Andy Craze

About Andy Craze

AI leader with 10+ years building production machine learning and generative AI systems at scale. I studied NLP in undergrad and have been working in this space since before it was the next big thing - from recommender systems serving 50M+ users to NLP models deployed across 300+ languages to real-time prediction engines handling 100M+ monthly predictions.At NexaMotion Group, I built the AI function from zero to production. I\'ve deployed an intelligent contact center processing 100K+ calls monthly, implemented conversational AI for customer-facing applications, and created computer vision systems that automated manual processes the organization struggled with for years. I grew the team from zero to shipping production systems that transformed how a traditional automotive company operates.My approach: I balance technical architecture with strategic leadership. I\'m equally comfortable setting AI roadmaps and making build vs. buy decisions as I am designing RAG systems or debugging model performance. I thrive in environments where I can build teams, ship production systems, and translate business needs into AI capabilities that scale.Technical depth: ML/NLP, LLMs, generative AI, RAG architectures, computer vision, MLOps, Python, PyTorch, cloud infrastructureLeadership experience: AI strategy & roadmaps, 0-to-1 team building, cross-functional collaboration, vendor partnerships, technical hiring

Experience

1. Director of Artificial Intelligence

   NexaMotion Group

   Jul 2023 — Present · Cleveland, OH, US

   Built AI capabilities from zero to production, deploying intelligent systems that handle 100K+ monthly customer interactions and growing technical team of engineers/data scientists* Architected and deployed intelligent contact center platform featuring automated transcription, summarization, sentiment analysis, and topic extraction - unlocking AI capabilities the organization lacked for years and transforming customer service operations* Led development of conversational AI solutions including customer-facing chatbot for real-time price and availability queries (deployed at industry trade show) and voice-enabled systems for inventory management and parts identification* Designed and shipped computer vision system that automated diagram-to-parts mapping process, processing 150+ service diagrams and eliminating hours of manual work per diagram* Spearheaded integration of LLMs and custom RAG architectures across customer service and operational workflows, implementing production generative AI capabilities for a traditional automotive company with zero prior AI infrastructure* Drive AI strategy and roadmap planning, leading build vs. buy decisions, managing vendor partnerships (including ML model optimization initiatives), and translating executive priorities into scalable technical execution* Lead cross-functional collaboration with product, operations, and customer service teams to identify high-impact AI opportunities and deliver solutions that improve efficiency and customer experience

Education

• Kadenze Academy

  Certificates, Deep Learning, DSP

• The Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences

  Certificate, Audio Engineering

  2008 — 2009

• Arizona State University

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Computer Science, Mandarin Chinese

• Georgia Institute of Technology

  Master of Science - MS, Computer Science

Skills

• Relational Databases
• Deep Learning
• Javascript
• Web Development
• C++
• Software Documentation
• Nosql
• Python
• Engineering
• Web Applications
• Machine Learning
• Distributed Applications
• Artificial Neural Networks
• Tensorflow
• Natural Language Processing
• Bot Development
• Programming
• Technical Writing
• Cloud Computing
• Test Automation
• Mandarin
• Audio Engineering