Columbus Data Leaders Talk About Unlocking Data Value for AI at CDO Magazine Dinner

Leading data and analytics executives from Columbus, Ohio, came together at CDO Magazine’s Executive Boardroom Dinner to exchange ideas and engage in a panel discussion on harnessing and protecting the value of data in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The expert panel speakers were:

• Jasmine De Gaia, Wells Fargo Head of Customer Data Strategy

• Ross Schalmo, Eaton VP and Chief Data Officer

• Venki Rao, CAS VP and Chief Technology Officer

The discussion was moderated by Josh Perkins, AHEAD VP of Emerging Technologies

The dinner brought together "an impressive assembly of data leaders" from various industries with each offering unique perspectives on their generative AI journeys, according to Schalmo. “From excitement on the art of the possible, to educating teams on the responsible use of AI. Teams must drive GenAI as part of a structured process, encouraging experimentation in playground environments, but timeboxing to govern cost and drive real business outcomes,” he elaborates.

De Gaia describes the event as a "phenomenal discussion" filled with "dynamic and diverse insights."

Sharing his views, Rao says, “Generative AI and LLMs are powerful technologies of today. They also come with their own share of risks and challenges that we need to be aware of and address appropriately.” He found it “refreshing” to hear that other panelists and participants are “optimistic yet cautious” about using the emerging technologies in their organizations.

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Todd Henley, Northwest Bank VP, Chief Data Governance and Privacy Officer, notes that while the discussion covered difficult concepts, “the panelists and resulting discussion made the concepts more practical and down to earth.”

Speaking about her experience, Joy Zhao, Nationwide Insurance AVP, Analytic Technology and High Performance Computing Practice, mentions that "the dynamic exchange among peer CDOs and CIOs delved into the exciting realm of GenAI, exploring challenges, opportunities, and real-world successes, igniting a vibrant dialogue that left us all inspired."

Like De Gaia, Farmers Insurance Head of Data Governance Mark Marshalek describes the event as an “incredible evening surrounded by phenomenal leaders.” Echoing Henley’s sentiment, he adds that the panel discussion “tackled some very tough issues.”

Sanjay Saxena, Bread Financial Head of Data Management, Protection and Governance, says, “This discussion tonight is as good as it gets because of the group collaboration.”

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Laura Koester, Cardinal Health Software Engineer, Enterprise Logistics Management, shares that behind all technology and all innovations, there are people. “When I looked around the room, I took one thing away from each individual, and walked away better because of it. I would encourage everyone that I know to be in a room like that, full of dynamic connectors, and I was honored to be a part of the conversation!” Koester adds.

Summing up the event, panel moderator Perkins says it was a great opportunity to hear from a diverse group of leaders on the rapidly evolving AI ecosystem. He adds, “It went beyond the rhetoric of the hype cycle; the forum allowed us to dive into the practical challenges facing enterprises as they explore and aim to understand the real value of AI within their organization.”

Jasmine de Gaia, Todd Henley, Mark Marshalek, Sanjay Saxena, Ross Schalmo are members of the CDO Magazine Global Editorial Board.

Executives attending the CDO Magazine Columbus Executive Boardroom Dinner included:

Jasmine de Gaia, Wells Fargo Head of Customer Data Strategy; Todd Henley, Northwest Bank VP, Chief Data Governance and Privacy Officer; Laura Koester, Cardinal Health Software Engineer, Enterprise Logistics Management; Mark Marshalek, Farmers Insurance Head, Data Governance; Venki Rao, CAS Vice President & Chief Technology Officer; Sanjay Saxena, Bread Financial Head, Data Management, Protection & Governance; Ross Schalmo, Eaton VP - Chief Data Officer; Molly Schmied, The Ohio State University Chief Analytics Officer, Office of Advancement; David Vasquez, Nationwide Insurance Director, IT Applications; Joy Zhao, Nationwide Insurance AVP, Analytic Technology and High Performance Computing Practice; Josh Perkins, AHEAD Vice President - Emerging Technologies; Owen Stein, AHEAD Client Director; Michelle Ziegler, CDO Magazine Global VP of Partner Development and Events; Lisa Runkle, CDO Magazine Global Event Manager.