Our 11th CDAO Summit was held at the University of Maryland on Tuesday October 01, 2024.

This year’s CDAO Summit explored AI, Digital Transformation, Data Driven Culture, Real-Time Analytics, and media/journalism.

Delegates and speakers were welcomed by emcee Sree Sreenivasan, CEO at Digimentors and former CDO of NYC, the Metropolitan Musem of Art, and Columbia University.

The opening keynote was delivered by David Mathison, CEO of the CDO Club and CDAO/CAIO Summit, on “The Chief AI Officer Talent Map 2024.”

Mathison revealed his research on the world’s first-ever detailed executive report on the Chief AI Officer (“CAIO”) title.

He reviewed some of the executives who currently hold that title, what their responsibilities are, the organizations they work for, where they are located, and how to get a CAIO for your company – or become one yourself.

The keynote and report also covered CAIO compensation, key responsibilities, reporting structure, headcount, budget, previous work experience, and other demographic data including age, gender, region, sector, tenure, etc.

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our first two US CAIO Summits,
and all videos of sessions recorded at CDAO/CAIO summits since 2013:
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The first panel of the day explored “Data-Driven Defense: The CDAOs Role in Advancing Ethical AI + Data Strategies to Strengthen National Security, Preparedness, and Competitiveness” and was moderated by David Mathison, CEO at the CDAO/CAIO Summits. 

This panel brought together top leaders from the U.S. military and intelligence communities to discuss how they are leveraging data and AI to enhance national defense, preparedness, and global competitiveness.

Panelists shared insights into the challenges and opportunities they face in implementing data-driven strategies that align with national security objectives while adhering to the highest ethical standards.

It was reassuring to learn how these leaders are driving innovation, ensuring responsible AI deployment, and safeguarding national interests in an era where data and AI are central to defense and security.

Panelists included:

• David Mathison: CEO at the CDAO/CAIO Summits (moderator)
• Dr. Delester Brown Jr.: Chief Data Officer, National Guard Bureau
• Mark Brady: Deputy Chief Data Officer for TRMC, KBR, Inc
• Paul Evangelista: Chief Data Officer, United States Military Academy at West Point
• Thomas Sasala: Deputy Director, Office of Enterprise Management, U.S. Army

Next up was Danny Brock, VP of Customer Success at Fiddler AI, who delivered a keynote on “Responsible AI is ROI: The Critical Role of AI Observability.”

AI is transforming business operations and decision-making, yet deploying these large language models (LLM) and machine learning (ML) models within organizations introduces critical challenges around trust, reliability, and ethics.

In his keynote, Danny explored how AI observability is essential to robust data governance and analytics, ensuring the performance, accountability, and transparency of LLM and ML deployments—factors that directly impact return on investment (ROI).

Drawing from real-world case studies and industry best practices, Danny addressed the governance risks and operational challenges that arise when deploying LLM and ML applications in mission-critical settings.

Find out more at Fiddler AI.

Delegates then took a break for networking with colleagues and peers.

The second panel of the day explored “The Future of Space, Data, and AI – Why This Matters for Organizations Here on Earth,” and was moderated by Michael Krigsman: Host and Publisher, CXOTalk video podcast. 

Participants discussed how advancements in commercial space technologies, combined with analytics and AI, are bringing about the ability to see, know, and decide things better here on Earth in a way that’s transformative for organizations across all sectors.

Our guests delved into the strategic advantages of staying ahead in this rapidly evolving and competitive landscape, and discussed how leaders can leverage AI and space data to maintain a competitive edge, gain deeper insights, anticipate future trends, and drive innovation in ways that were previously unimaginable.

Together the panelists demonstrated how the integration of space, data, and AI is not just a frontier for exploration, but a transformative force that is already redefining the future of decision-making, operations, logistics, and strategic planning.

Panelists included:

• Michael Krigsman: Host and Publisher, CXOTalk video podcast
• Anthony Scriffignano, Ph.D.: Distinguished Fellow, Alfred Lee Loomis Innovation Council, The Stimson Center
• Dr. David A. Bray: Principal LeadDoAdapt Ventures; Distinguished Fellow, BENS.org
• Jacqueline Acker: Deputy Privacy and Civil Liberties Officer, Central Intelligence Agency
• Teresa Carlson: President, General Catalyst Institute

To see all videos from this 11th CDAO Summit,
our first two US CAIO Summits,
and all videos of sessions recorded at CDAO/CAIO summits since 2013:
JOIN AS A PLATINUM CDO CLUB MEMBER NOW!

Thanks to all participants for asking such great questions and being so involved and engaged:

The final morning panel explored “Data and AI Talent as a Service (TaaS),” and was moderated by David Mathison: CEO at InnovationExchange.ai. 

Data and AI capabilities are pivotal to organizational success, but demand has far outstripped supply for C-level talent, leaving most small and medium businesses unable to afford the expense of a full-time CDAO/Chief AI Officer.

This panel brought together distinguished leaders to discuss the advantages of leveraging the fractional model for CDAOs and CAIOs.

Panelists will explore the benefits of this approach, how it can deliver an AI/data strategy immediately, amplify existing teams at lower cost, drive innovation, enhance operational efficiency and productivity, and provide scalable, strategic, top-tier data and AI talent and leadership without the long-term expense and commitment of a full-time executive.

Panelists included:

• David Mathison: CEO at InnovationExchange.ai 
• Eileen Vidrine: Former Chief Data & Artificial Intelligence Officer, US Department of the Air Force, Chief Data & AI Office
• Jay Mandal: Former COO, SAP Analytics & AI Business and Guest Lecturer, Stanford Law School
• Topher Wurts: Co-Founder, InnovationExchange.ai

To see all videos from this 11th CDAO Summit,
our first two US CAIO Summits,
and all videos of sessions recorded at CDAO/CAIO summits since 2013:
JOIN AS A PLATINUM CDO CLUB MEMBER NOW!

Delegates then took a break for lunch and networking with colleagues, speakers, and peers.

After lunch, the next panel was on “Transforming Journalism, Media, and Storytelling in the Age of AI,” was moderated by David Chivers: Former President, Publisher, CDO at WSJ, Dow Jones, USA Today, Gannett, Des Moines Register, and the Meredith Corporation.

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing the media landscape, transforming how stories are told, content is curated, and audiences are engaged.

This panel included industry leaders and innovators to explore the impact of AI on journalism and media.

Delegates enjoyed an enlightening discussion on the opportunities and challenges presented by AI in the media industry, and discovered how these innovations are reshaping the way we consume and interact with information.

Panelists included:

• David Chivers: Former President, Publisher, CDO at WSJ, Dow Jones, USA Today, Gannett, Des Moines Register, Meredith Corporation (moderator)
• Alexandria Redmon: Senior Director of Product & Technology, Hearst
• Josh Awtry: Senior Vice President / Audience Strategy, Newsweek
• Patty Michalski: SVP of Content and Innovation, Hearst

To see all videos from this 11th CDAO Summit,
our first two US CAIO Summits,
and all videos of sessions recorded at CDAO/CAIO summits since 2013:
JOIN AS A PLATINUM CDO CLUB MEMBER NOW!

Delegates then enjoyed the afternoon break to meet with sponsors, network with colleagues, and return emails/calls. 

The final panel of the day was on “Building Trust: The CDAOs Role in Crafting Ethical and Explainable Data and AI Strategies to Protect the Public,” and was moderated by David Chivers: Former President, Publisher, CDO at WSJ, Dow Jones, USA Today, Gannett, Des Moines Register, and the Meredith Corporation.

As data and AI technologies continue to permeate every aspect of our lives, the need for trustworthy, transparent, and explainable strategies becomes paramount, especially in industries that directly impact people, citizens, and consumers.

Esteemed panelists included leading experts from the financial, regulatory, and consumer sectors to discuss the crucial role of Chief Data and Analytics Officers (CDAOs) in safeguarding consumer interests through responsible and ethical data and AI practices.

Participants explored how they are developing and implementing data and AI strategies that not only deliver business value but also build consumer trust, ensuring that technology serves as a force for good in today’s complex marketplace.

Panelists included:

• David Chivers: Former President, Publisher, CDO at WSJ, Dow Jones, USA Today, Gannett, Des Moines Register, Meredith Corporation (moderator)
• Austin Gerig: Chief Data Officer, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
• Iwao Fusillo: Global Head of Data & Analytics – eCommerce, PepsiCo
• Kristin Switzer: Senior Advisor to the Chief Data Officer, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

To see all videos from this 11th CDAO Summit,
our first two US CAIO Summits,
and all videos of sessions recorded at CDAO/CAIO summits since 2013:
JOIN AS A PLATINUM CDO CLUB MEMBER NOW!

Thanks again to all participants for asking such great questions:

The 11th CDAO Summit’s closing remarks and wrap up were delivered by Sree Sreenivasan and David Chivers.

Delegates then went up to the “Top of the 7’s” rooftop bar to enjoy the “Magic of AI” presentation and networking reception.

Thanks to our sponsors Fiddler AI and CDO Club!

SEE YOU NEXT TIME!

All Photos by David Lubarsky Photography: https://www.davidlubarsky.com

To see all videos from this 11th CDAO Summit,
our first two US CAIO Summits,
and all videos of sessions recorded at CDAO/CAIO summits since 2013:
JOIN AS A PLATINUM CDO CLUB MEMBER NOW!

We are now planning our next events in Dubai, Qatar, and NYC in 2025.
CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION:
info at CDOClub.com

See you there!