The annual Columbus AI, Data & Security Tech Summit on November 7 generated some of the most engaging and forward-thinking conversations within the strong Ohio high tech community. With hundreds of participants, 60 expert speakers, 20 thought leadership panels and keynote sessions, the event was a powerful gathering centered on the intersection of data, AI, and security.
CDO Magazine thanks the host city Co-Chairs of the Columbus AI, Data & Security Tech Summit for their leadership: Tonjia Coverdale, Associated Bank SVP, Chief Strategy Officer; Sean Erikson, Grange Insurance VP, Enterprise Architecture, IT Strategy & Emerging Tech; Anthony Fisic, Battelle CISO; Tom Marlow, Liberty Mutual Insurance Head, Global Data Strategy & Alignment, Global Risk Solutions; Venki Rao, CAS CTO & VP Technology; Orlando Sprockel, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants Director, IT.
Slideshow - Click to enlarge
Summarizing her experience at the summit, keynote speaker Coverdale says: “I enjoy the CDO Magazine Summit so much because I think that we are on a new paradigm shift where people are starting to look beyond data, AI and security as tool-based commodities, and really looking at how we can drive business value in our organizations. CDO Magazine Summits always continue to be the nexus for everything innovative.”
Speaker Rao describes the event as “a masterclass” for topics such as data and AI. “The sessions were packed with actionable insights and innovative ideas, leaving me inspired and equipped to implement new strategies in my work. The networking opportunities were unparalleled, and the atmosphere was charged with energy and enthusiasm. Truly, it was a transformative experience that exceeded all expectations. Many congratulations to Steve Wanamaker and his team for putting together a world class conference,” he adds.
Slideshow - Click to enlarge
Sharing practical advice for establishing AI from his panel discussion, speaker Justin Heller, Synchrony Chief Data Officer, says, “One of the critical success factors for setting up responsible AI programs is to look at your organization's existing values and code of conduct as well as acceptable use policies and integrate your program from those established precedents.”
Panelist KJ Skapik, Andelyn Biosciences Head, Digital Workplace highlights the event’s discussions and list of speakers saying, “Yet again, CDO Magazine knocked it out of the park with this year’s Columbus AI, Data & Security Tech Summit! From start to finish, the insightful discussions from their list of rockstar speakers kept the creative and collaborative juices flowing.”
Slideshow - Click to enlarge
“As the landscape of cyber and data security continues to change at breakneck speeds,” Skapik adds, “It’s amazing to see such a great network of professionals willing to come together to collaborate and lift each other up to better prepare for the future. Glad I could be part of it and looking forward to the next one!”
Diving into his panel discussion, speaker Matt Scheurer, Financial Services Industry VP, Computer Security & Incident Response, says: “Our ‘Cloud Security Dream Team’ speaker panel of the year tackled important top-of-mind topics currently impacting organizations. The conversations started with discussions on proper role assignments and clearly defined responsibilities. We shared key details around good visibility and proper inventory management. We discussed the importance of secrets management and rotation capabilities for quick turnaround time to properly secure cloud assets while minimizing impacts to the business. Wrapping up was an impactful demonstration of how defense-in-depth is still a winning strategy in securing today’s cloud environments.”
Slideshow - Click to enlarge
Michelle Ziegler, CDO Magazine Global VP, Partner Development and Events, says: “On behalf of the CDO Magazine team, I can genuinely say that the Columbus community holds a special place in our hearts. The energy and willingness to share insights, collaborate, and support each other here is truly remarkable. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all of our sponsors, Columbus Co-Chairs, and community leaders who made this event possible. Columbus once again shows the power of connection and collaboration in driving meaningful progress!”
Keynote speaker and presenting sponsor Palmer Karsh, Burtch Works Director, Business Operations, sums up the event saying, “I feel honored to have been a part of the CDO Summit Columbus 2024. I was surrounded by brilliant people, innovative ideas, and unique perspectives. It was wonderful to collaborate with leaders from all over the country and I look forward to participating in the future!”
*Tonjia Coverdale, Tom Marlow, and Venki Rao are members of the CDO Magazine Global Editorial Board.
Slideshow - Click to enlarge
Executives speaking at the CDO Magazine Columbus AI, Data & Security - Tech Summit included:
Hoda Alshami, Nationwide Director, Technology, Product Manager; Kadambari Athreya, Nationwide Director, Cloud Security Engineering; Kamal Balwani, Cardinal Health Director/Principal, Software Engineering; Sam Bass, Bread Financial Head, AI CoE; Alexander Bork, Nationwide Director, Software Engineering Product Manager; Justin Bumbico, Columbus Metropolitan Library Director, Information Technology; Scot Burdette, ABB Global Division CIO; Gary Cao, CAO Advisory Principal; Tracie Cleveland, KeyBank Sr. VP, Enterprise Digital Transformation; Tonjia Coverdale, Associated Bank SVP, Chief Strategy Officer/Operations & Technology; Tim Cunningham, Grange Insurance EVP, CIO; Diane Dagefoerde, Orounda Advisory Founder/CEO; Holly Drake, Department of Administrative Services State Chief Information Security Officer & Chief Privacy Officer; Sean Erikson, Grange Insurance VP, Enterprise Architecture, IT Strategy & Emerging Tech;Michael Farrar, City of Westerville CIO; Junell Felsburg, The Columbus Foundation Sr. Director, Cyber Security & Infrastructure; Rob Felsburg, EverCommerce/EverHealth Director, Information Security; Anthony Fisic, Battelle CISO; Adam Frumkin, Franklin County CIO; Justin Heller, Synchrony SVP, Chief Data Officer; Todd Henley, Paperkite Principal; Kirk Herath, State of Ohio, Office of the Governor Cybersecurity Strategic Advisor; Bryan Holmes, Andelyn Biosciences VP, Digital & Technology Solutions; Brett Hudspeth, Humana VP & Segment CIO, Clinical & Interoperability; Brooke Ignet Hocker, Nationwide AVP, Technology Engineering; Ken Kaufman, Worthington Enterprises Director, Data & Analytics; Laura Koester, Cardinal Health Software Engineer; Nan Li, Former Nationwide VP, AI/ML Practice; Josh Lowe, Bread Financial VP, Enterprise Data Platforms; Tom Marlow, Liberty Mutual Insurance Head, Global Data Strategy; Mark Marshalek, Farmers Insurance Head, Data Solutions; Connie Matthews, Reyncon, LLC Founder & CEO; Scott McNeal, CAS, Director; Misty Newsome, Battelle Manager, Security Governance; Hari Palakkal, EVERSANA VP, CoEs & Enterprise Applications; Scott Peachey, Bread Financial Director, Data Governance & Oversight; Matt Prezbindowski, Liberty Mutual Director Cybersecurity Data & Analytics; Venki Rao, CAS CTO & VP Technology; Salema Rice, CDO TODAY CEO; Ervan Rodgers II, Former Designer Brands Inc. CIO; Shannon Rosenberg, Nationwide Senior Investment Professional, Investments Governance; Colleen Saunders-Chukwu, Nationwide AVP, Technology Data & Analytics; Matt Scheurer, Financial Services Industry VP, Computer Security & Incident Response; Molly Schmied, Ohio State Chief Analytics Officer; Tina Sebert, Bread Financial Sr. Director, Data Science; Brian Shea, MedOne Healthcare Partners CIO; Abhishek Singh, Cardinal Health Principal, AI, Data & Analytics; KJ Skapik, Andelyn Biosciences Head, Digital Workplace; Bill Snider, Nationwide Associate VP, Technology Data Management; Orlando Sprockel, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants Director IT; Anupam Srivastava, State of Ohio CIO; Sudipto Srivastava, Holmusk Advisor; Payal Thakur, JobsOhio Sr. Director, Data Analytics; David Vasquez, Nationwide VP, Enterprise Data Strategy & Activation; Jeremy Waweru, ViaQuest Inc. AVP, IT; Justin Windle, First Citizens Bank Head, Data Oversight; Fasih Ahmed, Pure Storage Systems Engineering Manager; Sandeep Bhide, ProcessUnity VP, Product Management; Megan Carmean, Burtch Works Sr. Delivery Manager, George Curran,Digicert Major Account Manager; Vance Denning, Cyera Regional Director, Sales; Jenna Fullenkamp, GuidePoint Security, Account Executive; Mike Gabriel, GuidePoint Security Managing Security Consultant; Mark Johnson, CoStrategix Chief Growth Officer; Palmer Karsh, Burtch Works Director, Business Operations; Jed Knopf, CyberArk Solutions Architect; Tim Padilla, Datavid VP, Sales & Consulting; Roopak Patel, Delinea Director, Product Management; Craig Pfister, Kiteworks VP, Solutions Engineering, Data Security & Compliance; Tim Woods, Firemon VP, Technology/Alliances.
The CDO Magazine Columbus AI, Data & Security Tech Summit was sponsored by the following leading solutions providers: