J. Todd Whitaker

About J. Todd Whitaker

As a seasoned Data Science Product Manager with over 9 years of experience leading data science and software development teams, I bring a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a customer-centric approach to every project. My career has been defined by my ability to implement agile processes that drive value, architect scalable solutions, and communicate complex data science and AI concepts to a broad range of stakeholders.My expertise spans experimental design, data infrastructure, and the end-to-end development of machine learning models. I have a proven track record of not only supporting teams but also conducting in-depth analytics and delivering results as an individual contributor. I excel in bridging the gap between technical details and business value, ensuring that data-driven products meet both technical and market demands.I am passionate about enhancing customer experiences through innovative data solutions. My approach emphasizes clear communication and collaboration, facilitating the seamless integration of team skills with the right tools and solutions. Whether it\'s optimizing data pipelines, conducting market analysis, or guiding strategic decision-making, I thrive in environments where agility and adaptability are key.Key competencies include- Leading cross-functional teams with agility and precision- Designing and implementing robust experimental frameworks- Architecting and deploying scalable machine learning models- Driving strategic initiatives and aligning them with business goals- Communicating data science and AI insights to non-technical stakeholders- Synthesizing team capabilities to deliver impactful solutions- Mastering a variety of technical and management tools to ensure project success.I am a jack-of-all-trades who can navigate the intricacies of data science, software development, and product management. My ability to see the big picture while attending to the finer details makes me an invaluable asset in any data-driven organization. Let\'s connect and explore how we can leverage data to create meaningful business outcomes.

Experience

1. Data Science Product Manager

   Fortune Brands Innovations

   Jan 2023 — Present · Long Beach, CA, US

   I play a pivotal role in steering the data science and AI initiatives within the connected/IoT sector and supply/demand planning side of the business. My responsibilities include- Product Ownership and Scrum Mastery: Act as the product owner and scrum master for two agile data science teams, driving the development and delivery of data science and AI solutions- Roadmap Management: Own the development roadmap for all data science and AI products, estimating business value, identifying solutions, and scoping time and costs- Resource Allocation: Identify resource bottlenecks and collaborate with leadership to ensure efficient resource allocation and timely project delivery- Performance Metrics and Monitoring: Define performance metrics and architect testing frameworks to measure the success of data science and AI products- Vision and Alignment: Align data science and AI visions with market demands and business processes, ensuring cohesive and effective solutions- Agile Implementation: Implement agile practices within the data science and AI development process to ensure timely and regular delivery of value- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Drive cross-functional initiatives and workshops to leverage data science and AI across various departments and business units- Risk Mitigation and Compliance: Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to data privacy, security, and regulatory compliance, collaborating with relevant teams to ensure adherence to standards.By leveraging my expertise in data science, AI, and agile methodologies, I have successfully guided my teams to deliver innovative solutions that meet both business and market needs, driving significant value and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.

Education

• University of Missouri-Columbia

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Business

  2004 — 2009

• University of Missouri-Kansas City

  Master of Science (MS), Mathematics

  2010 — 2012

• University of Missouri-Columbia

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Mathematics

  2004 — 2009

Skills

• Vba
• Risk Analysis
• Microsoft Office
• University Teaching
• Numerical Analysis
• Microsoft Excel
• Actuarial Science
• Health Insurance
• Underwriting
• Matlab
• Risk Management
• Mathematics
• Insurance
• Higher Education
• Analysis
• Life Insurance
• Finance
• Data Analysis
• Teaching
• Employee Benefits
• R
• Mathematical Programming
• Statistics