A future-focused executive strategist specializing in AI-led transformation and next-generation customer experience (CX) design. I work with forward-leaning organizations to translate emerging technologies into practical, scalable solutions that drive revenue growth and operational agility. With deep experience in enterprise AI integration, CX innovation, and digital process optimization, I help brands connect more meaningfully with their customers. My approach blends strategic clarity with hands-on execution enabling leaders to unlock value from data, empower teams, and rewire their service models for a digital-first future. I operate independently, beyond traditional corporate walls, to create measurable, human-centered impact at scale.

Katie Bakewell is the VP of AI Strategy at NLP Logix where she has been since 2013. She has led impactful machine learning projects across HR, finance, and healthcare, and supports clients like the Kids Hope Alliance. Katie co-founded the NLP Logix Data Science Boot Camp, volunteers as a guardian ad litem, and is a sherpa for DSSG. She serves on the board of the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida. Katie holds a Master’s in Mathematics from UNF and lives in Jacksonville with her husband, Sagara, enjoying the beach, local food, and cheering on all of the Jax sports teams.

Adam helps organizations, companies, and brands make smarter decisions with better data. With a background in journalism and more than 15 years in digital marketing, he’s built a career around turning complex information into clear, actionable stories. He leads a team that designs websites, runs digital campaigns, and builds reporting systems that actually make sense. Whether he’s working with a national brand or digging into local trends, Adam is driven to help people see the bigger picture.

Dr. Audrieanna Burgin is the CEO of 904WARD, where she advances equity and access through community-driven initiatives. A Jacksonville native and economist, her work encompasses education, research, and social impact. She previously led national research on higher education innovation at WGU Labs and founded UNF’s Diversity in Business program to support students of color. Dr. Burgin actively engages through board service and is passionate about cultivating understanding and driving meaningful change in the communities she serves.

With 30+ years in executive leadership, public policy, and organizational transformation, Dawn Emerick combines bold strategy with benevolent change. She served as CEO of the Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida, was Groundwork Jacksonville’s first Executive Director, and founded Oregon’s first Academic Health Department. A TEDx speaker, LinkedIn Learning instructor, and Prosci®-certified change practitioner, she’s led enterprise transformations across five states. Dawn holds degrees from Frostburg State University and the University of North Florida, and was accepted into Johns Hopkins’ Population Health program. Her work reflects a deep commitment to impact, innovation, and advancing health and equity through civic leadership.

Josh Gellers, PhD, is professor of political science, inaugural faculty fellow for artificial intelligence, and director of the Digital Humanities Institute at the University of North Florida. He is also an expert with the Global AI Ethics Institute. Josh’s research focuses on the intersection of environmental governance, rights, and technology. He has published dozens of articles and chapters, and written two books. Josh holds a BA in political science from the University of Florida, an MA in climate and society from Columbia University, and an MA and PhD in political science from the University of California, Irvine.

Ronnie King is the founder of the MyVillage Project, a community platform that organizes families, nonprofits, creators, and stakeholders to provide educational projects for over 15,000 students that promote self-development, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Ronnie is also the chair of the MyVillage Project Community Fund, which invests in innovative community projects designed by local volunteers and stakeholders. The fund has distributed over $4M in funds and supported the projects of over 300 grassroots nonprofits throughout Florida. Ronnie is the CEO of the Scratchwerk ^EDU tech training curriculum and podcast, which is committed to helping communities challenge conventional thinking and empowering students to navigate the intersection of technology, culture, and humanity.

Ms. Lockhart is an accomplished executive with expertise leading nonprofit organizations and strategic partnerships to align the public, private and philanthropic sectors. She is recognized for her success as the inaugural director of strategic partnerships for the City of Jacksonville and her executive and board leadership of national and local nonprofit organizations and community impact strategies.

Isaiah M. Oliver is the third president of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, Florida’s oldest and largest community foundation, established in 1964. In this role, he oversees an experienced 29-person staff, which manages more than $700 million in assets and distributed more than $79.4 million in grants in 2024.

Isaiah’s dedication to local community development and leadership is evident in his roles on the Jacksonville Civic Council, Co-Chair of the Jacksonville Transformation Coalition, Trustee member of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, and Vice-Chair of the City of Jacksonville Homelessness Commission.

Melanie Patz became President and CEO of United Way in September 2022, leading efforts to support northeast Floridians, 39% of whom live below the ALICE threshold. United Way focuses on basic needs, financial wellbeing, and community resiliency. Previously, Melanie was VP of Community Investment at Baptist Health, where she launched school health centers, co-founded JaxCareConnect, and led Blue Zones Project Jacksonville. She serves on the boards of the Early Learning Coalition of Duval and 904WARD. A Samford and UNF graduate, she’s received multiple community honors. Melanie lives in Avondale with her husband, Jason, and enjoys running, reading, and sleeping.

Ed Randolph joined the City’s Office of Economic Development in 2007, where he currently serves as the Executive Director. His office is responsible for helping recruit new businesses to the City of Jacksonville, the administration of small business grant and loan programs, two ommunity redevelopment areas (CRAs), and redevelopment activities at Cecil Commerce Center, a city-owned industrial park. Prior work experience includes: serving as the Director of Economic Development for JEA, Jacksonville’s utility company, and working as a regional planner and legislative liaison on Long Island, NY. Mr. Randolph holds a Masters of Public Administration (MPA) degree, from Long Island University, and both a BA in English and a graduate degree in Planning, from the State University of New York.

Dan Richard earned his Ph.D. from Texas Christian University in 2022 in Experimental Social Psychology with an emphasis in Quantitative Methods and is currently a Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of North Florida. He is Co-Director of the Florida Data Science for Social Good program. In his years at UNF, he has served as Director of the Office of Faculty Enhancement and the Center for Community-Based Learning. His research focuses on applied lay epistemology in the areas of community-based transformational learning, recidivism, terrorism, and radicalization.

Holden Scyster is the Chief Operating Officer of READ USA, Inc., where he leads financial strategy, operational planning, and data systems that power literacy and workforce development across Northeast Florida. As a Navy veteran and former Duval County educator, Holden brings a mission-driven mindset to every role. His diverse background in service, education, and analytics fuels his passion for harnessing data to spark innovation, accelerate impact, and drive meaningful change for the community.

Dr. James Simak brings over 30 years of experience in new ventures, business development, and mergers and acquisitions in software and vertical market industries. Before joining Jacksonville University, James held leadership positions in several startups as well as Fortune 500 companies, including Constellation Software, Harris Computer, IBM, Computer Sciences Corporation, ECI Telecom, and General Dynamics. His research interests include entrepreneurship, corporate innovation, artificial general intelligence, and leadership.

Dr. Karthikeyan Umapathy is a Professor at the School of Computing, University of North Florida. He is a co-director of Florida Data Science for Social Good (FL-DSSG). He is a recipient of the FIS Distinguished Professor in Computing Award. He has a Ph.D. in Information Sciences and Technology from Pennsylvania State University. He provides students with real-world software development experience by identifying projects from Nonprofit and Small-business organizations. His research interests include designing complex information systems, developing data science solutions with social impact, investigating innovative pedagogical methods, examining IT adoption in the Nonprofit Sector, and conducting user experience studies.

Dr. Zeng is an Associate Professor of Cybersecurity and Computing Science in the Computer Science Department at Jacksonville University. Dr. Zeng earned her Ph.D in Computer Science from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Dr. Zeng joined Jacksonville University in 2018. Starting from 2022, Dr. Zeng served as the Director of the NCAE designated Center of Cybersecurity in Jacksonville University.

Dr. Zeng is currently teaching Cybersecurity and Computing Science courses, such as Software Engineering, Database design and development, Data Structure, Algorithms, Programming Languages, Cybersecurity Practicum, Intrusion Detection, Network Security. Her research interest include Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Intrusion Detection Systems, Machine Learning and AI in Cybersecurity.