Keynote Speakers & Judges

David Solganik - Head of US WM AI and Data Strategic Initiatives

A dynamic and results-driven executive, David specializes in artificial intelligence (AI), decision sciences, and data-driven business solutions. With over 30 years of experience leading large-scale AI initiatives, he has a proven track record of driving business growth, operational efficiency, and enhanced client experience. Known for bridging the gap between business and technology, David excels at building high-performing teams, optimizing resources, and enabling enterprise-wide decision-making. With expertise in strategic planning, project management, and stakeholder engagement, David is adept at translating complex data insights into actionable strategies for scalable, innovative solutions.

Bill Amarosa, Jr.
Bill Amarosa is the Senior Vice President of
Subways at NYCT, leading the team responsible
for operating, maintaining, and improving the
largest subway system in North America. In his
previous role as Vice President of Operations
Support, Bill led a diverse team responsible for
the critical back-office functions that allow the
operating divisions of Subways to focus on their
core missions.

Micky Mukesh Chhabda
Micky Mukesh Chhabda is a Senior Consultant
specializing in Marketing Mix Modeling (MMM)
and Analytics Consulting, with over 7 years of
experience in Business Analytics, Project
Management, and Data Science. He has led
successful analytics projects across various
industries, including retail, apparel, fitness, and
automotive, using advanced tools and
methodologies to optimize marketing strategies
and drive business growth. Micky was recently
honored as the Silver Winner for Marketer of the Year
in the 23rd Annual American Business Awards by
The Stevie Awards, selected from over 36,000
nominations.

Nneka Penniston
Nneka J. Penniston is a data-driven analytics leader with a
proven track record in the pharmaceutical, healthcare,
finance, and education sectors. She specializes in leveraging
AI, machine learning (ML), and natural language processing
(NLP) to drive cost-saving, high-impact solutions.
With deep expertise in supply chain, manufacturing, and
business performance analytics, Nneka holds a Master’s
degree in Business Analytics and has extensive training in data
science, project management, and advanced analytical tools.
She is also an adjunct faculty member in Applied Analytics at
Columbia University, where she shares her knowledge and
expertise with the next generation of data professionals.

Paul Thompson
Paul Thompson is the VP, Industry Strategy for Health Plans.
In this role, he is responsible for the formation and execution
of DXC Technology’s Commercial Health Plan segment
vision through technology innovation and implementation,
and strategy execution. He also served as a regional director
of underwriting for Commercial Healthcare products in 15
markets across the United States.
He graduated from Fairfield University with a BA in
economics and from University of Connecticut with an MBA
in marketing/finance.

Saggi Nevo
Dr. Saggi Nevo is an Associate Professor of
Information Systems and Business Analytics at
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Lally School of
Management. Prior to joining Lally, Dr. Nevo was a
tenured professor at the University at Albany. Dr.
Nevo’s research focuses on human-machine
interaction, creativity, entrepreneurship, the business
value of IT, knowledge transfer, and information
security. Dr. Nevo is a senior editor at the Journal of
Strategic Information Systems, where he also coordinates
the early career editorial board.

Jong Gyu Park
Jong Gyu Park, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of
Management at the Chazanoff School of Business,
College of Staten Island, City University of New York
(CUNY). His research focuses on leadership, team
dynamics, and organization development and change.
His work has been published in journals such as the
Journal of Organizational Behavior, Human Resource
Management Review, and the International Journal of
Human Resource Management, among others.

Raunak Rajore
Raunak Rajore is a Senior Data Analyst at Capital
One, where he has been applying his analytical skills
since September 2022. His background includes a
Master of Quantitative Management with a focus on
Business Analytics: Strategy from Duke University's
Fuqua School of Business. Prior to his current role,
Raunak gained experience as a Technology Analyst
and also served as a Project Manager at Duke
Interdisciplinary Social Innovators. He also holds a
Bachelor of Science in Finance and Digital
Technology Management from Indiana University's
Kelley School of Business. With a strong educational
foundation and diverse professional experiences,
Raunak is dedicated to leveraging data analytics in
impactful ways.