Cincinnati Data Leaders Weigh In on GenAI Business Impact at CDO Magazine Dinner

Cincinnati data, analytics, AI, and technology executives got together to explore strategies to maximize the ROI of their GenAI investments at the CDO Magazine Executive Boardroom Dinner on May 21. The event's highlight was a panel discussion titled "AI Unleashed: Harnessing Generative AI Technology for Tangible Returns."

The session explored several key issues, including how to move GenAI proofs-of-concept (POCs) to full-scale production, and how to prepare the workforce for the challenges and opportunities presented by the technology.

The panel of expert speakers was:

• Matt Booher, E.W. Scripps Senior Director, Data and Analytics

• Marc Cordray, First Financial Bank Senior Director, Enterprise Data Management

• J.D. Whitlock, Dayton Children’s Hospital Chief Information Officer

The discussion was moderated by Taylor Pressler, Slalom Senior Director, Business Advisory Services.

Speaker Cordray points out that to be successful with GenAI, organizations should be willing to create both a business architecture and data culture that delivers measurable value from their investments. “The importance of robust data management disciplines will be exponentially amplified, given their foundational role. Companies that excel will be those that not only invest in technology but also invest in the people and time needed to effectively execute, with C-suite leaders collaboratively integrating data, analytics, and generative AI into their business strategies.”

Highlighting the exchanges at the event, panel speaker Whitlock shares his takeaways:

1. Data readiness is vitally important for some GenAI use cases where corporate data will be used to fuel the GenAI output. In other use cases, like Ambient AI Digital Scribes in healthcare, this is not a concern because the only content processed by the GenAI is a conversation between doctor and patient.

2. ROI is important to make decisions on new investments for any new initiative – and calculating ROI for GenAI is not fundamentally different from ROI for anything else. Some may be hard ROI benefits, some may be very soft and “only” improve the work environment for certain employees in small ways. Is the juice worth the squeeze? We have always faced these types of decisions. 

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"When it comes to dealing with challenges presented by GenAI, many of my peers at the dinner recognize the hype cycle is far ahead of the level of organizational and data preparedness within their own companies,” says speaker Booher. “Talking about and sharing practical ways to move our organizations forward without becoming completely overwhelmed is incredibly helpful. Being able to openly discuss ideas about how to solve similar challenges with folks doing similar work in our own backyard is motivating."

Steve Wanamaker, CDO Magazine Founder & Publisher, emphasizes:  "Cincinnati's top data and technology leaders coming together to discuss the real-world applications and ROI strategies for GenAI is a testament to the region's commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation. The insights shared during the CDO Magazine Executive Boardroom Dinner reflect not only the challenges but also the immense opportunities that GenAI presents. This event underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration among industry leaders."

Pat Tyler, Slalom Managing Director, sums it up saying, “Incredible evening with some of Cincinnati’s brightest data, technology, and business leaders. It was a pleasure to compare experiences on how we’re using GenAI to unlock new business value in our respective organizations. Enjoyed learning from each other and getting inspired by how others are thinking big.”

Special thanks goes to Slalom for their partnership in making the event a success.

Marc Cordray and J.D. Whitlock are members of CDO Magazine Global Editorial Board.

Executives attending the CDO Magazine Cincinnati Executive Boardroom Dinner included:

Dave Abell, Standard Textile VP, Chief Information Officer; Vince Baldasare, Dayton Children's Hospital Director, Clinical Analytics; Matt Booher, E.W. Scripps Sr. Director, Data & Analytics; Nancy Colton, Carelon Staff VP, Enterprise Data & Analytics; Marc Cordray, First Financial Bank Sr. Director, Enterprise Data Management; Gabriel Garcia, former Procter & Gamble IT Vice President, CDO; Jason Hightower, Hightowers Petroleum CIO; Ajaz Mohammad, University of Cincinnati Director, Data & Analytics; Clayton Smith, Great American Insurance Group Divisional Assistant Vice President; Zack Storer, Health Carousel EVP, Chief Technology & Product Officer; J.D. Whitlock, Dayton Children's Hospital Chief Information Officer; Mike Argadine, Slalom Client Relationship Executive; Deepika Bhatia, Slalom Director; Chris Mazzocco, Slalom Client Services Director, Financial Services; Sam Porras, Slalom Senior Director, Client Services; Taylor Pressler, Slalom Sr. Director, Business Advisory Services Practice Lead; Joe Sabo, Slalom Sr. Director; Pat Tyler, Slalom Managing Director; Steve Wanamaker, CDO Magazine Founder & Publisher; Mindy Mobley, CDO Magazine Global Event Director.