As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded in business operations, leaders are being asked to navigate new opportunities and challenges. According to McKinsey, 78% of organizations now use AI in at least one business function, and AI is projected to contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. The growing adoption of AI has created a need for leaders who can guide strategy, governance, and implementation across their organizations.
To keep leaders equipped with the latest AI tools and knowledge, the Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business launched the Chief AI and Data Officer Certificate program in 2025. The executive education program was designed to prepare senior leaders to guide AI and data strategy within their organizations. Through online coursework, live sessions, and on-campus residencies, students explored topics including AI governance, data ethics, organizational readiness, risk management, and enterprise innovation.
“This program took a very well-rounded, holistic approach to AI,” said Matthew Barbiea, vice president of technology at Buckingham Companies. “It wasn’t just about output or business value. We also discussed the social, moral, and regulatory impacts of AI, and that has shaped our strategy and how we move forward as a business.”
Barbiea said the program has already influenced initiatives underway at Buckingham Companies, including efforts to automate parts of the company’s budgeting process. “Spending time with faculty and hearing different perspectives helped shape our strategy for automating the budget,” Barbiea said. “I’ve already presented back to the company at town halls about what we’re seeing and what our roadmap is.”
For Al Herndon, the program also highlighted the uncertainty and risk many organizations face as they begin integrating AI into their operations.
“I still see a lot of risk and complexity in the AI landscape, especially for small and midsize businesses that may be unaware of the challenges or ill-equipped to protect themselves against them,” Herndon said. “There’s a large segment of the economy that could benefit from the kind of expertise we built in this program.”
Herndon said conversations with fellow students were among the most valuable parts of the experience, helping him better understand how leaders across industries are approaching AI transformation.
The residency served as the capstone to the program, allowing students to deepen discussions, collaborate with peers, and apply lessons from the course to real-world organizational challenges. Students received a certificate and a digital award they can display on their LinkedIn profile.
The next session for this course will be offered in December 2026.