Akins Lawal

About Akins Lawal

I architect enterprise data platforms and lead cross-functional teams that transform how organizations leverage data for strategic advantage.WHAT I DOCurrently leading data platform strategy at Nightwing, where I\'m building the company\'s foundational data infrastructure. I manage a team of data engineers, scientists, and governance specialists while serving on the AI Learning Counsel to shape our company\'s AI roadmap.My expertise spans- Enterprise data platform architecture (data mesh, data lakehouses, cloud infrastructure)- ML Ops and data science ecosystem development- Data governance frameworks (Collibra, data quality, lineage, compliance)- Executive analytics and Power BI dashboard development- Team leadership and technical mentorshipRECENT IMPACT→ Deployed Collibra Data Intelligence Platform cataloguing data assets, reducing support requests by 40%→ Architected ML Ops foundation enabling frequent model deployments across business units→ Streamlined 25 enterprise policies and 180 data quality rules through AI automation→ Founded Knowledge Cafés providing hands-on SQL/dbt training for 15+ analystsMY APPROACHI believe great data platforms aren\'t just about technology—they\'re about people, processes, and governance working in harmony. Whether architecting a data mesh, implementing governance frameworks, or building high-performing teams, I focus on solutions that scale and deliver measurable business value.With 20+ years spanning database engineering, data management, knowledge management, and now data platform leadership, I bring both deep technical expertise and strategic business acumen to every engagement.AREAS OF EXPERTISEData Platform Architecture | ML Ops | Data Governance | Collibra | Azure Data Technologies | Power BI | Team Leadership | Data Quality | Data Migration | Change Management | Agile/Scrum | Executive Stakeholder ManagementLet\'s connect if you\'re interested in discussing data platform strategy, ML Ops, data governance, or leadership in data-driven organizations.

Experience

1. Data Operations Manager

   Nightwing

   Dec 2024 — Present

   Leading data platform strategy and implementation following corporate divestiture from Raytheon. Architecting foundational data infrastructure and establishing enterprise-grade data engineering practices to support critical corporate operations.LEADERSHIP & STRATEGY- Manage cross-functional team of data engineers, data scientists, cloud engineers, and governance staff- Serve as member of AI Advisory Board, collaborating with C-suite to define company AI roadmap from POC to production- Supported Data Engineering/Analytics Internship Program (5 interns), providing hands-on training in our data stack- Founded weekly Knowledge Cafés—SQL/dbt labs for 15+ analysts—fostering continuous learning culturePLATFORM & INFRASTRUCTURE- Deployed Collibra Data Intelligence Platform cataloguing data assets across Workday, Salesforce, CostPoint, and Power BI- Reduced central team requests by 40% and ad-hoc support tickets by 53% through self-serve data platform- Architected ML Ops foundation enabling frequent model deployments and enhanced predictive analytics- Designed executive Power BI dashboards providing real-time operational KPIs and AI-driven insightsGOVERNANCE & AUTOMATION- Established enterprise data governance frameworks ensuring data accuracy, lineage, and regulatory compliance- Streamlined 25 enterprise policies and 180 data quality rules through embedded AI workflows- Led change management for self-serve data platform rollout ensuring universal adoptionSkills: Data Governance • Collibra • Power BI • Azure Data Factory • ML Ops • Data Architecture • Team Leadership • Data Quality • SQL • dbt • Python • Agile Project Management

Education

• George Mason University

  BS, DMIS

  1998 — 2002

• George Mason University – Costello College of Business

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Management Information Systems, General

  2000 — 2002

Skills

• Program Management
• Requirements Analysis
• Sql
• Strategic Planning
• Leadership
• Open Data
• Government
• Nonprofits
• Business Analysis
• Analytics
• Business Strategy
• IT Strategy
• Governance
• Business Process Improvement
• Knowledge Manager
• Analysis
• Data Science
• Training
• Consulting
• Apis
• Data Management
• Strategy
• Policy
• Enterprise Architecture
• Team Leadership
• Business Development
• Knowledge Management
• Management Consulting
• Proposal Writing
• Process Improvement
• Certified Knowledge Manager
• Integration
• Entrepreneurship
• Business Transformation
• Databases
• Data Analysis
• Photography
• Project Management
• Leadership Development
• Data