Managing enterprise data effectively requires more than good intentions—it demands a systematic approach. This session presents a practical checklist framework that transforms data governance and quality from aspirational goals into executable standard work. Developed and implemented across our organization, this framework provides business teams with clear, actionable tasks for each dataset they manage. The checklist approach ensures consistent governance practices while creating transparency into progress and accountability. By breaking down complex governance requirements into discrete, manageable tasks, we have enabled teams to take ownership of their data assets without requiring deep technical expertise. The result is a scalable governance model that grows with the organization, improves data quality through structured accountability, and provides leadership with clear visibility into data management maturity. Attendees will learn how to implement this framework in their own organizations and adapt it to their specific governance needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Practical checklist framework for standardizing data governance and quality tasks across business units
• Methods for transforming governance from policy documents into executable standard work
• Strategies for tracking progress and demonstrating governance maturity to leadership
• Real-world implementation lessons and organizational change management approaches
• Techniques for scaling governance across diverse datasets

Speaker: Brian Schardt, Manager, Data Program Management, Pacific Gas & Electric

Brian Schardt is the Manager, Data Program Management for the Enterprise Data Management (EDM) department at PG&E. Brian oversees the strategy, planning, and alignment of the EDM team and other functional area teams internally.

Brian Schardt is the Manager, Data Program Management for the Enterprise Data Management (EDM) department at PG&E. Brian oversees the strategy, planning, and alignment of the EDM team and other functional area teams internally. 

Speaker: Ben Brown, Director, Enterprise Data Management, Pacific Gas & Electric

Ben Brown is the Director of Enterprise Data Management at Pacific Gas & Electric Company, where he leads data governance and quality initiatives across the enterprise. With over a decade of experience in data management and technology leadership, Ben has built his career on developing high-performing teams and driving organizational transformation. He holds a Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) credential and brings deep expertise in building governance frameworks, establishing communities of practice, and implementing strategies that enable data-driven decision-making with trusted data. Prior to PG&E, Ben served in senior leadership roles at cohesionIB and Truckstop.com, where he led engineering teams, built data platforms, and championed Agile methodologies. He began his career as a United States Marine Corps officer, managing complex training simulations and international exercises. Ben holds a Master's degree in Modeling, Virtual Environments, and Simulation from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Bachelor's in Systems Engineering from the United States Naval Academy.