Chief Data and AI Officer

Kokosing•Westerville, OH

About The Position

Kokosing is seeking a results-driven Chief Data and AI Officer (CDAIO) to lead digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and data innovation across a growing construction organization. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a strategic advisor to executive leadership and the Board of Directors, the CDAIO will drive modernization initiatives that enhance operational performance, scalability, profitability, cybersecurity, and competitive advantage. This executive will lead the transformation of the organization into a digitally enabled, data-driven enterprise by aligning technology investments with business objectives and delivering measurable outcomes across field operations, corporate functions, and customer experience. The ideal candidate combines deep proven transformational leadership, technical expertise with exceptional business acumen, and experience scaling technology organizations within complex, multi-site operational environments.

Requirements

Proven success leading enterprise digital transformation initiatives with measurable business outcomes.
Demonstrated experience leading enterprise IT strategy, governance, cybersecurity, cloud modernization, and large-scale systems implementations.
Experience managing complex, multi-functional technology organizations in geographically dispersed environments.
Strong experience presenting technology strategy and investment recommendations to executive leadership and Boards of Directors.
Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related field required.
15+ years of progressive information technology leadership experience, including 10+ years in senior or executive leadership roles.
Deep expertise in AI/ML, enterprise data platforms, analytics, data governance, and business intelligence.
Strong knowledge of cloud platforms including AWS, Azure, and/or Google Cloud Platform.
Experience with enterprise architecture frameworks and scalable infrastructure design.
Knowledge of ERP, construction management platforms, field technologies, and enterprise integrations.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Data Science, or related discipline preferred.
CISSP, CISM, CRISC
Cloud certifications (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
AI, Data, or Cybersecurity certifications
Experience within the construction, engineering, infrastructure, or asset-intensive industries strongly preferred.
Proven track record leading technology integration during rapid growth, mergers, acquisitions, or multi-site expansion.
Demonstrated success implementing AI-enabled operational improvements and data-driven business strategies.

Responsibilities

Build, lead, and mentor high-performing teams across IT operations, cybersecurity, infrastructure, applications, data engineering, analytics, and AI functions.
Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
Lead organizational change management efforts that support enterprise transformation and technology adoption.
Develop succession planning and leadership development programs for critical roles.
Develop and execute a multi-year enterprise technology strategy aligned with organizational growth, operational excellence, and long-term business objectives.
Serve as the primary technology advisor to the CEO, executive leadership team, and Board of Directors on digital innovation, cybersecurity, AI, data strategy, and technology investments.
Translate complex technical concepts into clear business value, measurable ROI, and strategic outcomes.
Lead enterprise-wide modernization initiatives that improve productivity, collaboration, operational efficiency, and profitability.
Lead large-scale digital transformation initiatives across construction operations, field technology, enterprise systems, and corporate platforms.
Modernize legacy systems and drive adoption of cloud-native, scalable, and integrated technology ecosystems.
Partner with business leaders to identify and implement technology-enabled process improvements and automation opportunities.
Evaluate emerging technologies including Generative AI, machine learning, IoT, predictive analytics, robotics, and intelligent automation.
Develop and execute an enterprise-wide AI and data strategy that positions data as a strategic organizational asset.
Establish scalable data governance, architecture, analytics, and business intelligence capabilities that support informed decision-making at all levels of the organization.
Drive deployment of AI and machine learning solutions that improve forecasting, operational performance, risk management, workforce productivity, and project delivery outcomes.
Ensure ethical, secure, and compliant use of AI technologies and enterprise data assets.
Oversee enterprise applications including ERP, HRIS, CRM, project management, collaboration, and construction technology platforms.
Lead cloud strategy and infrastructure management across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
Ensure enterprise systems deliver high availability, scalability, reliability, performance, and security.
Drive adoption of modern engineering practices including Agile, DevOps, automation, and platform standardization.
Establish and continuously mature enterprise cybersecurity, IT governance, and risk management frameworks.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, cybersecurity standards, privacy regulations, and internal controls including NIST, SOC 2, CMMC, and related frameworks.
Oversee threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, disaster recovery, and business continuity programs.
Maintain accountability for the protection of organizational data, intellectual property, and critical infrastructure.
Develop and manage enterprise IT operating and capital budgets with strong fiscal discipline and ROI accountability.
Lead technology investment planning, vendor negotiations, strategic sourcing, and contract management.
Establish KPIs and performance metrics that measure technology effectiveness, operational impact, cybersecurity posture, and business value realization.
Optimize technology spend while supporting innovation and organizational scalability.