To meet the evolving needs of an organization’s data-driven decision-making abilities and to keep up with the rapid pace of new technologies and data tools such as data lake houses, artificial intelligence, and analytics platforms, organizations must embark on a data modernization effort. Often, these modernization efforts focus on updating and improving the organization’s data infrastructure, tools, and policies but don’t invest in changing the workforce culture as it surrounds their data assets. A skilled and data-literate workforce is imperative to the success of any data modernization journey and ensures the ability of an organization to unlock its data-driven potential.

The Florida Department of Health (Department), a large state governmental organization with 14,000 employees, conducted an enterprise-wide data competency, literacy, and capabilities assessment as part of its data modernization efforts. A plan was developed to enhance workforce capabilities as it pertains to data modernization and advanced data analytics.

• Provide a blueprint for assessing data literacy across a large organization.
• Present data literacy assessment outcomes and findings, sharing any lessons learned and best practices.
• Develop a training and evaluation plan to enhance the data-centric culture where data modernization efforts succeed.
• Discuss how to operationalize data literacy competencies that improve an enterprise data culture. 

Speaker: Ruth Klann

Ruth Klann is a seasoned Project Manager with over 15 years of experience leading large-scale, complex projects across multiple industries, including Government/Public Sector, Nonprofit Sector, and Healthcare. Her expertise spans Medicaid and Health and Human Services, Program and Project Management, Enterprise Transformation, System Integration and Implementation, Process Improvement, Quality Assurance, Procurement, Strategic Planning, Roadmap Planning, Financial Management, and Business Case Development. Ruth has over a decade of experience in leading state Medicaid business and technology transformation initiatives. She has played a pivotal role in developing and executing strategies for large state Medicaid Enterprise Systems (MES), focusing on procurement strategy, planning, and implementation readiness services. Ruth holds a Master of Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs and a Master of Business Administration from the McCombs School of Business, both at The University of Texas at Austin. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Speaker: Jennifer Elmore

Dr. Jennifer Elmore is a seasoned consultant with the North Highland Company, bringing over 13 years of expertise in health and human services within state and local government agencies. She excels in leading high-performing teams and multidisciplinary projects, focusing on performance improvement, program evaluation, and strategic initiatives. Dr. Elmore holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and a Master of Human Services from Southeastern University. She has conducted research and presented at international conferences on leadership, strategic planning, and public sector services. Certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP) with a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Dr. Elmore is dedicated to creating a brighter, healthier future for all individuals. She drives positive change through collaboration and planned action, leveraging her diverse skill set to make significant impacts in health and human services.