Dr. Charlie Apigian is the Lead Data and AI Strategist at Data Inspire and LBMC and a Professor of Data Science and Analytics at Belmont University, that looks to bring data, artificial intelligence and real-world problems together to solve problems through a strategic approach to data. He also looks to use “Data for Good” in community level issues such as health inequities, human trafficking, burglary prediction, and mental health in youth. An accomplished data scientist who has been teaching and practicing 25 years. Along with experience in data and AI, he is a prolific speaker on AI, data strategy, and data storytelling. Prior to his role within academia, he spent 10 years in automotive manufacturing, specifically quality systems and process. Dr. Apigian has published over 30 papers in data and technology journals and is the recipient of the Nashville Post IT in Charge (2018–2024), the Nashville Technology Council Data Scientist of the Year (2020) and the Nashville Technology Council IT Community Leader of the Year (2018 and in 2023).
Zach Kinzler is Senior Solutions Engineer at BoodleBox.ai, where he has helped thousands of educators and students worldwide adopt AI for teaching and learning. He leads implementation and partnerships, supporting institutions as they build AI literacy and integrate secure, collaborative AI tools into classrooms. Zach also hosts the Smarter Campus Podcast, highlighting global voices on AI in education, and has spoken at conferences and universities across the U.S. and abroad on preparing students for an AI-powered future.