VIDEO | BD Associate Director: Data Stewards Aren’t Hired, They're Found

(US and Canada) Sara Willovit, BD Associate Director of Product Data Governance, speaks with Mark Johnson, Fusion Alliance Regional VP and CDO Magazine Editorial Board Chair, in a video interview about data stewards, how and where to find them, and data architecture.

Willovit begins by stating that data stewards aren’t hired, they're found within organizations. They are typically connected within the business and are already involved in stewardship as part of their job. She explains that stewards are passionate about data, understand the implications, and also have functional experience. Willovit mentions that people from a finance background make a good fit for the steward role from a cultural standpoint because they have a better understanding of compliance.

Regarding tangible measures of value delivered from the data governance program, Willovit explains she aligns critical data elements (CDEs) to the business value, such as driving revenue, reducing inventory and transportation costs, consistent payment terms for vendors, and environmental health and safety compliances.

Mentioning five critical factors for a successful enterprise data governance program, Willovit highlights:

1. Data architecture is the heart and soul of data governance and explains where the data exists and how it travels through the organization and its systems.
2. Data quality deals with collecting, planning, analyzing, and processing data.
3. Data management tools ensure data governance at a large scale and help manage data across its life cycle.
4. Data security is necessary due to the increase in ransomware threats.
5. Data privac(y and compliance are primary drivers of data governance for many companies.

CDO Magazine appreciates Sara Willovit for sharing her insights and data success stories with our global community.

See more from Sara Willovit

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