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Background
Current title, organization, and location: Director of Data Science and AI Strategy, R.D. Offutt Company, Fargo, North Dakota
Educational background: BS, Finance, English, Minnesota State Moorhead; Master of Business Administration (MBA), Business Intelligence, Saint Joseph’s University
Professional credentials earned: MBA, CPA, CITP
Summary: I am the Director of Data Science and AI Strategy for R.D. Offutt Company, based in Fargo, North Dakota. In this role, I lead enterprise initiatives focused on data governance, analytics, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies across a diverse agricultural and equipment organization.
My educational background includes an MBA, and I hold the CPA and CITP credentials. I have spent more than three decades in the accounting, finance, technology, and analytics professions. Throughout my career, I have progressively moved from traditional accounting and financial leadership roles into technology leadership positions that bridge business strategy, data science, and innovation.
My Career Journey
My interest in accounting began with one of my first roles after college. I became an Inventory Comptroller for a manufacturer and supplier with an organization that made mesh bags and sold industrial supplies. It was a deep dive into operational data coupled with a desire to understand how organizations create value and measure performance. As technology became increasingly important to business operations, I became fascinated with how information systems, data, and analytics could improve decision making. That intersection of accounting and technology ultimately shaped my career.
A series of opportunities helped guide my transition into Technology Advisory. Early in my career, I was involved with analyzing financial systems, business intelligence solutions, and enterprise reporting initiatives. Those experiences demonstrated that the most significant business improvements often occurred where accounting knowledge and technology expertise intersected. Over time, I expanded my focus into software design, architecture, data governance, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
Today, my role involves helping business leaders identify opportunities to create value through data maturity and AI. I frequently work on enterprise data strategy, governance frameworks, analytics modernization, AI adoption, executive education, and large-scale transformation initiatives. A significant portion of my work involves translating complex technical concepts into practical business outcomes that executives and operational leaders can understand and support.
The most rewarding aspect of my work is helping people make better decisions. Whether it's enabling a business unit with trusted data, mentoring future leaders, or helping an organization embrace new technology, I enjoy seeing ideas transformed into measurable business value.
Insights & Advice
What skills do you believe are most important for success in Technology Advisory? Technical knowledge is important, but the most successful technology advisors combine business acumen, communication skills, leadership, and observational curiosity. Professionals in this field must be able to understand business objectives, communicate with both executives and technical teams, solve complex problems, and continuously learn as technology evolves.
I often tell people that the ability to translate between business and technology is one of the most valuable skills they can develop.
What advice would you give to a CPA or accounting professional interested in pursuing a career in this field? Start by building a strong foundation in business processes and financial reporting. Then become intentionally curious about technology. Learn how data flows through an organization. Explore analytics, automation, AI, cybersecurity, and data governance.
Look for opportunities to participate in system implementations, analytics projects, or digital transformation efforts. The combination of accounting expertise and technology knowledge is increasingly valuable, and CPAs are uniquely positioned to help organizations navigate change while maintaining governance and trust.
Why did you choose to earn the CITP credential, and how has it benefited your career? I pursued the CITP credential because it formally recognizes the unique combination of accounting expertise and technology leadership. The credential reflects the ability to evaluate technology through a business, governance, and risk-management lens. I was asked to write technical questions for the CPA exam at the same time.
The CITP has strengthened my professional credibility, expanded my professional network, and reinforced the importance of lifelong learning. It also demonstrates to organizations that technology decisions should be aligned with business objectives, governance principles, and measurable outcomes.
Anything Else?
Are there any additional experiences, accomplishments, lessons learned, mentors, career pivots, or perspectives that you'd like us to consider including in your profile? Several experiences have shaped my career and leadership philosophy. Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to work with mentors who encouraged continuous learning and challenged me to think beyond traditional organizational boundaries. This collaboration became a hallmark of my working approach.
I became involved with the discipline of software design and architecture, joining a group called the Design Rangers at Microsoft. Later, I was invited to participate in projects as an architectural reviewer from the information architecture perspective. I also contributed to a customer-facing document on implementing business intelligence.
One of the most important lessons I've learned is that successful technology initiatives are never about technology alone. They succeed when leaders provide ownership, apply governance, and identify the outcomes for the project. This principle has guided my work in data governance, analytics, and AI strategy.
I am also passionate about mentoring professionals who are interested in the evolving intersection of accounting, data, and technology. The opportunities available today are greater than at any point in my career, particularly as organizations adopt artificial intelligence and advanced analytics capabilities.