Concept to Copilot AAIS 25

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From Concept to Co-Pilot

Inside FordDirect's Co-Pilot Journey with RXA@OneMagnify

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Danielle Barnes

Managing Director, Data and AI

OneMagnify

Dr. Danielle Barnes Managing Director of Data, AI, and Automations OneMagnify As Managing Director of Data, AI, and Automations, Dr. Danielle Barnes brings deep expertise and strategic vision to the intersection of advanced data strategies, predictive analytics, and artificial intelligence. With a PhD in Data Science from Michigan State University, Dr. Barnes has a robust academic foundation, complemented by over 15 years of industry experience in data warehousing, automation, and AI-driven innovation. Throughout her career, Dr. Barnes has successfully led cross-functional teams in designing and implementing scalable data platforms, developing predictive models that deliver actionable insights, and streamlining operations with intelligent automation.

Passionate about leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies, she excels at solving complex business challenges, optimizing processes, and enhancing decision-making at scale. Dr. Barnes is recognized for her ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring alignment on business objectives while driving impactful outcomes. With experience across diverse industries, she has consistently delivered measurable results, fostering growth, innovation, and operational excellence.

Tom Thomas

Vice President of Data Strategy, Analytics & AI

FordDirect

I am an executive and entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience building organizations that deliver analytic, digital marketing, mobile application, and ERP solutions to the automotive, CPG, hospitality, and public utilities industries. I am currently responsible for the data strategy, analytics, business intelligence, and artificial intelligence at FordDirect, a data and technology company that delivers marketing, customer management, and operational solutions to Ford and Lincoln dealers in the US and Canada. Previously, I have led diverse teams for venture and corporate clients encompassing business strategy, technology, and customer experience. This includes leading the global marketing intelligence practice at Organic Inc., managing an implementation division at Sprint Nextel for machine-to-machine mobile solutions, and serving as a principal consultant at Scient Corp., Price Waterhouse, and Oracle.

I have also been an entrepreneur, providing conceptual design software and engineering services to the U.S. Navy, and have conducted business in India, Hong Kong, and Dubai. I have been a contributor to FastCompany, AdWeek, and Forbes.com, a corporate advisor to the Wharton Customer Analytics Initiative, and I currently serve on One Magnify and DataRobot’s Generative AI Councils. I recently co-authored ""Automated Cluster Generation and Labelling of Peer Groups For Marketing Reporting"" in The Journal of Applied Marketing Analytics, and I am a frequent industry speaker at venues including IQPC’s Data Analytics Leaders Week, Salesforce’s Dreamforce, Datorama’s Limitless, Domopalooza, A2AI, and the 2024 NADA Live Stage. I proudly bleed both Hoosier and Wolverine, holding a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from Indiana University and an MBA from Michigan's Ross School of Business...Go Blue!