Business Intelligence: IT's Next Challenge

Business Intelligence (BI) is IT’s next challenge�"today's business requirements demand data quality in real time that will produce accurate operational reports and allow leaders to make informed business decisions. To better understand the value to your IT organization, WITI has invited speakers with indepth knowledge of BI and best practices to share at our May 20th event. Our first speaker will be a guest appearance by Hugo Alvarez, CIO, BankAtlantic, who will share his vision and strategic business insight in Business Intelligence. Our next speaker is Kathy Verducci, Vice President of Data Management for ChoicePoint and WITI Member. Ms. Verducci is currently heading up a fast track BI portfolio project that has also involved tool selection. According to Ms. Verducci, “as we’ve grown through acquisition, we’ve faced hurdles of operational reporting and data quality. Our solution will ensure data quality to drive revenue and to push accountability through the teams.” ChoicePoint, owner of one of the top 10 largest databases in the world, is a leading provider of decision-making technology and information that helps reduce fraud and mitigate risk.

Our other speaker is Martha Dember, Director of BI and Data Delivery for RCG IT, a global leader in IT services and solutions. Ms. Dember has lectured worldwide on the subject of data governance, and will provide important tips on effective communications with business leaders. One of the challenges that many IT organizations face is the depth of business knowledge required to know what data is important and relevant. Martha will address the major business drivers, including data quality impacts on successfully implementing BI initiatives. This evening’s presentations will surely provide initiative for evaluating BI effectiveness.

Featured Speaker(s)

Hugo Alvarez, CIO, Bank Atlantic. Mr. Alvarez oversees information systems including technology infrastructure, application development, IS services, information security, and information management. Mr. Alvarez was CIO at Marsh, Inc. for its Latin American division in Miami prior to joining BankAtlantic. He holds an MBA in Finance and International Business from the Stern School of Business of NYU, M.S., Computer Science from Farleigh Dickenson, and B.S., Electrical Engineering from City College of New York.

Kathy Verducci, VP, Data Management, ChoicePoint. Ms. Verducci leads Data Integration and Analysis activities for the Business Services and WorkPlace Solutions business units for ChoicePoint. As part of this role, she has consolidated numerous acquired companies’ data assets while also driving technology strategy to consolidated industry standard tools, implementing best practices, and automated data quality, thereby reducing costs by millions of dollars. Her newest endeavor is to implement Business Services first BI system initially focusing on operational metrics with future plans related to products and customer usage.

Martha A. Dember, Director of BI and Data Delivery, RCG IT. Ms. Dember has more than 20 years experience in IT and consulting services in a wide range of industries. She has authored the Advanced Methodologies for Attaining Data Governance whitepaper and originated the Data Governance Maturity Model. She evaluates organizations’ success and level of maturity against best practices and criterion of each stage of the maturity model, including vendors and market trends to help clients develop plans for maximizing data quality and integrity. Ms. Dember’s academic credentials include an MBA in Management of Information Technology and Certified Business Intelligence Practitioner (CBIP).

Schedule of Events

5:45-6:15 PM: Registration and networking; hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served
6:15-6:30 PM: Guest Speaker-Hugo Alvarez, CIO, BankAtlantic
6:30-6:45 PM: Announcements and Audience Introductions
6:45-7:45 PM: Presentations by Ms. Verducci and Ms. Dember, followed by Q&A
7:45-8:00 PM: Closing