Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Barbara Forth is a seasoned data executive with over 30 years of experience in the financial services and consumer goods industries. As the Chief Data Officer at William & Mary, she oversees the university's data strategy, governance, and analytics initiatives, driving data-driven decision-making and innovation. Additionally, she provides data strategy consulting services through her own firm, B4th Consulting, advising organizations on their digital transformation and customer data management efforts.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief Data Officer at William & Mary, Barbara is responsible for leading the university's data strategy, governance, and analytics programs. She works closely with the university's leadership to align data initiatives with institutional goals and ensure the effective use of data to support teaching, research, and administrative functions. Under her guidance, the university has implemented robust data management practices, streamlined reporting, and leveraged advanced analytics to enhance decision-making and drive innovation.
Career Progression
Throughout her distinguished career, Barbara has held various leadership roles in the financial services and consumer goods industries. She served as a Data Strategist at King's Hawaiian and Experian Consumer Services, where she led digital data transformation and customer data platform initiatives. Prior to that, she held executive positions at Capital Group | American Funds, overseeing enterprise data governance, information architecture, and data management. Barbara's extensive experience also includes roles at Fidelity Investments, where she progressed from Database Engineer to Vice President of Data Engineering, Corporate Finance Analytics, and Account Executive.
Academic Background
Barbara holds a bachelor's degree in Information Systems Management from General Electric's prestigious Information Systems Management Program.
Areas of Expertise
- Data strategy and governance
- Digital transformation and data-driven decision-making
- Customer data management and analytics
- Enterprise data architecture and engineering
- Information technology leadership and executive management
Professional Impact
As a trusted data strategy consultant, Barbara has worked with numerous organizations to develop and implement comprehensive data management strategies. Her expertise in areas such as customer data platforms, data governance, and advanced analytics has enabled her clients to unlock the full potential of their data assets and drive business outcomes. Additionally, Barbara is a sought-after speaker, sharing her insights and best practices at industry conferences and events.
Conclusion
With her extensive experience, strategic vision, and technical expertise, Barbara Forth is a respected data leader who consistently delivers transformative results for the organizations she serves. In her current role as Chief Data Officer at William & Mary, she continues to drive data-driven innovation and support the university's mission through the effective management and utilization of data.
