CDO Magazine’s Leadership Dinner, held on June 4 at Mitchell’s Ocean Club, connected Columbus senior data, analytics, AI, and security leaders to share insights and strategies on “Navigating the Security and Governance Challenges of AI-Powered Data Ecosystems.”

The event sparked meaningful connections and rich exchanges of ideas among peers. Conversations focused on how AI is increasingly intersecting with cybersecurity — enhancing the ability to identify bad actors, detect previously unnoticed threat scenarios, and proactively stop attacks before human intervention is needed. Leaders also explored the excitement and challenges around AI adoption, highlighting real applications and the necessity of robust data governance.

CDO Magazine thanks the Co-Chairs of the upcoming CDO Magazine Columbus Leadership Summit who attended for their outstanding leadership and commitment:

• Tonjia Coverdale, former Associated Bank SVP, Chief Strategy Officer for Operations & Technology
• Mark Marshalek, Farmers Insurance Head, Data Solutions
• Scott McNeal, CAS Director, Content Technology
• Colleen Saunders-Chukwu, Nationwide AVP, Technology, Data & Analytics
• Orlando Sprockel, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants Director, IT

Sharing his experience, Marshalek says, “One of the most engaging and informative leadership dinners I have attended! I was deeply impressed by the exceptional talent within the data analytics space in attendance. The insights gleaned on how to leverage GenAI and AI in general will impact how I go about my day moving forward. Thanks to the CDO Magazine team for organizing such an incredible evening!”

Building on that energy, Saunders-Chukwu adds, “I had an inspiring evening at the Columbus CDO Leadership Dinner!” She shares the following key takeaways: 

• Companies are trying to embrace AI and GenAI with speed and safety by prioritizing robust data governance, ethics and continuous innovation. 
• Smaller companies struggle with funding. My advice to them is to start POCs on the business revenue driving processes. Those typically have good data and measures already, and will be easier to measure ROI. 
• “Count first, automate second.”

Ursula Cottone, Huntington Bank Chief Data & Architecture Officer, agrees: “I had a fantastic time at the CDO Magazine Leadership Dinner reconnecting with old friends, sharing a delicious meal, and diving into meaningful conversations.” She adds, “We explored the evolving impacts of AI and GenAI on data quality and security, and discussed the importance of securing funding for foundational capabilities that will shape the future of our data strategies. Grateful for the insights and the company!”

Similarly, Abhishek Singh, Cardinal Health Principal, Data and AI, values CDO Magazine events as “a unique opportunity to learn from the best in the field, and connect with a supportive community of data leaders and innovators. I’m grateful for the knowledge and connections I’ve gained over the years and look forward to the next enriching experience.”

Lisa Runkle, CDO Magazine, Global Event Manager, highlights, “The Columbus Leadership Dinner was a great success! I am always inspired by the collaboration of this tight-knit community. They truly are an amazing group. Being surrounded by such thoughtful and generous leaders who really care about building something meaningful together reminds me why I love this community so much.”

Summing it up, Jeffrey Espiritu, Infinidat, SE, says, “CDO Magazine provided an amazing opportunity for IT leadership to deconstruct the mystique behind the rise of AI in the workplace. Topics ranged from AI FOMO, true use cases, and data governance. One theme was clear – AI strategy, Business Strategy, and Technology Strategy must all be in alignment to successfully harness the power of this new tool while minimizing the risk to the organization.”

Special thanks goes to Infinidat, Fortinet/Liquid Networx, Presidio for their partnership in making the event a success.

*Mark Marshalek and Tonjia Coverdale are members of the CDO Magazine Global Editorial Board.

Executives attending the CDO Magazine Columbus Leadership Dinner included:
Ben Blanquera, Rackspace Technology VP, Technology & Sustainability; David Blum, United Wheels Global CIO; Scot Burdette, ABB Global Division CIO; Ursula Cottone, Huntington Bank Chief Data & Architecture Officer; Tonjia Coverdale, former Associated Bank SVP, Chief Strategy Officer for Operations & Technology; Tim Cunningham, Grange Insurance EVP/CIO; Jason Drake, TerraStrat SVP, Chief Strategy & Analytics Officer; Michael Fulton, Koch Enterprise Architect; Steve Gruetter, Expedient Director, Channel; Suman Gummudala, Ashland SAP SCM Solutions Specialist; Todd Henley, former Northwest Bank VP, Chief Data Governance & Privacy Officer; Omari Hitson, JPMorgan Chase VP, Lead Product Designer, Emerging Technologies; Zahid Kamal, Central Insurance Data Governance Lead; Laura Koester, Cardinal Health Sr. Engineer, Enterprise Logistics Management; Dinesh Kumar, Centria Healthcare VP, BI & Data Analytics; Nan Li, former Nationwide VP, AI/ML & Statistical Practice; Cheng Liu, GE Aerospace Principle Cyber Security Engineer; Scott McNeal, CAS Director, Content Technology; Angelo Mazzocco, Mazzocco Consulting; Kelly Marlow, Nationwide AVP, Workplace Legal & Marketing Technology; Mark Marshalek, Farmers Insurance Head, Data Solutions; Norendra Narukulla, JPMorgan Chase VP, Quant Analytics Manager; Uthra Ramanujam, Liberty Mutual VP &  Sr. Director, Data Science; Brian Samsel, OhioHealth Director, Analytics; Salema Rice, CDO Today CEO; Colleen Saunders-Chukwu, Nationwide AVP, Technology, Data & Analytics; Sanjay Saxena, Bread Financial VP, Data Management, Privacy & AI Governance; Molly Schmied, former The Ohio State University Chief Analytics Officer, Office of Advancement; Brian Shea, MedOne Health Operations CIO; Abhishek Singh, Cardinal Health Principal, Data & AI; Corwin Smith, Wallick Communities Director, Business Intelligence & Analytics; Orlando Sprockel, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants Director, IT; Brad Stokes, TriplePoint MEP VP, Information Technology; Sugin Sundaram, Victoria’s Secret Manager, Information Security; Sasha Verbitsky, Simon Property Group SVP, Data, Analytics Digital; Jeff Wallace, OCLC Director, Data Platforms; Jenni Wheeler, Cardinal Health VP, Data Office; Justin Windle, First Citizens Bank Head, Data Oversight; Jason Chamness, Presidio Director; Jon Dewey, Presidio Account Executive; Jeffrey Espiritu, Infinidat SE; John Haggarty, Fortinet Majors Account Manager; Patrick McCann, Infinidat Technical Advisor; Brandon McIntire, Infinidat Sr. Director; Robert Short, Liquid Networx VP, Strategic Services; Brad Warnick, Presidio Sr. Account Manager; Molly Baab, Data Society Group COO; Anthony Losanno, CDO Magazine SVP, Sales; Lisa Runkle, CDO Magazine Global Event Manager; and Michelle Ziegler, CDO Magazine Global VP, Partner Development & Events.

Join us in Columbus for the Global Leadership Summits to be held on November 5. Explore the agenda and secure your spot today.