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Eileen M. Vidrine, CEO and Founder, Vidrine Vantage Consulting LLC

Eileen M. Vidrine, CEO and Founder, Vidrine Vantage Consulting LLC

Describe your career to date

Over three decades, my career trajectory has transitioned from being an enlisted soldier to the Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Officer for the Department of the Air Force. This unique path has gifted me with a wide-ranging perspective on the strategic and tactical application of data and AI within the realms of national defense and security. I am poised to pivot to the commercial sector, aiming to help address and untangle complex data and AI challenges, but from a different vantage point.

What challenges do you see for data in the year ahead that will have an impact on you and on the industry as a whole? 

A significant challenge we face is talent. With the issuance of the October 2023 Presidential Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of AI, this year is dedicated to operationalizing these guidelines.

The foundation of outstanding AI is predicated on the quality of data, and I would add – to the talent behind it. We must continue to build, nurture, and deploy teams of passionate and skilled data professionals to achieve excellence in AI applications.

How do you see data literacy developing across a) your network and b) the data industry generally?

Data literacy, while progressing, has yet to be universally integrated into the professional DNA across sectors. With the frenetic pace of advancement in AI and other emerging technologies, possessing a foundational level of data literacy is no longer sufficient.

It is imperative that we foster and enhance these skills within our teams, morphing tactical knowledge into strategic expertise. This approach ensures preparedness, enabling our workforce to not just rise to the occasion of the next big data challenge but to thrive and lead in burgeoning opportunities.

How do you see the industry preparing for AI adoption and change management?

The Presidential Executive Order on AI is a clarion call for a collaborative effort that spans industry, academia, and government – an archetype of change management. This holistic approach is vital for fostering an environment that not only anticipates the evolution within AI but also remains agile enough to adapt and lead through the transformation. It is a multifaceted endeavor requiring an understanding of policy, technology, and human factors, underscoring our commitment to navigating these challenges collectively.

Eileen M. Vidrine
has been included in:

100 Influencers 2024 (USA)
No. 2 100 Brands 2022 (USA)
No. 9 100 Brands 2023 (USA)