RDS@Pitt’s mission to foster responsible data science is significantly bolstered by its Advisory Board, comprising esteemed leaders from many of the most influential industries in our region and beyond. These experts generously share their wealth of knowledge and diverse perspectives, ensuring that RDS@Pitt’s initiatives are continually impactful and aligned with evolving industry needs.
The RDS@Pitt Advisory Board encompasses a wide range of fields, including banking, finance, civic data services, logistics and operations, manufacturing, retail, health care, and innovation in technology and analytics. This diversity ensures a comprehensive approach to data science challenges and opportunities.
As chair of the RDS@Pitt Advisory Board, I am proud to introduce our distinguished members.
Betsy (Elizabeth) Amato, Vice President, Manager of Business Analytics
Betsy Santillo Amato is an accomplished Finance Manager and Vice President with a proven track record in the financial services industry. With an MBA in Finance from Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business, she has demonstrated expertise in finance strategy, quantitative analysis, strategic planning, budgeting, and financial modeling. Betsy has held key leadership roles, including serving as Vice President and Manager of Business Analytics at F.N.B. Corporation and as Finance Manager and CFO for PNC's retail lending lines of business. Her extensive experience includes directing financial operations, developing strategic plans, and implementing cost-saving initiatives, all while leading high-performing teams and fostering a strong culture of internal control and risk management.
Chris Belasco, Senior Manager, Digital Services and Chief Data Officer for the City of Pittsburgh
Chris Belasco manages the analytic, data engineering, and software development efforts to enhance city operations in Pittsburgh. With a PhD in public and international affairs and extensive experience in large-scale impact evaluations, Belasco contributes a robust background in public service and academia. He enjoys cooking, traveling, cycling, and museum visits with his family in the Bloomfield area of Pittsburgh, where he’s lived for 20 years.
Adrianne Bernini, Vice President, Director of Data Science and Insights at First National Bank
Adrianne Bernini leads a team of data scientists and quantitative modeling analysts at First National Bank (FNB), where she oversees the development and maintenance of regulatory and forecasting models. Her team supports internal departments with analytical problem-solving and strategic decision systems. Joining FNB in 2019, Bernini brought over two decades of experience from roles at Dick’s Sporting Goods, TrueSense Marketing, and PNC Bank. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Clarion University and a Master of Arts in applied statistics from the University of Pittsburgh. Bernini also chairs the Women in Business Council at FNB, advocating for and empowering women-led businesses.
Ujwal Chejerla, Director of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, PPG
Ujwal Chejerla is the global director of AI/ML at PPG, leading digital transformation efforts since March 2020. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he has over 15 years of experience in digital analytics and personalization, previously serving as group manager at Rexel and as a digital analytics consultant and program manager at Microsoft. His expertise also includes roles in digital marketing and analytics at Tata Consultancy Services and Cognizant Technology Solutions. Ujwal is recognized for his strategic leadership and innovation in AI and ML applications.
Richard Clarke, Chief Analytics Officer at Highmark Health
Dr. Richard Clarke spearheads data and analytic solutions at Highmark Health, leveraging AI and advanced analytics to improve health outcomes. With a background in neuroscience and experience at McKinsey & Company, Clarke’s work focuses on interoperability, whole-person care, and reducing administrative burdens in health care. He also serves on multiple advisory boards and is dedicated to building diverse, impactful teams.
Bridget Fitzpatrick, Manager of Data Science at Dick's Sporting Goods
Bridget Fitzpatrick leads a team of data scientists at Dick’s Sporting Goods, delivering machine learning models to solve complex retail problems. With degrees in economics and a commitment to ethical solutions, Fitzpatrick is an active member of the Women in Tech chapter and enjoys reading in her local coffee shop.
Kevin Gallagher, Data Scientist Segment Lead, PPG
Kevin Gallagher is a seasoned professional in polymer science with over 27 years of experience at PPG Industries, where he serves as a senior development associate. His expertise spans product development in roofing, specialty asphalt, polymer fiberizing, and vibration damping. Prior to PPG, Kevin worked as an advanced scientist at Owens Corning for over four years. He holds a PhD and a BS in polymer science from Penn State University. Kevin's extensive background and long-term industry experience highlight his significant contributions to polymer science and product innovation.
Mary Beth Green, Head of Innovation at Sheetz
Mary Beth Green heads the innovation function at Sheetz, leading a multidisciplinary team to drive sustainable growth and profitability. With a background in economics and public affairs, and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University, Green excels in igniting innovation and mentoring inventors and entrepreneurs. Her networks facilitate opportunities and new innovation channels.
Mike Keslar, Chief Innovation Officer, BNY Mellon
Michael Keslar serves as the interim chief information officer and global head of engineering at BNY Mellon. With over 40 years at the company, he has led technology initiatives across various domains including issuer services, asset servicing, wealth management, and treasury. Michael's leadership extends to roles in wholesale banking and foreign exchange operations. He is actively involved in academia and community development, serving on advisory boards for the University of Pittsburgh and Robert Morris University and holding board positions at Saint Vincent College and Vibrant Pittsburgh. Michael was honored as CIO of the Year by the Pittsburgh Technology Council and recognized as a distinguished alumni by Saint Vincent College in 2023. Michael holds a BA in economics from Saint Vincent College and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz School of Business.
Jeff Lewis, Global Director in Information Technology at PPG
Jeff Lewis leads data and analytics efforts for PPG, managing master data and operational analytics across 75 countries. With over 23 years in IT strategy and leadership, Lewis also volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania’s AI Pathways Institute. His work drives data-driven decision-making and supports strategic enterprise-wide initiatives.
Will Lewis, Chief Data Officer, Sheetz
Will Lewis is a highly experienced professional with 16 years of work experience in data analysis, data mining, CRM, SAS Base, Oracle SQL Developer, Teradata, target marketing, segmentation, marketing automation, and test design. He is currently the director of analytics and business insights at Giant Eagle, Inc. in Pittsburgh. Previously, he held various positions at Sheetz, including chief data officer and senior manager of analytics and research. He also worked as a senior manager of customer analytics and price and promotion at Giant Eagle, Inc.
Meredith Mavero, Program Officer at Hillman Family Foundations
Meredith Mavero supports philanthropic and civic initiatives at Hillman Family Foundations, with a focus on education, workforce development, and the future of work. Her experience in higher education and community outreach enriches her role in fostering impactful programs and partnerships.
Badel Mbanga, Head of Data Science Innovation, PNC
Badel Mbanga is an accomplished computational scientist and the Head of Data Science Innovation at PNC, with extensive experience in both higher education and the banking industry. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Physics from Kent State University and an M.S. in Display Technology from Dalarna University. Badel is highly skilled in mathematical modeling, machine learning, materials science, optimization, and network analysis. His expertise in these areas has enabled him to lead innovative data science initiatives, driving strategic advancements and solutions within the financial sector.
Suresh Mulukutla, Vice President and Chief Data and Analytics Officer, UPMC
Dr. Suresh Mulukutla is a highly accomplished cardiologist and the Vice President and Chief Data and Analytics Officer, combining a deep clinical background with expertise in healthcare innovation. He earned his BA from Cornell University in 1993, followed by an MD from Cornell University Medical College in 1996. Dr. Mulukutla completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Boston Medical Center, and later pursued a Cardiovascular Fellowship and an Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In addition, he holds a Certificate in Clinical Research from the University of Pittsburgh. As Chair of Cardiology at UPMC Passavant, Associate Professor of Medicine, and Director of Analytics-Cardiology, Dr. Mulukutla leverages his extensive training and expertise to drive data-driven advancements in cardiovascular care.
Heidi Norman, Chief Information Officer and Director of the Department of Innovation & Performance for the City of Pittsburgh
Heidi Norman elevates Pittsburgh’s city government through modern technology solutions and innovative partnerships. Her work includes developing an open data platform, advancing community issues with Carnegie Mellon University, and achieving Digital Trailblazer status for Pittsburgh. Norman holds degrees from Northwestern University and Syracuse University and was named the 2023 CIO of the Year.
Sunanda Parthasarathy, Head of Data Science at Dick's Sporting Goods
Sunanda Parthasarathy leads the data science strategy at Dick’s Sporting Goods, enhancing athlete and teammate experiences. With a PhD in physics and recognition as a leader in AI, Parthasarathy brings expertise from CVS, Wayfair, and DataXu. She is an active member of the tech and data science community and enjoys fostering thought leadership.
Albrecht Powell, Managing Director, Data and Applied Intelligence at Accenture
Albrecht Powell is a transformational leader at Accenture, driving innovative data solutions for global organizations. His 35-year career includes leading large-scale transformations and data analytics programs. Powell is also active in the Pittsburgh community, inspiring future leaders as an Executive in Residence at the University of Pittsburgh.
Harry, Steele, VP, Manager of Sales and Services Systems at First National bank
As Manager of Sales and Service Systems for First National Bank, the largest subsidiary of F.N.B Corporation (NYSE: FNB), Harry Steele oversees the data and technologies utilized by Wholesale Banking Solutions, a team that supports wholesale banking lines of business to serve corporate clients and high-net-worth individuals. Steele facilitates collaboration between corporate leaders, business users and IT personnel, and leads the continued development of scalable processes and efficient practices to enhance commercial banking operations. With over two decades of financial services experience, Steele has served in several roles with First National Bank, most recently as a Commercial Banking Relationship Manager, and was promoted to his current position in 2017. Steele holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Clarion University and is further accredited as a graduate from Pennsylvania Bankers Association programs, including Advanced School of Banking and Analyzing Financial Statements. As a graduate of multiple community leadership programs, Steele has also served as a board member and volunteer at various organizations, most recently teaching Junior Achievement classes and coaching youth athletics.
Jason Westman, Director of IT and Project Management Office at FedEx
Jason Westman directs IT initiatives at FedEx, focusing on global package network optimization. An MBA graduate from the Katz Executive MBA program, Westman is passionate about learning, teaching, mentoring, and gaming. He resides in Pittsburgh with his wife and four adult children.
Andrew Hannah, Chair of RDS@Pitt Advisory Board
Andy Hannah combines innovation and advanced analytics to create new ventures and foster student entrepreneurship. As co-founder of Othot and an adjunct professor at Pitt Business, Hannah’s work spans analytics, software, and materials science. His extensive experience includes over $180 million in venture transactions and successful collaborations with leading venture firms.
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The RDS@Pitt Advisory Board, with its diverse expertise and commitment to responsible data science, plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of human-steered data-driven innovation at the University of Pittsburgh and beyond.