The role of the Chief Data Officer (CDO) and Chief Data & Analytics Officer (CDAO) has never been more dynamic — or more essential to enterprise success. As organizations race to operationalize AI, strengthen governance, and drive analytics-led decision-making, these leaders are not only managing data as a strategic asset but also shaping the future of their enterprises.

The 2025 Chicago Leadership Summit on September 10 offers a rare opportunity to connect with peers facing similar challenges and opportunities. The breakout session, “The Evolving Role and Responsibilities of the CDO/CDAO,” will feature some of the most influential voices in the industry sharing hard-earned insights and practical strategies for this expanding role — and provide a space to build relationships that can accelerate your own journey.

Lexy Smith, Program Director at CDO Magazine, emphasizes the power of these interactions: “Some of the most valuable takeaways don’t just come from the stage — they happen in the conversations between sessions. The Summit is where ideas meet action, and where connections often turn into collaborations that drive real enterprise impact.”

Why this session matters for data all and analytics leaders

Today’s CDOs and CDAOs are expected to go beyond traditional governance and reporting. They are culture shapers, aligning technology with business goals, driving enterprise-wide data literacy, and ensuring AI is implemented responsibly. This session — and the conversations it sparks — will give you the strategies, leadership perspectives, and peer connections to navigate this pivotal moment in the profession.

Speakers include:

• Maribeth Achterberg – Chief Information and Technology Officer & Executive VP, The Boldt Company
• Abigail Doolittle, PhD – EVP Head of Enterprise Analytics & Customer Data, Former M&T Bank
• Matt Hull – SVP, Chief Data & Analytics Officer, Chamberlain Group
• Gokula Mishra – Vice President, Data Science & AI/ML, Former Direct Supply 
• Philip Nunoo – Director, Marketing Analytics, DirecTV

Moderator:

• Michael Butts – Chief Executive Officer, Burtch Works
  

Key takeaways:

• How top CDOs and CDAOs are redefining success metrics for data leadership
• Balancing innovation with governance to accelerate value creation
• Building high-performance data teams in an AI-driven era
• Aligning enterprise data strategies with corporate growth objectives
• Navigating evolving regulatory and ethical responsibilities in data and AI
  

Whether you’re a senior data leader or an executive stakeholder working with one, this session will equip you with actionable insights to strengthen your leadership impact and adapt to the demands of tomorrow’s business landscape.

Reserve your seat today and join the conversation shaping the future of data leadership.