Executive Dinner

Gokula Mishra is a preeminent authority in Data Science and AI/ML, currently serving as a Strategic Advisor and Founding Editor of CDO Magazine. With high-impact leadership roles at global giants like McDonald’s and Oracle, Gokula specializes in the intersection of AI innovation and enterprise resilience. His expertise is anchored by a Top Secret Security Clearance, making him a trusted leader in high-stakes environments across Healthcare, Finance, and Defense. A master of Enterprise Information Management and Data Governance, he has pioneered secure, business-driven frameworks for massive global datasets. Beyond his corporate tenure as a former VP of Data Science and CDAO, Gokula serves as a Board Member and Director of Youth & Technology for Beautiful Minds Youth Mentoring (USA & India). He remains dedicated to the ethical deployment of GenAI, ensuring global enterprise excellence is built on a foundation of integrity, strategic foresight, and community impact.

Grant Ecker is a senior technology executive leading Enterprise Architecture and Integration at Ecolab, managing a global team of architects and integration leaders. With 20+ years of experience, he drives transformation and innovation across billion-dollar IT portfolios, building proactive architecture communities and aligning technology strategy with business value. Grant is also the Founder and Chairman of the Chief Architect Network, the largest vendor-neutral community for Chief Architect executives, connecting 600+ members across 400+ Fortune 500 companies. Through this network, he leads global virtual and in-person events, sponsors specialized topic groups, promotes diversity in architecture, and shares thought leadership via publications and conferences, further advancing the profession and enabling architects worldwide to drive impactful business outcomes.

An international keynote speaker, Microsoft MVP, ASPInsider, MCSD, PSM II, PSD, PSPO, and PST, and a passionate member of the developer community, Phil Japikse has been working with .NET since the first betas, developing software for over 35 years, and heavily involved in the agile community since 2005 as well as a Professional Scrum Trainer. Phil has taken over the best-selling Pro C# books (Apress Publishing), including "Pro C# 10", is the Lead Director for the Cincinnati .NET User’s Group and the Cincinnati Software Architect Group, co-hosted the Hallway Conversations podcast, founded and runs the CincyDeliver conference, and volunteers for the National Ski Patrol. During the day, Phil works as the CTO for Pintas & Mullins. Phil always enjoys learning new tech and is always striving to improve his craft. You can follow Phil on Twitter and read his blog.