The Master of Science in Applied Data Science (MS-ADS) program at the University of Georgia has established its inaugural External Advisory Board, a strategic initiative designed to strengthen connections between academic training and the rapidly evolving practice of data science. The MS in Applied Data Science program, housed within the Department of Statistics in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, established the Advisory Board to bring together senior leaders from industry, applied research, and public-sector organizations. The board was formed through a deliberate selection process to ensure representation across sectors such as artificial intelligence, financial services, healthcare, retail analytics, telecommunications, and advanced machine learning. The Advisory Board will serve in a non-governing, strategic advisory capacity, providing an external perspective on curriculum relevance, emerging technologies, workforce needs, and student professional preparation. Its work will help ensure that the MS-ADS program remains academically rigorous while aligned with real-world applications and employer expectations. To support the board’s long-term effectiveness, the program has developed a comprehensive Advisory Board Handbook that defines bylaws, roles, governance structure, and operating principles. This framework is intended to ensure continuity and to integrate board insight into the program’s ongoing strategic development as the field continues to evolve. The Advisory Board will convene for the first time later this spring. Inaugural Advisory Board Members Dr. Jien Chen, Principal Data Scientist, Shipt Sam Coyne, Senior Director of AI, Georgia-Pacific LLC Dr. Debbie Durrence, Executive Director of Data Governance, Gwinnett County Public Schools Scott Edwards, Senior Director, Analytics and Strategy, FIGS Hicham El Hassani, Vice President of Data Science, PLUME Dr. Christopher J. Fonnesbeck, Principal Data Scientist, PyMC Labs Dr. Rechun "Benny" He, Director of Quantitative Analytics, Freddie Mac Dr. Linwei Hu, Executive Director and Manager, Quantitative Analytics, Wells Fargo James Pestrak, Staff Machine Learning Engineer, Chewy Travis Sari, Director of Data Science, FanDuel Wright Turner, Senior Director, Intelligent Operations Enablement, Cox Communications Dr. Fei Liu, Modeling and AI Executive, Bank of America Type of News/Audience: Departmental
