Details
Join us for an engaging discussion with leading data experts as we explore two highly requested topics from our WDP community:
- Building a Data Governance Strategy from Scratch
- Career Paths in Data: Roles, Certifications and Professional Development Opportunities
This interactive session will feature industry leaders sharing practical frameworks for standing up governance programs that scale, along with insights on established and emerging roles, certifications, and professional development pathways shaping the future of the profession. Whether you are developing your organization’s governance foundation or charting your own career roadmap, this session will offer valuable perspectives and actionable takeaways to navigate the changing landscape.
Speakers
Post-event summary
The webinar titled “From Foundations to Future: Data Governance Strategy & the Evolving Data Profession,” was hosted by EDM Association’s Women Data Professionals and explored the evolution of data careers, the expanding influence of AI, and the skills needed to lead in modern data-driven organizations. Speakers included:
- Shannon Hughes, CDO Enterprise & Foundation Data Architecture Manager, ExxonMobil
- Marla Dans, Interim Group CDO
- Lisa Novier, Head of Data Management & Governance, Truist
- Linda Powell, Former Deputy Chief Data Officer & Head of Data Governance, BNY
The discussion provided a candid look at the nonlinear career journeys that shape today’s data professionals and the capabilities required to succeed in a rapidly shifting landscape. The panelists each shared how their paths into data began long before data governance was a recognized discipline. Linda transitioned across sectors—from banking to federal regulation to the U.S. Treasury and CFPB—gaining firsthand experience in how data transforms organizations. Lisa began as an actuary, moved into education to manage large-scale student data systems, and later returned to financial services where governance became her focus. Marla grew up in traditional IT and application development, eventually pivoting into data leadership after helping build one of J.P. Morgan’s earliest Chief Data Offices. Their stories underscored that data careers are seldom linear and often require reinvention.
A central theme was the growing importance of statistical literacy and foundational knowledge as AI becomes ubiquitous. Linda cautioned that professionals must understand the mathematics behind models rather than blindly trust outputs, famously stating that without statistical grounding, “you’re gonna get comfortable just accepting answers, and they’re gonna be wrong.” Lisa and Marla echoed this, emphasizing that while tools evolve, the ability to question anomalies, validate assumptions, and interpret analytical results remains essential.
Beyond technical skills, the panel emphasized the irreplaceable value of communication, influence, and business fluency. Successful data leaders must “speak the language of the business,” translate complex issues for diverse stakeholders, and guide organizations through uncomfortable conversations about data quality, risk, and process change. The ability to negotiate, evangelize, and build trust often outweighs specific technical expertise, especially as data governance roles become increasingly embedded across business lines.
Looking ahead, all three leaders agreed that AI will define the next era of data careers, whether through building AI systems, governing them, or enabling organizations to use them responsibly. Data quality expertise, AI governance, and metadata fluency will be in greater demand than ever. Equally important will be empathy and partnership with middle-layer business leaders who must take ownership of data quality and operational change.
