Data & AI Think Tank

Thomas Rizzo is a seasoned IT professional with over 20 years of experience across various sectors and is currently serving as the Chief Architect at Lazard. His diverse background spans finance technology, digital services, utilities, social media, legal, and education sectors. Prior to joining Lazard, Thomas made significant contributions to companies like Zebra, where he helped shape their digital services and SaaS offerings, and Con Edison, where he drove technological advancements in the utilities sector. In his current role at Lazard, Thomas leads the design and architecture of technology solutions that drive the company's digital transformation journey. His strategic vision and ability to foster an engaging work environment have earned him the reputation of an 'IT Rock Star'. He is committed to driving business growth through digital transformation, and he does so by fostering a creative and enjoyable workplace atmosphere as part of his leadership approach.

As chief cloud architect James is lead, coach and developer of the enterprise cloud architecture at Boeing. Charting the technology strategy which includes considering both technology and business trends & factors. Identify the IT functions which can be centralized across the company and work seamlessly. The identification of the enterprise architecture view of infrastructure design on performance of cloud design and consumption.

Currently at ADP as Chief Architect of Cloud Infrastructure. Future-focused technologist with over 35 years of technology innovation and experience. 2nd US Patent granted for Domain Transcendent File Cryptography Network securing multi-cloud workloads. 1st US patent granted for application development in mobile device technology for ABC News delivery. From building innovative workflow solutions for broadcast television to architecting enterprise cloud adoption and solutions. As a contributing member of the CSA Cloud Security Alliance and OACA Business Transformation Workgroup authoring and co-authoring numerous white-papers and documents ranging from the published Cloud Maturity Model through Integration and Business Strategy for Cloud Adoption. With an unstoppable passion for technology solutions and a pragmatic technologist, consistently implementing technology that drives business, leveraging over 30 years of technology expertise. Specialties: Cloud architecture, adoption, migration and integration.

Sameer is the SVP , Technology at Forbes Media LLC and leads their DevOps, Security , Corp IT , Engineering and QA . He has extensive experience in all facets of IT right from starting out as a C++, Java developer to DevOps , Security and Cloud infrastructure. Sameer is also a member of ISC2 and has CISSP and CCSP certifications. He loves to work out , to go on long walks , a Linux hobbyist and avid gardener

Alice Fournier is an experienced technology leader with a strategic approach to leveraging technology for growth. With deep experience driving technology-led transformation, Alice is a strong collaborator who successfully manages across functions and regions to establish a secure and agile digital workplace, while actively contributing to business growth. Alice currently serves as ISS’ Chief Information Officer for the Americas. She brings to the role a multidisciplinary background at the intersection of IT, marketing, sales, and digital. Alice knows how to leverage technology to both optimize costs and drive revenue. She brings a bold, strategic, business-led approach to the IT function; she leads in a servant mindset; and is dedicated to empowering her team to grow, learn, and thrive. Alice has previously held several senior management roles including most recently Chief Digital Office and VP Digital Capabilities for WD-40 Company; Senior VP Digital Commerce for Geometry Global, VP ECommerce and Omnichannel for Kantar; ECommerce Manager for BIC LGS, all in the New York City Metropolitan area.

Finance Information Technology Enterprise Architect, specializing in Treasury, responsible for design and delivery of a high-performing and scalable architecture supporting Finance’s goals of enhancing controls and information quality, leading to greater capacity for analysis and advice of financial data. PMP certified, Senior Project Manager with technology management experience designing and implementing information technology systems. Strong leadership expertise in Business Intelligence solutions for Investment Banking and Financial Services. Specialties: Design and implement robust and scalable Business Intelligence solutions for various LOBs for Investment(Credit Risk) and Financial services.

A rare C-suite digitally native executive with deep operational and advisory leadership experience, passionate about helping clients envision and execute aggressive transformation agendas while ensuring operational resilience. Expert in leading consensus-rooted change to automate and streamline legacy operations, digitally transform the customer experience, and create a security-first, data-centric mindset, no matter the industry involved. Adept at working with CEO’s, Boards, and Investors to envision, launch, and successfully implement multi-billion-dollar technology transformations, merger integrations and divestitures, and new products. Demonstrated ability to view business portfolios (legacy, existing or acquisition targets) dispassionately, and to transform, reposition, integrate, or divest as needed to accomplish strategic aims while preserving essential culture.

Yelena is a seasoned technology professional, whose career journey reflects her deep commitment to innovation, technology, and leadership. She began her career as a software developer, quickly distinguishing herself through her adeptness at coding and problem-solving. Overtime Yelena transitioned her focus towards data, driven by a passion for data and its potential to revolutionize virtually every industry. In her current role, Yelena is a Head of Public Cloud Data at Citi, where she oversees the strategic direction and execution of cloud data initiatives for the firm, fostering innovation to provide robust data solutions that support the organization's goals and objectives

Alaa Moussawi serves as Chief Data Scientist for the New York City Council, where he oversees the operations of the data and web development units. Under his leadership, the data operations unit promotes the utilization of data to shape legislative initiatives aimed at addressing the diverse needs of NYC's residents. Utilizing advanced statistical and technological tools, they analyze a broad spectrum of issues pertinent to the city, ranging from pay equity to school bus delays. Their objective is to empower policymakers with data-driven insights, ensuring transparency and reproducibility in their models and research. Simultaneously, the web development unit designs and implements technologies aimed at enhancing the efficiency of council staff while reducing cognitive load. By leveraging algorithms and natural language processing (NLP) technologies, they streamline user interfaces and automate complex tasks. Their solutions, developed exclusively using open source technology, are customizable and include CRMs, internal websites for streamlined processes like paperless hearings, dashboards, and machine learning models deployed to facilitate daily council operations.

Don is the Managing Partner at Storm Reply, an AWS Premier Consulting Partner specializing in governing, planning, and building data and cloud solutions on AWS. He has over 25 years of experience in providing consulting services to organizations and businesses seeking to use data and technology as differentiators and catalysts for growth. Don's passion is to "guide clients to define and execute digital transformation strategies that leverage data, user experience, and cloud technologies." He leads the expansion of Storm Reply, AWS' 2022 System Integrator Partner of the Year in EMEA, into North America, serving multiple industries including automotive, manufacturing, financial services, and professional services. Previously, Don was a Partner and Vice President at Valorem Reply, where he led the digital strategy and customer success teams, focusing on developing relationships, growing revenue, and servicing strategic clients and partners with Microsoft cloud solutions. Don, lives in Northbrook, IL, and is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan and DePaul University. He is married and has two grown children, both recent college graduates.

Ibrahim works with technology, human resource, and other business leaders to develop, upskill, and retool teams of people for next practice leadership in a changing world of work. By providing workshops, coaching, and consulting, with a team of industry experienced professionals, to large-scale enterprises and government agencies, employees are prepared for future opportunities today. Our underpinning Digital Professional Framework governs our people transformation programs with a focus on four key areas: 1. Digital Depth 📱 2. Business Acumen 📊 3. Interpersonal Skills 🤝 4. Social Impact 🌎 Whether transformation, modernization, evolution, or restructuring, all of these changes have a basis for moving the organization forward. Leaders are trusted and relied upon to bring sustainable change to successful completion using competence, appropriate practices, skills, behaviors, and mental models to galvanize people and achieve sustainable change, continuous improvement, and make the most significant impact, so their organization realizes optimal value. TRAINING Our focus on digital and leadership attracts technology leaders and human resource executives working on developing people that need to be ready to lead in an era of emerging technology and where business models are expanding and evolving. We provide standard training, bespoke modules customized to the needs of the organization, modules tailored to the specific business objectives of the organization, and on-demand modules. Our learning journeys are immersive, experiential, and applicable to the particular business challenges our clients have. COACHING While many challenges and opportunities across organizations may be similar, their specific context, focus area, and goals are often unique. Having a coach or executive coach that can be an extension of your brain trust often leads to better decision making, improved results, and career elevation. We use a variety of coaching and group coaching models that help our clients excel at the aforementioned. CONSULTING By pairing our client's institutional knowledge with our broad range of expertise from across many industries, we help leaders tackle today's problems so that they achieve a competitive advantage on their journey towards making a material difference in their business. We perform simple to complex assessments, primary and secondary research, and strategy development where and when needed. When working with us, we own your problem, allowing you to capitalize on the solution's rewards.