused on supporting provider reimbursement strategy. Beyond his professional pursuits, Jay finds joy in his personal life through woodworking, camping with his family, and engaging in Lego building activities with his two boys.

SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, brings together all levels of local government in Southeast Michigan. As the region continues to develop and transform, SEMCOG members and regional planning activities require up-to-date information on demographics, socio-economics, housing, land use, transportation, environment, and tools for analyzing and visualizing data. For example, completing the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and other regional and local plans requires a detailed forecast of future characteristics of people, jobs, and land development.

SEMCOG’s data collection, analysis, research, forecasting, and visualization are designed to meet those needs. In this session, SEMCOG Staff will discuss SEMCOG data, analysis, research, GIS mapping, application development, as well as the impact on regional and local planning. The presentation will begin with an overview of SEMCOG data and analysis, followed by an in-depth discussion on developing web applications using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with several examples.

Presented by: Xuan Liu & Chad Misiuk, SEMCOG

Xuan Liu is the Research Director for SEMCOG (Southeast Michigan Council of Governments). He oversees data analysis, research, and forecasting in demographics, socio-economics, land use, and transportation. He received his Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Michigan. His research interests include land use and transportation connections, as well as urban and regional accessibilities.

Chad Misiuk, SEMCOG

Chad Misiuk is the GIS Coordinator at SEMCOG, where he has been working for the past eight years. He enjoys what he does and has grown his skills while working there. He has worked on many different projects and looks forward to the challenges each day brings. His day-to-day consists of building custom spatial web applications and designing custom data processing workflows to ensure SEMCOG communities and staff can get the most out of the data they are working with.

Why do data science projects fail so commonly? While poor data or lack of infrastructure are cited leading reasons, disconnect with the customer is an often-overlooked cause. Amazingly, proper customer engagement can avoid failure often caused by technical causes. Unfortunately, engaging our data science customers does not come easily. We experience all the same difficulties that other disciplines face with customer engagement plus nuance caused by lack of familiarity with a growing capability. This is of course compounded by the ‘shiny object’ syndrome where leaders across the globe begin demanding data science inside their organizations without a well-developed plan.

This presentation will take you through some of the most common engagement modes for data science teams and venture into how we can leverage frameworks and strategies from other disciplines, such as consulting, UX, and even marketing and show how you can apply them to engage your customers for success.

Presented by: Chris Bawden, Jackson National Life

Chris is the Product Owner of the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence teams at Jackson. He was exposed to a wide variety of data early in his career at a few small technology firms in Lansing. For the past 15 years he has worked with data across many business disciplines including sales, marketing, web analytics, customer engagement, user experience, resourcing, process efficiency and more. In 2017, he earned a master’s degree in data science from Indiana University and also has bachelor’s degrees in Economics and Comparative Religion from Western Michigan University. Chris runs a disc golf website and in 2021 published a book on using data to become a better disc golfer.

The USOPC is actively developing an enterprise data strategy to become a robust data-informed organization. A major component of our overall strategy has been cultivating our data culture through the creation of a data community. Our community connects data people throughout the organization to centralize information, learn from each other, and promote a secure environment to ask questions and share ideas. Since its inception in 2021, our data community has grown to include over 25% of the organization and offers a variety of content including educational training, newsletters, office hours, and more. The USOPC would love the opportunity to share our learnings in building this community as it pertains to our overall enterprise data strategy.

Presented by: Jessica Hensley & Maggie Barnes, US Olympic & Paralympic Committee

Jessica Hensley is the Associate Director, Strategic Insights at the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and oversees the strategy and utilization of data across the organization. She joined back in 2019 as a data analyst and has since helped drive the USOPC to work towards becoming a data-informed organization. Within the USOPC, Jessica co-launched a Data Community - a safe space for continuous learnings through education sessions, monthly newsletters, and weekly office hours. To date, approximately 25% of the organization have benefited from this community. Prior to joining the USOPC, she received her Masters in Statistics from Florida State University and interned with ESPN and the Charlotte Hornets. A native of Vero Beach, FL, Jessica attended Emory & Henry College where she received a degree in mathematics while captaining the varsity swim team. She currently lives in Colorado Springs with her husband and two cats and loves adventuring outdoors.

Maggie Barnes, US Olympic & Paralympic Committee

Magdalin (Maggie) Barnes is Manager of Business Intelligence on the Business Innovation team at the USOPC. She has a B.Sc. Degree in Public Health from the University of Texas at Austin and previous experience working with a nonprofit health insurance company in Portland, Oregon as a Data Specialist. She has a passion for dashboard design, data visualization, and data storytelling. Outside of her professional work Maggie is an avid soccer player and enjoys taking care of her plants.

In an era marked by escalating storm severity and aging utility infrastructure, the ability to predict and mitigate the impact of weather-related events on utility services is more critical than ever. In this presentation, David will discuss DTE Energy’s Weather Analytics, an evolving application used to predict the impact of storm/weather activity on DTE customers and infrastructure. This model uses National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data to identify patterns in historical weather data to make predictions about current storm outage scenarios. David will discuss how DTE uses this application for actionable outcomes to minimize power disruption and optimize resource allocation during storm events.

Presented by: David Corliss, DTE Energy

With a PhD in statistical astrophysics, David J. Corliss is a Data Science leader with a focus on emerging technology and building high-performing analytic teams. He is currently a Sr. Data Scientist at DTE Energy, with past experience leading data science teams at both at Stellantis and OnStar Insurance, part of General Motors Financial. Dr. Corliss is also the founder of Peace-Work, a volunteer cooperative of statisticians and data scientists applying statistical methods to support community service organizations and data-driven advocacy.

Embark on a transformative journey with us as we delve into the dynamic landscape of finance transformation, where evolution is not merely a destination but an ongoing expedition. Let us navigate the collaborative synergy with the finance team and other business units, transcending traditional roles to become agile, modernized business partners that add tangible value to the company's bottom line. We will provide insights into the strategy and approach underpinning successful finance transformation initiatives. We will explore the critical success factors that drive this success, from fostering cross-functional collaboration to embracing technological innovation and cultivating a culture of continuous improvement. Furthermore, we will explore the benefits and challenges inherent in this journey toward transformation.

Presented by: Racha Dabaja, United Wholesale Mortgage
Sponsored by: Alteryx

Racha Dabaja is the Finance Transformation & Automation Leader at United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) with over 15 years of experience in business and IT consulting, specializing in Transformations & Innovations, Risk Management, IT Risks & Controls, and Data Analytics across multiple industries. She collaborates with the Finance team and other business units to facilitate the optimization and automation of current processes. The goal is to achieve greater operational efficiencies and minimize complexity and risk to maximize value. By leveraging her expertise and innovative nature, she helps identify areas where enhanced processes can be implemented to streamline workflows and reduce manual efforts. Additionally, she works closely with stakeholders to gather feedback and input, ensuring that any changes made align with the organization's goals and objectives. Ultimately, the efforts result in a more efficient and effective business operation, with reduced costs and improved performance across the board.

Join Chad Cavallaro and Tassia Reinhold in a fireside chat that explores the critical components of advancing data governance pillars. In this session, Chad and Tassia will examine key topics such as data transparency, accessibility, accuracy, and business acumen shedding light on their significance in today’s data-driven landscape. Attendees will gain valuable insights into constructing a robust maturity roadmap for effective data governance, grasping the importance of the RACI model in streamlining responsibilities, and leveraging best practices to enhance organizational data governance strategies.

Presented by: Chad Cavallaro, American multinational food manufacturing company & Tassia Reinhold, Alation

Chad has over 10 years of data and analytics experience with a proven track record of elevating organizations through data-driven insights and strategies. He specializes in data quality and data governance and has led many major initiatives in ERP implementation, global governance frameworks and BI strategies.

Tassia Reinhold, Alation

Tassia Reinhold currently leads Alation's Sales & Customer teams in the Midwest. She has 12 years of experience in working with customers on their data, analytics, and governance journeys and takes great enjoyment in seeing organizations find success in achieving their goals around data organizationally. She currently lives in Chicago with her husband and 2 year old son.

This session explores the transformative potential of virtualizing data through a Data Mesh approach, enabling organizations to harness its benefits across the Enterprise while giving control and capability to various internal domains.

By decoupling data sources from data consumers, enterprises can increase the real-time availability of data, strengthen security, enhance governance, minimize disruptions, and improve the speed and accuracy of insights to be used.

Through a case study exemplified by the University of Michigan’s implementation of a Data Mesh, we delve into the technical discussions surrounding agility and API integration, illustrating the tangible business outcomes such as tech reduction, cost savings, and enhanced agility for users.

This session underscores the pivotal role of virtualized data in driving efficiency, value creation, and heightened security, positioning it as a cornerstone in modern data management strategies.

Presented by: Kranthi Bandaru, University of Michigan, IT Services and Mike Woods, Denodo

As the Data Integration and API Manager in IQ at the University of Michigan, Kranthi leads multiple, concurrent development projects and works independently on complex application development. In his role, he collaborates with infrastructure staff, enterprise solution architects and business analysts. Kranthi develops, enhances, implements and maintains application programming interfaces (APIs), data integrations, data sets and ETL processes. He provides guidance to development staff and participates in strategic planning and setting of technical direction for the department. He brings knowledge in the areas of Enterprise Data Warehouse, Cloud, API Directory Data Innovation, Systems and Cloud Services, and IT Services.

Mike Woods, Denodo

Mike with the VP and General Manager of Denodo and is a passionate speaker and moderator on the topics of Data Management, Data Integration, Data and Analytics, and strategically driving time to value with cloud/hybrid migration, digital transformation and modernization initiatives. Mike joined Denodo in and has oversight to Sales, Customer Success, Channel and Business Development. He brings a wide variety of experiences from his 30+ years of working for NCR/Teradata in the U.S., Canada and Europe. He started his career in the F&A area of NCR in Dayton Ohio, then in a Supply Chain Solution Product Manager role in Milan Italy, and as Wal-Mart Sales Director in Bentonville Arkansas.

There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to managing your data governance journey. Join Bobbi Caggianelli for a 101 of data stewardship, as well as best practices for applying it to your enterprise. As a former customer and now head of North America Enterprise sales engineering at Collibra, Bobbi offers a highly relevant, practical perspective on getting started with data stewardship. Learn more about:

• Why you need data stewardship

• The key traits for successful business and technical stewards

• How to gain buy-in

• Ways to drive continued active participation

Presented by: Bobbi Caggianelli, Collibra

Prior to joining Collibra, Bobbi Caggianelli spent four years building a data governance and quality practice from scratch at a multi-billion dollar life and annuity company. She joined Colliba after working with Collibra's toolset, in part to share her experience with others. Her goal is to help companies build a successful governance practice and show them how Collibra enables that maturation journey. Bobbi has an MS in Business Analytics and is a Master Black Belt in Six Sigma.

Qlik has been utilizing augmented intelligence in its Data Analytics offering for years now. This concept allowed Qlik's analytics engine to supplement what humans were doing in our QlikView and Qlik Sense offerings. Over the last 5 years Qlik (like other Business Intelligence vendors) has been enhancing the machine learning capabilities to include NLG/NLP, integration with 3rd party prescriptive algorithms, as well as including its own AutoML capabilities. As generative AI becomes more prevalent, Qlik continues to provide additional features such as OpenAI integration and the ability to provide AI/ML on unstructured data. Come and see some of the things that modern Data Analytics and Data Integration tools can do to take advantage of AI technology.

Presented by: Jim Smith, Qlik

Jim Smith has been a Technical Partner Manager at Qlik for the last 7 years supporting both their Data Analytics (Qlik Sense) product line and their Data Integration (Attunity and Talend). Prior to Qlik, Jim spent 20 years supporting Business Intelligence and Data Analytics tools with Oracle, Business Objects/SAP, Birst and Salesforce. Jim currently resides outside of Indianapolis, but is a loyal Detroit sports fan who follows Michigan Football along with the Red Wings, Tigers and Lions.

Enterprises are embracing AI applications and leveraging a variety of data types (structured, unstructured, and semi-structured) for integrated processes across all lines of business and industries. However, although organizations understand the importance and potential impact of AI, they often struggle with a strategy and the substance to deliver. In order to take full advantage of everything that AI has to offer, enterprises must embed AI at the data level, ensuring that AI enables the full scope of the data management lifecycle, from ingestion to curation and discovery, as well as driving applications that are built on that data.

Presented by: Shawn Brown, SAP

Shawn Brown is a Senior Director in the SAP Business Technology Platform Center of Excellence. He helps businesses meet 100% of their business requirements with a smart combination of business applications and platform services. Shawn has been supporting businesses in this way through roles in consulting, support, program development, and presales for more than 25 years.

In this session we'll show how a top GoodData customer automatically builds, scales and deploys new customer facing analytics applications in just days using our metadata driven analytics platform.

Presented by: Ryan Dolley & Zeeshan Alam, GoodData

Ryan Dolley is Vice President of Product Strategy at GoodData and co-host of the Super Data Brothers Show. He has 13 years experience in the analytics and business intelligence industry as an engineer, consultant and product executive. He's an avid dungeon master, chicken farmer, husband and father to 3 children.

Zeeshan Alam, GoodData

Zeeshan Alam is an Enterprise Account Executive at GoodData. He has 4 years of experience in the Fintech industry and 5 years of experience in analytics and business intelligence, all in client-facing SaaS roles ranging from Customer Success, Implementation/Support, Solution Engineering, and Sales.

Business leaders are challenged with achieving end-to-end visibility across data sources to reach operational optimization. Where legacy reporting solutions fall short (data ingestion limits, lack of scalability and inability to recommended actions), leaders are turning to emerging tech like gen AI and augmented analytics to integrate data, gain visibility and improve decisions at a fraction of the cost. Join this session to see how ConverSight ‘s integrated analytics platform is delivering contextualized, actionable insights to maximize tech investment for customers like Daimler Truck through critical parts tracking, automated and actionable insights, and built-in supplier risk analysis.

Presented by: Daniel Schafer & Vlad Bekker, ConverSight

Daniel is a Enterprise Account Executive at ConverSight that helps Business Leaders get immediate answers by using GenAI to have insightful conversations with their data.

Vlad Bekker, ConverSight

Vlad Bekker is a Solution Consultant of ConverSight and is a supply chain professional with almost 10 years of industry and technology experience.