Engaging Data Stewards in a Collaborative Approach to Data Governance - A Case Study

This case study from the University of Washington explores how a large, complex, global organization reviewed and retired a legacy stewardship model, then re-envisioned and relaunched it to more closely link data stewardship and data governance, encourage collaborative leadership and engagement, avoid siloed decision-making, and provide a supportive community for stewards at all levels.

The presentation details why and how this new model was designed and provides an example of how it is enabling the organization to successfully tackle key functions such as core/master data management. Presenters share a repeatable/adaptable model along with lessons learned and success stories. The session is particularly useful for participants looking to adjust or revamp their own organization's approach to stewardship or to increase stewardship engagement with data governance.

Key takeaways include:

• A replicable, adaptable model for data stewardship and data governance  
• Pros and cons of hierarchical and collaborative stewardship models
• How data governance and data stewardship intersect and add value
• How a collaborative stewardship model can better enable key functions like core/master data management

Speakers: Marisa Nickle and Ann Nagel 

Marisa Nickle

As Sr. Director of Strategy & Academic Initiatives, Nickle has managed the University of Washington's strategic planning process and major initiatives launched as a result, including a re-envisioning and re-launch of data governance. Her work brings together partners to effect organizational transformation in areas such as student success and engagement, faculty innovation, instructional quality, administrative effectiveness, and data governance. In her 10+ years at the UW, she has launched professional learning programs at the Global Innovation Exchange, a partnership with Microsoft and Tsinghua University. She also developed public-private partnerships to pursue regional solutions around sustainability, innovation, and workforce development for electric vehicle infrastructure, solar energy, smart grid, and green buildings. Prior to the UW, Nickle taught at universities in Ecuador, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, where she participated in national efforts to transform education and establish new universities.

Ann Nagel 

As Chief Privacy Officer, Nagel has built and continues to manage the University of Washington’s privacy program that governs the collection and appropriate use of personal data. In addition, Nagel chairs the privacy steering committee and a data governance committee at the UW. Her work involves collaborating with various stakeholders to help get value from data while protecting the well-being of and managing risk of harm to individuals as well as managing risk to the UW. Previously, Nagel was the Associate Chief Information Security Officer at the UW and helped build the information security program. Nagel has held IT audit and consultant positions at the UW, at government agencies, and at a global accounting and consulting firm. Her 20+ years in information security, privacy, and data governance provide a unique perspective that allows her to develop strategic solutions that cohesively address emerging issues or needs.