Tushar Sharma

About Tushar Sharma

Currently, I serve as the Associate Director of Data Analytics at the Iowa State University Foundation. My goal is simple: make data useful. I focus on connecting the dots between raw numbers and big-picture strategy. Whether I’m using AI to decode donor sentiment, designing intuitive dashboards, or teaching a non-technical team member how to use a new tool, I’m always looking for ways to turn information into action.My perspective is grounded in technical reality. I didn\'t start in analytics; I started in the weeds. At Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, I built the integration rules and mappings that kept our systems running - leveraging Amazon Redshift, MongoDB, SQL, and strict governance standards. I worked shoulder-to-shoulder with developers to drive integration quality, acting as both the first and final checkpoint to ensure the right data arrived in production with the right logic.Since joining the Foundation, my journey has been about growth. I’ve advanced from an Analyst to my current role, modernizing financial workflows and helping drive the migration from legacy systems to Salesforce CRM. I also led the data segmentation strategy for “Forever True Day,” a campaign that raised in just 24 hours - eventually building complex segmentation automations in Salesforce Marketing Cloud to scale that success.Beyond the 9-to-5, I am passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems. I play an active role in managing technology and web strategy for Global SEF, lending my skills to causes that create positive impact. I also love demystifying data for the next generation, regularly guest lecturing at Iowa State University on topics like Data Analytics, Data Strategy, Agile Project Management, Technical Leadership and Business Intelligence.At the end of the day, data is just a story waiting to be told. My job is to tell it right so we can move forward with confidence.Core Strengths: Data Strategy & Analytics | AI & Sentiment Analysis | Business Intelligence | Data Integration | CRM Platforms (Salesforce, D365)| Data GovernanceLet’s connect—I’m always happy to swap ideas with fellow data and tech enthusiasts!

Experience

1. Associate Director of Data Analytics

   Iowa State University Foundation

   Aug 2025 — Present · Ames, IA, US

   Strategic Data Leadership: Act as the primary bridge between data strategy and organizational growth, establishing the Foundation as a centralized data service provider that powers scalable business outcomes.AI & Sentiment Intelligence: Pioneer the use of AI-driven sentiment analysis to decode intent, transforming unstructured data into precision targeting tools that empower senior leadership to identify and capture high-value opportunities.Visual Analytics & Reporting: Lead the architecture and deployment of a comprehensive analytics suite - designing advanced Tableau dashboards that track mission-critical KPIs across cross-functional units to drive agile, data-informed decision-making.Pipeline Optimization: Engineer logic-driven decision frameworks that streamline prospecting efforts, directly supporting the 10-year strategic plan and driving sustainable growth.Data Democratization: Champion organizational data literacy by translating complex datasets into accessible, self-service resources, enabling both technical and non-technical stakeholders to independently leverage actionable insights.

Education

• University of Massachusetts Amherst

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Business Administration and Management, General

• Iowa State University - Ivy College of Business

  Bachelor’s Degree, Management Information Systems

  2015

Skills

• Leadership
• Leadership Development
• Data Analysis
• Html
• Networking
• Business Development
• Java
• Social Media
• Social Media Marketing
• Program Management
• Teaching
• Time Management
• Entrepreneurship
• Communication
• Photoshop
• Public Speaking
• Business Strategy
• Web Services
• Project Management
• Web Design
• Team Building
• Management
• Strategic Planning
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Website Development
• Fundraising
• Marketing Strategy
• English
• Research
• Event Planning
• Data Analytics
• Web Development
• C++
• Mentoring
• Marketing
• Microsoft Word
• Javascript
• Team Leadership
• Writing