Wednesday, April 17, 2024 | 2:15–3:15 p.m.
The AI Playbook: How to Lead the Way Forward
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Wednesday, April 17, 2024 | 2:15–3:15 p.m.
Speakers
Tim Wark
Global AI Lead
AECOM
As AECOM's Global AI Lead, Tim is responsible for leading the firm’s enterprise AI strategy, which is a key enabler for both transforming the organization’s operating model and driving forward how it delivers value to clients now and into the future.
Prior to this, Tim was the Regional Digital Director for AECOM Australia New Zealand and part of the regional executive team. He has more than 25 years of experience in technology research, development and commercialization in both the public and private sectors, focusing on a range of domains such as environment, transportation and health.
Tim holds a PhD in Computer Science from Queensland University of Technology and is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Executive Leadership Program.
Tim Wark
Global AI Lead
AECOM
Podcasts:
The AI Disruption
With AECOM’s Tim Wark
Watch Now
Marty Williams
Chief Information Officer
HNTB Corporation
Marty is a highly accomplished technology executive and the Chief Information Officer of HNTB Corporation. He is responsible for driving the company's technology strategy and digital innovation, as well as overseeing technical services including software development, information security, IT infrastructure and IT operations.
Prior to joining HNTB, Marty served as the CIO for a global experience management and data analytics firm where he led both product and technology teams. He also led enterprise product development and technology operations for a pioneering digital government firm, and previously held leadership roles in sales, sales operations, program management and software engineering. Marty has worked across multiple industries in the past two decades, and is known for his passion for leadership and using technology to transform business capabilities.
In addition to his impressive career accomplishments, Marty is a proud United States Marine veteran. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Tulane University, a Master's in Telecommunications and Computer Information Systems from Southern Methodist University, and an MBA from Campbell University. He is a lifelong learner who is always seeking new knowledge and skills to stay at the forefront of his field.
Marty Williams
Chief Information Officer
HNTB Corporation
Podcasts:
Level Up
With HNTB’s Marty Williams
Watch Now
J Nick Otto
Chief Information Officer
Kimley-Horn
J Nick serves as the technology leader for Kimley-Horn, focusing on Strategy & Leadership, Application Development & Support, Information Security, and IT Operations; along with building a Product Development engine. Nick also serves on the Board of Directors for the Triangle Technology Executives Council.
Prior to joining Kimley-Horn, he held senior leadership positions at SAS with responsibility for Global Hosting & Cloud Services, Information Security, and IT Audit & Compliance groups; Red Hat in both the IT Infrastructure and IT Enterprise Systems divisions; and Circuit City Stores overseeing IT Infrastructure, Data Centers, Networking and Store Technology groups.
Nick’s IT journey started in the grocery IT sector supporting UNIX systems, POS terminals and networks. Along the way, he worked at a tech startup, consulted for the Virginia Department of Transportation and assisted several non-profits in making technology decisions. Nick is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University.
J Nick Otto
Chief Information Officer
Kimley-Horn
Podcasts:
What Technology Brings
With Kimley-Horn’s J Nick Otto
Watch Now
Jason Kephart
Chief Technology Officer
Terracon
Jason is the Chief Technology Officer at Terracon Consultants, Inc., where he leads a dedicated team of more than 170 IT professionals in delivering technology solutions that enable the effective execution of traditional AEC consulting services and generation of digital services revenue.
Named the winner of the "2021 Kansas City CIO of the Year Orbie Award for Large Corporate," Jason is a respected leader who has exemplified technical excellence, innovation, and corporate integrity during his nearly 20 years at Terracon. His focus and strategy as a technology leader integrates technology advancements and innovation with business processes and transformation to deliver differentiated employee and customer experiences.
Outside of work, Jason enjoys spending time with his family, watching his kids participate in their sports, and is an avid golfer.
Jason Kephart
Chief Technology Officer
Terracon
Podcasts:
Solving the AI Puzzle
With Terracon’s Jason Kephart
Watch Now
Eileen M. Canady
Chief Marketing Officer
BST Global
Eileen serves as BST Global’s Director of Global Marketing and ERP Sales, bringing more than 25 years of professional experience to the role. Eileen and the Marketing team are responsible for market research, competitive analysis, customer personas, full-campaign strategies, go-to-market planning, brand guidelines, demand and lead generation, content and creative development, public and analyst relations, association relationships, internal and external communications, content distribution, content tracking and measurement, and social media presence. Eileen’s strategic initiatives drive sales, resulting in brand awareness, consideration and conversion. Eileen’s Sales team generates new business opportunities and develops high-level client relationships by implementing strategic account plans in a team-oriented environment.
Before BST Global, Eileen served as Senior Vice President of Global Marketing at Sykes Enterprises, Inc., where she overhauled the company’s brand and laid out a strategic roadmap dedicated to brand awareness, retention and new client acquisition. Eileen also served as the Vice President of Strategic Development and Marketing at JHS Capital Advisors, where she played a key role in increasing the company’s brand presence and recognition as a leader in the industry, resulting in overall company growth.
A member of the Forbes Communication Council, Eileen also serves on the Advisory Council for the Sykes College of Business at the University of Tampa and on the Advisory Board for the University of South Florida Muma College of Business’ Digital Marketing Program. Eileen is also certified in Strategic and Conceptual Selling by Korn Ferry.
Eileen received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English with Business and Technical Writing from the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware, and an MBA in Finance and Marketing from the University of Tampa in Tampa, Florida.
Eileen M. Canady
Chief Marketing Officer
BST Global
Javier A. Baldor
Chief Executive Officer
BST Global
Javier is Chief Executive Officer and a Principal Shareholder of BST Global. Javier leads a global team of professionals responsible for the market introduction of BST Global's business software products and cloud solutions. Javier is also instrumental in crafting and implementing the company’s business strategy, overall vision and mission with the BST Global leadership team. In addition to his principal role at BST Global, Javier serves on the ACEC Board of Directors.
Javier joined BST Global in 1989 and has served in various capacities during his tenure. In 1999, Javier was the primary catalyst in establishing a global vision for BST Global, and since that time, the company has flourished from its roots as a North American-centric business to a prosperous and vibrant global software organization. Today, with the steadfast support of fellow senior leadership and committed professionals globally, BST Global operates across an international network of offices and has clients leveraging BST Global’s solutions in 65 countries on six continents.
Javier holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Tampa in Tampa, Florida.
Javier A. Baldor
Chief Executive Officer
BST Global
ABOUT THE SESSION
While it’s exciting to hear about successful AI use cases within our industry, not all firms have kicked off such initiatives just yet. Many are grappling with how to get started, where to find resources, who to involve and other challenges.
Industry-leading panelists discussed the first few steps they took to begin their firm’s AI journey and what AI essentials should be in place to achieve long-term success.
This panel covered a variety of topics, including:
- Crafting a data strategy with a clear mission
- Building a team with the right leadership and stakeholders
- Sharing examples of key AI use cases that are narrow in scope and prime for early wins
- Measuring success and building trust within the organization
- And so much more
Eileen and Javier moderated this panel.