Chief Data Officer | Public Services Consultant | Data Management, Data Strategy, Analytics Expert
Adita leads the Office of CDO in the Government and Public Services industry, which includes overseeing CDO services, leading data strategy, data management, AI, and data education efforts. Adita also serves as a leader in the Deloitte AI Institute for Government where she provides strategic advice to government clients on maximizing business value in the areas of data management, strategy, advanced analytics, and AI.
Previously, Adita served as the Deputy Chief Data Officer for the State of Arkansas and a member of Governor Hutchinson’s COVID-19 Technical Advisory Board. She also serves on many industry boards and gives guest lectures at academic institutions.
Adita also devotes herself to empowering women in data and AI both through formal and informal mentorship programs. She has been nationally recognized by GovTech Awards, StateScoop 50 Awards, Women in IT Awards, Women Leaders in Data & AI, and was named one of CDO Magazines’ Global Data Power Women for 2022.
What attracted you to data management or IT, and why did you choose to pursue this career?
Starting off in the public sector was pivotal for me. I am driven by the mission to improve the use of data for public good and this drive has enhanced my career in data management. Back in 2000 I worked on data modeling, database maintenance, and data analysis for several complex government data systems. At that time, we mostly created reports on aggregate data. Were we using data to its fullest potential to drive decision-making and influence policy at that point? Probably not. I mean, data is only useful if you use it. However, that was significant because it showed me that I could handle data, have an impact on mission problems, solve citizen related issues, and enhance citizen experiences. That hooked me on data management, and I’ve never let go.
What has been your greatest career accomplishment so far, and why has it been important to your career?
Being asked to serve in the role of Deputy CDO for the State of Arkansas and the opportunity to serve on Governor Asa Hutchinson’s Technical Advisory Board for COVID-19 was a very fulfilling career milestone. I had the opportunity to lean in and support the needs of my state’s data infrastructure. I was able to be a part of shaping the response to the pandemic, along with giving back to the people of Arkansas. It is important for me to see the impact of the work that I do as a data leader.
What are the two or three biggest challenges you face as a data management professional / CDO and how can we address them?
It can be difficult to find attention and investment in less flashy data activities. It is also a never-ending effort to find the balance of trust, transparency, and security, especially in AI. Lastly, establishing a culture that has improved data fluency, data comprehension, and awareness of resources is a major difficulty both for me and my clients. However, the role of the CDO must be positioned to address all these challenges. It is imperative that CDOs work in alignment with others in the C-suite to communicate the value of data management, ethical data consumption, and listen to the needs of their organization to foster a learning environment for all stakeholders. As long as there is a strategic vision and an enterprise-wide strategy to achieve the vision and goals, all these challenges can be met.
How do you see data management / the role of the CDO / IT changing in the next 2 – 3 years?
I see the CDO becoming more critical as a C suite leader in all industries including the government. I see the role evolving to increase organizations’ focus on literacy, ethics, and trust especially with the rise of AI powered solutions and intelligent automation. Additionally, I see the CDO evolving to form more communities outside of their individual organizations, similar to the Federal CDO Council.
Do you have any planned next steps for your career?
I want to continue exploring ways to leverage data and AI to solve public sector problems. Specifically, I want to help other organizations address the challenges of enterprise data management, establish effective data literacy programs, comply with associated government requirements (such as the Evidence Act) and understand and utilize AI and intelligent automation to make the most of their data. On a personal level, I want to give back to the community of data practitioners. I would like to do more in association with academia to reach out to students in universities through avenues such as guest lectures. I want to help shape the next generation of leaders in any way I can with the experiences I have had myself, especially those who are underrepresented in our field.
What is the single best piece of advice you have received in your data management / IT career so far? Why has it been so important to you?
Take risks and do not over exaggerate what could go wrong. Our field can be pessimistic, and I am not a pessimistic person. Our focus should be on creating value from the data we use and that requires making bold decisions. We need to approach these decisions as realists, especially in the government.
Can you share something about yourself as a person that people wouldn’t know about you?
Being a wife and mom of two, I support and anchor my family with my vision of giving back to the community. We believe in community service and try to volunteer as much as we can as a family.
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