Patrick Cernea

Director of Data Strategy & Governance, York University

Patrick Cernea helps shape and advance the University’s Data & Analytics Strategy and leads its data governance program. His work focuses on data governance, data literacy, and responsible data use to support informed decision-making across the institution.

He has contributed to conversations on data strategy and governance through presentations, articles, and collaborations with higher education institutions and professional organizations in Canada and internationally. He is particularly interested in practical approaches that help institutions build trust, improve data understanding, and create stronger foundations for analytics and AI readiness.

Gigi Lin

Data Governance Analyst, York University

Gigi joined the Office of Institutional Planning and Analysis at York University in April 2023 as a Data Governance Analyst. In her role, she focuses on metadata management and institutional data definitions, helping build a data dictionary that supports shared understanding across faculties and units.

When she's not in the Data Cookbook, she supports the data learner's journey at York through coordinating data literacy sessions, developing digital resources, and engaging the community practically to achieve York's data governance vision.

Jennifer Curtis

VP, Scotia bank

Jennifer Curtiss has been the Chief Data Officer at Scotiabank since 2025. In this role,

she is responsible for enterprise data strategy, data governance, and the advancement of data driven decision making across the organization.

Prior to joining the bank, Jen held senior data roles at American Express, Freddie Mac, Citi and Moodys, leading largescale data initiatives, modernized data platforms, and built highperforming teams.

Jen is recognized for a pragmatic and collaborative leadership approach, with a strong track record of translating complex data challenges into clear, actionable outcomes.

She is a committed advocate for data quality, responsible data use, and building a strong data culture that empowers teams and enables sustainable growth.

Peter, Vennel

Global Head of Data Governance at Finastra

A transformative leader cultivating a data-centric culture, Peter specializes in guiding organizations to monetize data as a product. With extensive experience in strategic and tactical data management and governance initiatives, he collaborates with C-suite executives and external partners.

Committed to continuous education, Peter holds certifications in CDMP, CBIP, PMP, SSBBC, TOGAF, CIPM, among others.

Peter serves on the BOD of DAMA International and is the founding President and current Treasurer of DAMA Georgia.

Maryam Pourkashani

Director Data Strategy Enablement - TD Wealth Management

Maryam Pourkashani is a senior Data Strategy, Governance, and Transformation leader with over 30 years of experience driving business value through data, technology, and organizational change. She has led enterprise initiatives across banking, telecommunications, healthcare, education, and geospatial technology, specializing in data governance, information management, cloud transformation, and regulatory enablement.

Known for aligning business and technology stakeholders, simplifying complex challenges, and building high-performing partnerships, Maryam delivers sustainable outcomes that strengthen governance, improve decision-making, and accelerate transformation. Her leadership combines strategic vision with practical execution, helping organizations unlock the full value of their data assets.

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Rogan Vleming

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Kaydeen Tyson

Enterprise Risk & Data Governance Manager, Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF)

Kaydene is an enterprise risk and data governance leader with experience spanning data governance, enterprise risk management, audit, technology and AI risk, third-party risk, and privacy risk. In her current role, she leads enterprise risk management and data governance initiatives, including the development of data strategy, governance frameworks, data lifecycle management, and cross-functional stakeholder engagement.

She is a CPA in both the United States and Canada and holds the CIA and CDMP credentials. She is particularly interested in practical, risk-based approaches to data governance and responsible AI adoption that balance effective oversight with business objectives.

Robert Ambra

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Frank Kadwell

Co-Founder, D3 Information Services

Frank Kadwell, PhD, is a data management specialist with over twenty years of experience in the IT industry. Frank is Co-Founder of D3 Information Services, a small boutique consulting firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota. D3 assists companies with many data management challenges including strategy, architecture, and development.

Chapter Affiliation: DAMA Minnesota

Serdar Kayan

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