As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, the foundation it stands on—data architecture—has never been more critical. This keynote panel brings together leading voices to explore how modern data architectures are evolving to meet the demands of AI-driven enterprises. Panelists will discuss the shift from traditional data warehouses to real-time, scalable, and decentralized frameworks; the role of data governance and quality in training reliable AI models; and how organizations can future-proof their infrastructure for emerging AI capabilities. Attendees will gain insights into best practices, common pitfalls, and forward-looking strategies to align their data architecture with the accelerating pace of AI.

Moderated by Sara Nash with panel members Kevin Fair, Kelle O'Neal, and Dia Adams

Moderator: Sara Nash
Principal Consultant of Semantic Data Engineering and AI

Sara is a Principal Consultant of Semantic Engineering at Enterprise Knowledge LLC. She specializes in Semantic Layer and Enterprise AI initiatives, leading throughout strategy, design, and implementation. Sara has led taxonomy/ontology design, knowledge graph implementation, recommendation engine solutions, and advanced analytics platforms across financial services, pharmaceuticals, ESG consulting, intelligence, and more.

Panelist: Kevin Fair
Sales Leader, Information Architecture Data Integration
IBM

Kevin Fair is a seasoned sales leader with over 27 years of experience in the Data Integration and Governance space. Since joining IBM in 2005 through its acquisition of Ascential Software, Kevin has held multiple senior roles across Sales, Strategy, and Subject Matter Expertise. He has been a key contributor to the growth and success of IBM’s Data Integration portfolio, including IBM DataStage and IBM Replication offerings. Kevin brings deep technical expertise and strategic insight to help clients unlock the full value of their data

Panelist: Kelle O’Neal
Founder and CEO, First San Francisco Partners

Kelle is the Founder and CEO of First San Francisco Partners (FSFP). She is a veteran industry leader, accomplished advisor, noted speaker, author, and trainer. Kelle is passionate about helping organizations realize the business value of data — and empowering them to derive insights that can improve operational efficiency and decision-making, generate new revenue, support sustainability, and mitigate risk and fraud.

Kelle’s strong background in customer relationship management, enterprise software, and systems integration uniquely positions her to excel in helping organizations of all sizes and complexities successfully execute on data governance, organizational change management, master data management, digital transformation, and other strategic initiatives. She developed her ability to work through organizational complexity, build consensus, and drive results in senior roles at companies that include U.S.-based firms GoldenGate Software, Siebel Systems, and Oracle. She also worked at the executive level in Europe and Asia. Under her leadership of FSFP, the firm’s client list has grown significantly over the years, as has its consulting and support teams. Kelle holds a B.A. from Duke University and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. 

Panelist: Dia Adams
Enterprise Data/AI Strategist, TCG

Dia Adams is Enterprise Data/AI Strategist at TCG, a technology consultancy to U.S. government agencies, where she serves as Enterprise Data Strategist at the White House. She has two decades of experience in data and AI strategy and digital transformation, helping organizations such as Bank of America and Johnson & Johnson with projects in data analytics, AI, and machine learning. She is the recent author of the best-selling book “Winning With AI: A Blueprint for Corporate Leaders”, where she details step-by-step how businesses can successfully implement AI initiatives.