Center for Applied AI and Business Analytics Advisory Council

The Center’s advisory council comprises practitioners from various industries who offer insight and strategic direction for curricula, activities and engagement related to Drexel LeBow’s applied AI and business analytics offerings.

Advisory council members provide input on industry trends that may influence or impact courses and programming, help assess curricula to ensure alignment with prospective employer needs, and provide advice on new strategies to expand programs and offerings.

Advisory Council Members

Elham Alipour, PhD

Chief Scientist
Charli AI

Elham is the chief scientist at Charli AI, a trusted and scalable AI platform employing millions of AI workers to autonomously manage complex financial processes and data. Its suite of products helps financial enterprises accelerate growth, dramatically reduce costs, streamline operations and enable employees to focus on high value activities that have real and recognizable impacts on the business. She is responsible for driving the company’s AI strategy, aligning technology with business objectives and delivering impactful AI solutions to enhance user experience. With a diverse background in both academia and industry, Elham possesses a deep understanding of the latest AI advancements and is committed to translating her knowledge into practical applications.

Prior to joining Charli AI, Elham served as a staff data scientist at GE Digital, a subsidiary of General Electric, focusing on Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). In this role, she led a diverse team of data scientists and software developers to develop two major products. She also worked as an optimization researcher for 1QB Information Technologies (1QBit), a Vancouver-based company that works to solve industry’s most demanding computational challenges using quantum computing technology.

As a passionate advocate for women in STEM, Elham has made a significant impact through her leadership in organizing and executing events and workshops aimed at empowering women to pursue careers in science and technology. She previously served as the head of GE’s women’s network hub in Vancouver.

Elham holds a PhD in physics from the University of British Columbia and a BSc from Sharif University of Technology.

Josh Barbieri

Director, Business Analytics
Philadelphia Phillies

Josh joined the Phillies on Sept. 11, 2001, with the organization’s finance department. He grew interested in business data and functioned as an internal consultant for many seasons, which led him to introduce the concept of business intelligence for the Phillies in 2010. He later developed the first internal real-time business Enterprise Data Warehouse in 2015, which is the foundation of the formalized business analytics department that the Phillies has today.

Josh serves as director of business analytics and oversees all aspects of the business analytics department, which include data infrastructure, data science and strategy. Josh leads a talented team determined to maximize the value of owned and acquired data as a business asset. Advancing this strategic objective creates measurable and positive financial returns while combining operational data to form powerful insights that support organizational decision-making.

Josh has a background in enterprise business intelligence software and in-memory data warehousing methodologies, and he possesses knowledge in several programming languages. Born in Philadelphia, Josh graduated from Father Judge High School in Northeast Philadelphia and earned a BS from Philadelphia University with a double major in accounting and management information systems.

Patrick Callahan

Founder and CEO
CompassRed (A LabWare company)

Patrick is the founder and CEO of CompassRed Data Labs, a data science and analytics company based in Wilmington and Philadelphia. CompassRed, now part of the global company LabWare since its acquisition in 2022, is composed of a team of data scientists dedicated to tackling some of the world’s most intriguing challenges. In his role, Patrick not only spearheads CompassRed’s external partnerships but also ensures that the company, under the LabWare umbrella, continues to represent the intersection of data analytics and data science with a team of the most exceptional talents. This team ranges from former scientists and engineers to experienced corporate strategists.

With more than 20 years of experience in big agency and enterprise settings, Patrick’s expertise lies in guiding the team to understand client data, utilize it for predictive insights, and provide strategic recommendations for future actions. His commitment to the data science community extends beyond CompassRed, as evidenced by his role in cultivating the regional community of data scientists through initiatives such as the Philadelphia Data Jawn.

Patrick is also known for organizing social media data and analytics groups across various global cities, including San Francisco, New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, London, Berlin and Paris. Additionally, he is the co-founder of The Data Lab podcast and the co-author of “Engage Your Brand: How Smart Companies Are Using Social Media to Drive Their Business Forward,” further demonstrating his dedication to educating teams, clients and the broader community about the transformative power of customer analytics and data science.

Mark Garvey

Retired Software Sales Executive

Mark is a retired software executive with over 25 years of experience delivering analytic solutions across multiple industry segments. He has focused on helping companies transform financial, operational and customer success processes using analytics to help them achieve key business initiatives. He still works with companies and executives to help them turn data into information that drives value, insights and decisions. Mark initiated Drexel LeBow’s partnership with Precisely, which has introduced more than three consecutive years of collaboration with the College’s Center for Applied AI and Business Analytics through academic/industry engagement and applied research initiatives.

Peter Goodnough

Vice President, Insights and Analytics
Pearson Virtual Schools

Peter has been a leader in consumer insights and analytics for more than 15 years, leading teams at Samsung Electronics, Circuit City, QVC and Pearson. He has built his career around combining a focus on building block and tackle analytics capabilities — including major database builds at Samsung, QVC and Pearson — and helping companies quickly make the leap into advanced analytics, machine learning and AI by dint of a stronger overall data foundation. In his current role with Pearson Virtual Schools, he is focused on leveraging commercial data approaches such as single view of the customer, CLV and CRM to the K-12 education space.

In addition to his corporate work, Peter is a co-founder of The Smarter Service, a start-up which provides consumer tech training and concierge service to senior citizens. The Smarter Service is currently operating in California, Arizona and Wisconsin, with plans to expand into the Southeast in the near future.

Ryan Harrington

Director, Strategy and Operations, Data Innovation Lab
Tech Impact

Ryan is the director of strategy and operations for the Data Innovation Lab at Tech Impact, where he focuses on developing data science projects for social good. Previously, Ryan was the lead data scientist at CompassRed Data Labs, a data science and analytics consulting firm, where his focus was on developing models using a combination of statistical methods and machine learning techniques. Outside of work, he co-founded and co-organized Open Data Delaware, an organization dedicated to improving data transparency within government institutions and applying data and technology to solve civic problems.

Ryan holds a BS in environmental and business economics from Rutgers University and an MS in business analytics from Drexel University. Prior to his work as a data scientist, he was a high school math teacher through Teach for America and spent time building Delaware’s entrepreneurial ecosystem at 1313 Innovation. He currently sits on the board of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce’s workforce development nonprofit affiliate, The Partnership, and the Delaware Math Coalition.

Andrea (Andi) Le

Vice President, Electronics and Industrial CIO and Enterprise Technology
DuPont

Andi is a global, transformative information technology executive with more than 20 years of experience in IT transformations, mergers, divestitures and acquisitions, enterprise solutions, marketing and sales, and strategic planning to drive multimillion-dollar growth for world-leading organizations. Andi has versatile expertise in integrating broad initiatives and aligning diverse perspectives, while ensuring near-term activities deliver value. She is passionate about building global organizations and high-performing work teams. Andi created DuPont’s digital transformation, Spark Digital, in 2019. She evolved the program to a 50+ member global organization, delivering more than $80 million in business value through emerging technologies such as machine learning, IoT, robotic process automation and augmented reality.

Andi is currently VP, Electronics and Industrial CIO and Enterprise Technology at DuPont. In this role, Andi is responsible to execute the IT strategy and programs for the Electronics and Industrial business unit as well as deliver broader enterprise technology for network, telecommunication, cloud and enterprise architecture across all DuPont businesses.

Andi graduated from Penn State University with an MS degree in information systems and holds a BS degree in mathematics – actuarial science from Elizabethtown College.

Ash Mehta

Senior Director Analyst
Gartner, Inc.

Ash is a senior director analyst in Gartner’s finance practice and a member of the AI Task Force. He advises CFOs and other finance leaders on strategy, technology and operations and conducts independent research on AI and data analytics. He has 25+ years of experience in delivering business transformation, growth and productivity through the application of digital solutions and innovative thinking. In addition, Ash has extensive experience in leading enterprise technology program implementations, establishing large-scale outsourcing operations and business/IT strategy.

Before joining Gartner, Ash held leadership positions in finance and IT at Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Ernst & Young and internet start-up Chaitime.com. He has lived and worked in the U.S., U.K., Switzerland and India.

Ash has an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a Ford Motor Company Fellow and President of the Wharton South Asia Club. He also holds an MA in economics from the University of Cincinnati. He is a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of England & Wales and a Certified Management Accountant.

Avi Patel

Chief Marketing Officer
Fulton Financial Corporation

Patel is the CMO for Fulton Financial Corporation, a $20bn bank holding company headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Prior to joining Fulton Financial, he worked at First Niagara, Wilmington Trust, Citibank and JPMorgan Chase. Patel has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry and has managed product management and development, corporate marketing, sales and decision science functions. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Pittsburgh.

William (Bill) Powell

Director of Analytic Strategy
Holman

As the director of analytic strategy for Holman, Bill is responsible for developing and evolving the company’s global analytic capabilities and technology assets in support of its business strategy. He is a passionate analytics advocate, focused on expanding the company’s products and services within its European and North American operations. He frequently provides keynote speeches on the global stage, focusing on how organizations that intertwine analytics with their core business functions can create efficiencies, a culture of innovation and turn customers into raving fans.

Powell is an adjunct professor at Drexel University with a focus on business analytics, system architecture and modern ERP platforms. His area of research is centered on the application of analytics within the asset management markets to drive efficiencies and to create innovative revenue producing products and services.

He holds an Executive MBA from Drexel University and a BS degree in computing and technology, summa cum laude, from Drexel University. He also holds professional certifications in big data and social analytics from MIT and executive leadership from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Maria-Alicia Serrano

Senior Director of Insights
YMCA of the USA

One of Maria-Alicia’s closely held values is that we have a responsibility to work with others to improve the quality of life across all communities. For more than 20 years, Maria-Alicia has expressed this value by helping nonprofits develop data-driven, mission-guided insights.

Maria-Alicia began her career at the Chicago Housing Authority, using data to inform the development of strategic plans and community revitalization strategies. She then transitioned to consulting, becoming vice president of AREA, Inc., a national research and public policy consulting firm. At AREA, Inc., she supported clients in the public, private and nonprofit sectors in designing and implementing data collection and insight development strategies. In 2014, Maria-Alicia joined YMCA of the USA (Y-USA), the national resource office for YMCAs in 10,000 communities. As senior director of insights, she oversees the insights strategy driving towards the development of timely and actionable data and insights for the 2,700 YMCAs across the United States. In her role at Y-USA, she led the design and launch of the first suite of analytical tools to support YMCAs in strengthening communities.

Maria-Alicia holds a Master of Public Affairs degree in urban management from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University and a BA degree in Law, Letters & Society from the University of Chicago. She is also a certified foresight practitioner.

Tarun Sood, DBA

Chief Data and AI Officer
American Century Investments

Tarun is the Chief Data and AI Officer for American Century Investments and oversees all aspects of data and analytics, artificial intelligence, enterprise data and analytics strategy, data management, data engineering, machine learning, business intelligence, data governance and data operations.

Before joining American Century Investments, Tarun was the chief data and analytics officer for Vanguard’s institutional businesses, overseeing data transformation and managing an extensive data and analytics organization portfolio. In addition, he managed business intelligence and analytics, data science, data and machine learning engineering, data governance and data operations teams. Before joining Vanguard, he held leadership positions in various consulting firms, most recently with Deloitte Consulting. Both at Vanguard and in consulting, Tarun was integral in developing and succeeding in large-scale data and analytics transformations that directly impacted the development of solutions for clients.

Throughout his career, Tarun has been passionate about data and analytics, AIML, and enabling data and cloud transformations. During his consulting days, Tarun advised senior leaders about their data and analytics and AIML strategies, and he now frequently presents at conferences about these emerging complex topics. In addition, Tarun is an active member of several boards and data and analytics communities.

Phil Tonachio

Vice President
ThoughtSpot

Phil is a technology executive with more than 25 years of experience in analytics and business applications. He leads teams at ThoughtSpot, a pre-IPO leader in search-based analytics, in driving positive business outcomes for the company’s Fortune 500 customers. Previously, Tonachio led teams at Pluralsight and helped pave the way to a successful IPO in 2018. He also spent six years at Qlik and has built world-class teams at Oracle, SAP, Concur and Lawson Software.

Tendü Yoğurtçu, PhD

Chief Technology Officer
Precisely

Tendü is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Precisely. In this role, she directs the company’s technology strategy and product innovation. Prior to becoming Chief Technology Officer, Tendü served as general manager of big data for Syncsort, leading the global software business for data integration. She has more than 25 years of software industry experience, with a focus on big data, cloud and AI technologies. She has also spent time in academia, working as a computer science adjunct faculty member at Stevens Institute of Technology.

Tendü is a dedicated advocate for STEM education for women and diversity. She was named CTO of the Year at the prestigious Women in IT Awards, was recognized as an Outstanding Executive in Technology by Advancing Women in Technology and was recognized as one of “60 Female CTOs to Watch.” Tendü is a member of the Forbes Technology Council and serves as an advisory board member for multiple organizations. She received a PhD in computer science from Stevens Institute of Technology, an MS in industrial engineering and a BS in computer engineering from Boğaziçi University in Istanbul.

Ex-officio Members

Murugan Anandarajan, PhD
Professor of Decision Sciences and MIS
Senior Associate Dean, Academic Programs and Faculty Affairs
Academic Director, Center for Applied AI and Business Analytics
Drexel University LeBow College of Business

Murugan is a professor of Decision Sciences and MIS and the senior associate dean for academic programs and faculty affairs at Drexel LeBow, overseeing college-wide curricula and programs. He teaches courses in emerging technologies, text analytics, social network analytics and business analytics for decision making. His research areas of focus include unstructured data mining, cybercrime and the strategic management of emerging technologies. He has published more than 100 papers in journals such as the International Journal of Enterprise Information, Cyberpsychology and Behavior, the International Journal of Information Management and the Journal of Global Information Systems, among others.

Murugan has co-authored several books, including “Business Intelligence Techniques: A Perspective from Accounting and Finance” (2004), “Practical Text Analytics: Maximizing the Value of Text Data” (2019) and “Data Quilting: Art and Science of Analyzing Disparate Data” (2020).

He has received numerous research grants from various bodies including the National Science Foundation, the State of Pennsylvania and the Department of Justice. He has delivered several invited presentations and workshops about business analytics and emerging technologies to organizations. He has been awarded numerous research awards, both at the University and at various conferences. Murugan received his PhD in management information systems from Drexel University.

Diana Jones
Executive Director, Center for Applied AI and Business Analytics and Dornsife Office for Experiential Learning
Drexel University LeBow College of Business

Diana leads Drexel LeBow’s Center for Applied AI and Business Analytics, developing strategic partnerships between academia and industry that advance outcomes for students, faculty, practitioners and the community — including data-driven projects, applied research, student competitions, thought leadership and education for youth. She formed the Center’s Applied AI and Business Analytics Advisory Council, and she leads and co-created the biennial Drexel LeBow Analytics 50 awards — a national recognition of analytics distinction across industries. Diana is a passionate advocate for women and creates opportunities to empower girls through STEM education — prioritizing the Center’s commitment to offering workshops and summer camp programming to youth throughout the Philadelphia community. Diana has written articles about analytics and business for CIO magazine and a book chapter on data storytelling.

Diana also leads experiential learning efforts for Drexel LeBow, building initiatives that provide business insights for organizations and practical opportunities for students across all programs and majors. She works with local, national and international organizations to develop partnerships in curricular and co-curricular settings, such as business consulting projects, student competitions and international programming.

Prior to joining Drexel LeBow in 2013, Diana led communications efforts and international business experiences for Arcadia University’s School of Global Business and oversaw journal publications for Springer publishing company. She received a BA in professional writing from York College of Pennsylvania and an MBA and MS in Communication from Drexel University.