IN-PERSON

Boston CDAO Executive Summit

May 29, 2024 | Westin Copley Place

May 29, 2024
Westin Copley Place

Collaborate with your peers

Get together with Boston's top CDAOs to tackle shared business challenges and critical priorities facing your role today. Participate in this one-day, local program with peer-driven topics and interactive discussions with your true C-level peers.

Join your peers to discuss the most critical issues impacting CDAOs today:

Enabling and Ensuring Data Quality in the Generation of AI

Streamlined Analytics: Unifying Insights Across the Business

Navigating the Landscape of Modern Data Architecture

Boston CDAO Governing Body


The Governing Body Co-Chairs shape the summit agenda, ensuring that all content is driven by CDAOs, for CDAOs.

Governing Body Co-Chairs

Adam Fox

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co
Head of Data

Matt Griffiths

Stanley Black & Decker
Vice President, CDO

Shahidul Mannan

Bon Secours Mercy Health
CDO

What to Expect

Interactive Sessions

Hear from CDAO practitioners and thought leaders on how they're solving critical challenges impacting your role today in Keynote sessions, and join smaller, interactive discussions with your peers in Breakout and Boardroom sessions.

Community Networking

Make new connections and catch up with old friends in casual conversations during dedicated time for networking designed to better acquaint you with your Boston CDAO community.

Peer-to-Peer Meetings

Connect with like-minded peers in a private, one-on-one setting through Evanta's Peer-to-Peer Meetings. You will be matched with peers in your community based on your shared interests and priorities.

Agenda


May 28, 2024

May 29, 2024

6:00pm - 8:30pm  Networking

Governing Body Welcome Reception

Governing Body members host this dinner for attendees to launch the event with an evening of peer networking.

7:45am - 8:30am  Registration & Breakfast

8:30am - 9:15am  Keynote

Remarkable Resilience - Tools for Combating Toxic Stress & Burnout

Sheila Hamilton headshot

Sheila Hamilton

Mental Health Thought Leader and Author of "All the Things We Never Knew"

Guest Speaker

Today’s CDAOs face daunting challenges. As the business leader in charge of adding value to the company, finding the right talent and inspiring technology innovation, there’s an incredible amount of pressure. It’s no surprise that CDAOs are experiencing burnout at unprecedented rates. While taking care of employees is important, how can CDAOs make sure they are taking care of themselves to help make their careers sustainable while maintaining a sense of well-being?

Join this keynote to explore:

  • Evidence-based strategies that can help alleviate burnout
  • How to recognize the signs and symptoms of toxic stress and burnout
  • How to remain engaged, energized, and focused during turbulent times


9:15am - 9:35am  Networking

Rising Together — Empowered Women, Empower Women

Grab a coffee then head over to an intimate, informal space for women in leadership roles and their allies to freely discuss best practices, key challenges, and mission-critical priorities. Come prepared to share ideas and forge new connections that can help empower each other to make an impact in your organizations and the wider Boston area community.

This session is aimed at, but not limited to, women who are head of function at their organizations (CDAO or equivalent) and those reporting directly to the CDAO/equivalent. Priority access will be reserved to these groups.

9:15am - 9:40am  Networking Break

9:40am - 10:25am  Breakout Session

CDAO Evolution — Branding, Trends and Adaptability

Andrea Pezzetta headshot

Andrea Pezzetta

VP, Chief Data Officer

Ipsen

Gurprit Singh headshot

Gurprit Singh

Global Head of Data & Analytics

Partners Capital

Shahidul Mannan headshot

Shahidul Mannan

CDO

Bon Secours Mercy Health

A Gartner study reveals the average CDAO tenure is 2.4 years, highlighting the critical evolutionary journey of seasoned CDAOs as they navigate executive inclusion, adapt to rapid technological advancements, assert thought leadership, master essential skills and envision the role's trajectory. This highlights the need for CDAOs to quickly adapt and shape the future of data leadership, emphasizing their growing strategic importance.

Join this session as tenured CDAO's discuss:

  • Branding as enterprise data and analytics leaders
  • Anticipating strategic CDAO positioning with future trends
  • Emphasizing adaptability and continuous learning

9:40am - 10:25am  Executive Boardroom

Adopting Self-Service — Empowering Democratization

Jackie Caraballo headshot

Jackie Caraballo

VP, Data and Analytics

Commonwealth Financial Network

Nava Cretu-Kessel headshot

Nava Cretu-Kessel

Head of Chief Customer Data Office / Data Strategy & Transformation

National Grid

An overreliance on IT teams to address data and analytics inquiries often results in bottlenecks and delays. Enabling self-service reports is one way to cut time and propel democratization. But without proper data literacy and understanding of data, this solution remains a challenge for data and analytics leaders.

Join this session to discuss:

  • Determining data privileges for users across the enterprise
  • Enhancing use and understanding of data within the workforce
  • Enabling self-service, reducing IT sourcing time

9:40am - 10:25am  Executive Boardroom

Evolving Data Strategies in the Age of AI

Catalina Herrera headshot

Catalina Herrera

Field CDO

Dataiku

Prasad Gunda headshot

Prasad Gunda

AVP, Business Intelligence and Advanced Analytics

Travelers

Suresh Martha headshot

Suresh Martha

Head of Data Driven Innovations & Analytics

EMD Serono

As organizations move into the era of data-driven decision-making, AI and machine learning carry huge potential benefits. As seen with other data capabilities, organizations still face challenges around data quality, scalability, and accessibility. D&A leaders must adapt data strategies to leverage AI and machine learning, enhancing innovation and governance standards.

Join this roundtable discussion to learn how to:

  • Integrate AI Capabilities within your Data Strategy
  • Implement Trustworthy Standards in AI and Analytics
  • Foster organizational agility through scalable and accessible data products

10:25am - 11:05am  Networking Break

10:30am - 10:55am  Peer-to-Peer Meetings

Peer-to-Peer Meetings

Connect with like-minded peers in a one-on-one setting through Evanta’s Peer-to-Peer Meetings. You will be matched with peers in your community based on your shared interests and priorities.

11:05am - 11:50am  Breakout Session

Split Decision — Where Do You Stand on Controversial Topics?

Genevy Dimitrion headshot

Genevy Dimitrion

VP, Data Strategy & Governance

Humana

CDAO’s have a lot of thoughts on a wide range of topics. Have you ever wondered where your peers stand of the “buzzy” issues of the day? In this collaborative session, you’ll give a thumbs up or thumbs down to various topics and then discuss your peer’s choices.

Join this interactive session to:

  • Share your stance on a variety of controversial topics
  • Hear what your peers think about today’s debated issues
  • Enjoy friendly debate with your peer leaders

11:05am - 11:50am  Breakout Session

Everyday Risk Management in the Digital Age

Matt Vogt headshot

Matt Vogt

VP, Global Solutions Architecture

Immuta

Everyday tasks, no matter how mundane or difficult, come with risks. In the digital space – and data management in particular – the swift pace of evolution amplifies these risks. For data and analytics leaders, mastering adaptable policies and responsible data stewardship is the key to turning these challenges into opportunities for innovation and security.

Join this session to learn how to:

  • Identify the omnipresent risks in digital data management
  • Navigate risk management complexities in continuously evolving digital ecosystems
  • Leverage a data security platforms for strategic policy enforcement and enhanced data security

11:05am - 11:50am  Executive Boardroom

AI Readiness — Going from Big Data to Better Data

Kyle Jourdan headshot

Kyle Jourdan

Head of AI/ML Practice

Qlik

Julie Greenway headshot

Julie Greenway

Sr. Director IT Data Analytics

Hasbro

Joshua Glastein headshot

Joshua Glastein

Chief Technology Officer

Berkshire Residential Investments

There is so much potential with AI, but also so many new risks. Setting the correct foundation by designing with purpose and value will lead to trusted, better data. But how do you get to this point?

Join this interactive roundtable as CDAOs discuss:

  • Building a robust, trusted foundation for AI
  • Responsibly exposing data to AI
  • Pinpointing the source of troubles within the tech stack

11:05am - 11:50am  Executive Boardroom

Trust in Data — Paving the Way to Success

Edward Longo headshot

Edward Longo

Director of Enterprise Data Solutions

Ropes & Gray

Isa Terzi headshot

Isa Terzi

Senior Vice President, Head of Data and Analytics

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance

Kate Kroeger headshot

Kate Kroeger

Head of Global Analytics Community

Fresenius Medical Care

In the digital economy, CDAOs face the critical task of ensuring data's trust and reliability, essential for informed decision-making and strategic advantage. CDAOs are challenged with implementing rigorous governance, adopting advanced technology for data quality and cultivating a data-literate culture. Aligning data strategies with business objectives not only ensures compliance, but also positions data as a pivotal force for competitive differentiation.

Join this session to discuss:

  • Establishing robust governance for data trust-building
  • Adopting technology to ensure data quality
  • Fostering organizational culture for data literacy

11:50am - 12:35pm  Lunch Service

12:35pm - 1:10pm  Keynote

From Theory to Practice — Successful GenAI Implementation

Priya Gore headshot

Priya Gore

General Manager, Data & AI

Microsoft Corporation

Andrew Foster headshot

Andrew Foster

Chief Data Officer

M&T Bank

When it comes to GenAI implementation and application, some CDAOs are in active implementation mode while others are still exploring the theoretical space. What successful approaches are companies using to incorporate GenAI into their data strategy, no matter where they are on the journey?

Join this interactive session to examine:

  • Approaches to data governance
  • Embedding a culture of change acceptance
  • Best practices with juggling competing priorities

1:10pm - 1:35pm  Break

1:35pm - 2:20pm  Breakout Session

Unlock Your Organization’s Knowledge with Retrieval-Augmented Generation

Igor Jablokov headshot

Igor Jablokov

CEO

Pryon

Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) has emerged as a powerful capability to help businesses efficiently access their trusted enterprise knowledge, while mitigating a number of the challenges associated with generative AI (e.g., hallucinations, lack of up-to-date information and lack of domain-specific knowledge). An enterprise RAG architecture sets your business on the path to developing its own Knowledge Cloud, serving up valuable knowledge to users when and where they need it. However, while the concept of RAG is straightforward, implementing and scaling it for an enterprise introduces complex challenges.

Join this session to discuss:

  • How Generative AI is revolutionizing the future of knowledge-based work
  • Core requirements for building an enterprise-ready RAG solution
  • Ways organizations can effectively deploy RAG-based AI solutions

1:35pm - 2:20pm  Breakout Session

Shifting Data Culture — Inspiring Data Fluency

Vitaly Shusterov headshot

Vitaly Shusterov

Executive Director – Enterprise Data & Analytics

Alkermes

Bo Yang headshot

Bo Yang

Director, Commercial Data Strategy & Governance

Alkermes

Success happens when leaders prioritize, adapt and evolve with the needs of the business. As data and analytics initiatives continue to gain momentum, the need for a thoughtful data literacy approach is increasing. Industry standouts are coming together to share how they're inspiring culture-based approaches to empowering the workforce.

In this session, they'll explore:

  • Setting effective data literacy guardrails to ensure data governance
  • Inspiring an impactful shift in embracing data culture
  • Elevating data literacy approaches to propel innovation

1:35pm - 2:20pm  Executive Boardroom

Integrating AI into Your Data Infrastructure

Vikram Reddy Kosanam headshot

Vikram Reddy Kosanam

Director - Data, Analytics and AI/ML

Rackspace Technology

Balaji Doraibabu headshot

Balaji Doraibabu

Director, Data Science & Engineering

GoPro

Michelle Hoiseth headshot

Michelle Hoiseth

General Manager

Cytel

In the era dominated by AI, organizations seeking sustainable success must seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence into their data infrastructure. This entails a deliberate approach to implementation, identifying the optimal methods and areas for AI integration to maximize its impact.

Join us for an enlightening discussion on:

  • Strategically incorporating AI into your data infrastructure to enhance efficiency and drive innovation
  • Identifying key touch points within your organization where AI can deliver the most significant value
  • Exploring practical techniques and frameworks for successful AI integration, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives

1:35pm - 2:20pm  Executive Boardroom

Accelerating Analytic Insights for Strategic Transformation

Ansh Kanwar headshot

Ansh Kanwar

Executive Vice President of Technology, Product, and Strategy

Reltio

Alex Aronov headshot

Alex Aronov

Executive Director and Head of Data Science

Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Karthik Subramanian headshot

Karthik Subramanian

Director, GTM Analytics

Mozilla

As AI continues to advance, the drive for more sophisticated and insightful analytics is becoming a cornerstone for strategic transformation in organizations. Yet, the journey is often obstructed by outdated systems, fragmented data landscapes and complex regulatory hurdles. The need for streamlined data management and unification has never been more critical, promising significant advancements in operational efficiency and strategic insights.

Join this roundtable discussion as CDAOs discuss:

  • Strategies for integrating and leveraging real-time data across the organization
  • Utilizing AI to enhance the productivity of data teams and the precision of analytics
  • Transitioning from outdated systems to a cohesive data unification framework

2:20pm - 3:00pm  Networking Break

2:25pm - 2:50pm  Peer-to-Peer Meetings

Peer-to-Peer Meetings

Connect with like-minded peers in a one-on-one setting through Evanta’s Peer-to-Peer Meetings. You will be matched with peers in your community based on your shared interests and priorities.

3:00pm - 3:45pm  Breakout Session

Harnessing Generative AI for Competitive Advantage

Matt Griffiths headshot

Matt Griffiths

Vice President, CDO

Stanley Black & Decker

The power of GenAI can transform small-scale productivity — but it also has the power to reshape existing processes, enable new business capabilities and deliver significant ROI. Join Matt Griffiths, VP and CDO as he shares how Stanley Black and Decker is harnessing the potential of GenAI to not just compete, but lead in a digital future.

This session will explore:

  • Driving new capabilities in a non-digitally native, CPG enterprise
  • Implementing practical examples for GenAI solutions across diverse functions
  • The criticality of AI governance and education to drive support and adoption

3:00pm - 3:45pm  Executive Boardroom

Next Generation D&A Operating Models

Cameron Roche headshot

Cameron Roche

Director, Research

Gartner

David Smith headshot

David Smith

Director, Data Governance

New Balance

Pentti Tofte headshot

Pentti Tofte

VP, Head of Analytics

FM Global

As organizations accelerate their innovation-related investments, CDAOs and their teams play a pivotal role in the success of data and analytic initiatives. However, these responsibilities challenge the resilience of traditional data and analytics approaches. This discussion will focus on emerging strategies for creating more adaptable, responsive D&A operating models.

Join this session to discuss:

  • Evaluating successes & challenges of D&A delivery
  • Brainstorming how to future-proof the D&A operating model against continued innovation
  • Mapping and maturing the key elements of the D&A strategy

3:00pm - 3:45pm  Executive Boardroom

Optimizing Data Storage — Databases, Data Warehouses, Data Lakes

Brent Mahan headshot

Brent Mahan

VP Enterprise Analytics & Business Intelligence

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Douglas Clark headshot

Douglas Clark

Executive Director, Technology, Analytics and Data Insights

Biogen

Successful organizations use data to derive business value. But with so much data at hand, having a strategic and successful method of storing and organizing data is imperative. When thinking about cataloging data, what should leaders consider for delivery and scalability?

Join this session as CDOs discuss:

  • Evaluating current methods of storing data; what works and what doesn’t
  • Identifying benefits and drawbacks of databases, data warehouses and data lakes
  • Tying data storage needs to your data strategy and business goals

3:45pm - 4:10pm  Break

4:10pm - 4:45pm  Keynote

Unfiltered Truth — Breaking Down Barriers in Data Storytelling

Kamal Distell headshot

Kamal Distell

VP, Head of Data Analytics and Data Science

Toyota Motor North America

Joseph Dery headshot

Joseph Dery

Vice President – Dean of Data Analytics

Western Governors University

In digitally advanced organizations, every decision is underpinned by data. A key duty of data and analytics leaders is to demonstrate the pivotal role of data in tackling the most complex business challenges. Navigate the balance between truth-telling and sugar-coating, ensuring your stories hit hard and leave a lasting impression.

Join this no-holds-barred fireside chat with Joe & Kamal as they share ways to:

  • Use storytelling when connecting data to business outcomes
  • Drive true organizational culture change as it relates to data and analytics
  • Be bold, persistent and creative in how you solve problems with data

4:45pm - 5:00pm  Closing Comments and Prize Drawing

May 28, 2024

May 29, 2024

We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming in-person gathering


Evanta cares about the health and safety of our community. Please review the following recommendations prior to attending the gathering.

Location


Venue & Accommodation

Westin Copley Place
MORE INFORMATION

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Westin Copley Place at a reduced conference rate. Reservations should be made online or by calling 617- 262-9600.

Deadline to book using the discounted room rate of $339 USD (plus tax) is April 8, 2024.

Your Community Partners


CDAO Thought Leader
Program Partners

Community Program Manager


For inquiries related to this community, please reach out to your dedicated contact.

Hallie Epps

Community Program Manager

9403955198

hallie.epps@gartner.com