CDO Magazine’s exclusive Executive Boardroom Dinner at The Capital Grille in Columbus on September 16 hosted senior data, analytics, AI and technology leaders for a timely discussion on how AI is reshaping business strategy, digital transformation, and innovation. 

The evening fostered dynamic conversations on the real-world challenges of adopting and implementing AI. Executives explored how to balance speed with safety, mitigate risks like bias and misuse, and build cultures where accountability and transparency drive competitive advantage rather than being afterthoughts.

“Getting Results from AI” was theme addressed by the panel of experts:

• Scot Burdette, ABB Global Division Chief Information Officer, Measurement & Analytics
• Tom Marlow, Liberty Mutual Global Data & Analytics Executive
• Kishore Ravilla, Premier Health Partners, VP, Chief Technology Officer

The discussion was moderated by Dwayne Emerson, AHEAD Client Services Partner.

Sharing his experience, Tim Cunningham, Grange Insurance Chief Information Officer, says, “Exploring how to implement AI at scale is one of the most important conversations happening in our field. CDO Magazine’s dinner shed light on the opportunities and the hurdles technology leaders are working through, and the diverse perspectives shared made the discussion valuable. Connecting with leaders across industries reinforced the critical role collaboration will play as we shape the future of this technology.”

Speaker Burdette agrees, “The evening featured great discussions, insights and dinner with Columbus technology leaders and friends. Thank you, CDO Magazine!”

According to Peter Emmett, Cardinal Health Director, Enterprise Data Operations, the conversation on how AI is impacting businesses was very thoughtful. He points out, “The most impactful reminder was that ‘we need to see what are the business problems we have, and if and how AI can help,’ and not ‘Where can I use this AI tool?’ My main takeaway was to revisit my three-year strategy to ensure I am solving business problems and not just trying to add AI to my toolset.”

Offering his key takeaways, speaker Ravilla says, “I truly believe this isn’t an AI transformation, it’s a transformation of our purpose. The real spotlight isn’t on the tech; it’s on our people, our ambition, and the business challenges that keep us awake at night. AI is just a tool we’ve been given to amplify our human potential, to free us from the mundane, and to help us build a future we can all be proud of. Because what really matters is the wisdom and creativity we unlock when we treat AI as a partner, not an end in itself.”

Speaker Marlow adds, “It was a wonderful evening spent with fellow data and AI practitioners, exploring the balance between risk and reward in AI across some of today’s most dynamic organizations.”

Lisa Runkle, CDO Magazine, Global Event Manager, highlights, “As always, the Columbus community never disappoints.  They show up, they are always engaging, encouraging and just a fun group to be around! We had a great panel discussion, and it was so nice to see some of my Columbus Leadership Summit Co-chairs and many, many speakers in the room!”

Moderator Emerson emphasizes that the evening was very productive and the conversations were enjoyable. Summing it up, he says, “The panel and audience were fully engaged and equally shared interest as well as concern over the future of this technology and how to embrace it. Finding the business case for Agentic AI, and ensuring the right security controls and employee skills are in place consistently remains at the forefront for IT leaders across multiple industries. It was my pleasure to moderate that conversation and understand where AHEAD can assist. I really appreciate CDO Magazine for their leadership on this topic and for creating a great environment for this important conversation.”

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

• Tonjia Coverdale, City of Dayton Data Architect
• Sean Erikson, Grange Insurance VP, Enterprise Architecture, IT Strategy, Emerging Tech & Enterprise Integration
• Tom Marlow, Liberty Mutual Insurance Global Data & Analytics Executive

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

*Tonjia Coverdale and Tom Marlow are members of the CDO Magazine Global Editorial Board.

Executives attending the CDO Magazine Columbus Executive Boardroom Dinner included: 

Scot Burdette, ABB Global Division CIO, Measurement & Analytics; Tonjia Coverdale, City of Dayton Data Architect; Tim Cunningham, Grange Insurance Chief Information Officer; Scott Dennull, Grant Thornton International Director, CORE IT Operations & Support; Angela Downes, Huntington National Bank SVP, Data Services & Governance Director; Peter Emmett, Cardinal Health Director, Enterprise Data Operations; Sean Erikson, Grange Insurance VP, Enterprise Architecture, IT Strategy, Emerging Tech & Enterprise Integration; Dinesh Kumar, Centria Healthcare VP, IT, Data Analytics; Tom Marlow, Liberty Mutual Insurance Global Data & Analytics Executive; Kishore Ravilla, Premier Health Partners VP, Chief Technology Officer; Michael Reznik, The Baldwin Group Head, Data & Analytics; Sanjay Saxena, Bread Financial Head, Data Management, AI Governance & Privacy; Brian Shea, MedOne Healthcare Partners Chief Information Officer; Abhishek Singh, Cardinal Health Director, Applied AI; Drew Smith, OhioHealth Chief Data & Analytics Officer; Brad Stokes, TriplePoint MEP VP, Information Technology; Justin Windle, First Citizens Bank Head, Data Oversight; Dwayne Emerson, AHEAD Client Services Partner; Amber Hedges, AHEAD Client Director; Thad Poweski, AHEAD Security Sales Director; Camille Prado, CDO Magazine Global Editor; Lisa Runkle, CDO Magazine Global Event Manager.