Senior Director of Digital Assets and AI

Summit Utilities Inc•Fayetteville, AR

73d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Director of Digital Assets & AI is responsible for leading the strategic integration of Summit’s data, geographic information systems (GIS), and asset information platforms. This role ensures the accuracy, efficiency, and operational reliability of data systems while advancing the organization’s capabilities in artificial intelligence and digital transformation. Overseeing GIS operations, asset data and drafting, data engineering, and AI strategy, the Senior Director of Digital Assets and AI align these functions with a focus on delivering high-quality, trusted data and intelligent systems that improve safety, reliability, and affordability. The leader will be responsible for developing a comprehensive enterprise data and artificial intelligence strategy, implementing a company-wide data catalog and governance framework, and leading a portfolio of AI projects that deliver measurable business value by modernizing and innovating how Summit team members complete work and capture, manage, and leverage data to make smarter, faster, more efficient, and increasingly autonomous decisions. Drawing from a deep experience in operational data management, GIS modernization, and practical AI adoption, this leader will serve as a change agent –combining a builder’s mindset with strategic vision and people-centered leadership grounded in Summit’s PEAKS values: Pioneering, Excellence, Agility, Kindness, and Safety. The Senior Director, Digital Assets & AI brings a strong balance of execution, innovation, and curiosity to create optimal solutions for our team members and deliver exceptional service to our customers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, GIS, Data Science, Computer Science, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
10+ years of experience in data, GIS, or digital transformation leadership roles; utility, energy, or infrastructure industry experience preferred.
Proven experience deploying AI, automation, and data modernization initiatives with measurable operational or financial outcomes.
Experience designing and implementing comprehensive data strategy and catalog, including governance and stewardship best practices.
Strong understanding of AI program management, including project lifecycle definition, value measurement, and change adoption.
Experience leading cross-functional technical and operational teams in complex environments.
Demonstrated success in process redesign, efficiency delivery, and change management.
Operational knowledge of GIS platforms (Esri) and asset data management workflows.
Expertise with data architecture, governance, integration, and data quality standards.
Experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, Oracle), data pipelines, and security by design.
Strong understanding of AI/ML lifecycle, MLOps, responsible AI principles, and practical business applications.
Excellent communication, storytelling, and influence skills across technical and executive audiences.
Financial and ROI-based decision-making capability; disciplined program and vendor management.

Responsibilities

Lead the enterprise vision for Digital Assets & AI, integrating GIS, asset data, and data engineering to improve reliability, affordability, and decision-making.
Develop and execute an enterprise data and AI strategy that defines how data and intelligence capabilities will support business outcomes, operational excellence, and innovation.
Establish and maintain a comprehensive enterprise data catalog and governance framework to improve data quality, accessibility, and alignment across business functions.
Direct asset data integration across ERP (SAP S/4HANA), GIS, and field systems to maintain a reliable source of truth.
Lead the architecture, performance, and governance of Summit’s data platforms and pipelines.
Provide data platform and governance leadership to support enterprise analytics delivered by business partners across the company.
Oversee the development of practical, business-aligned AI capabilities that drive efficiency, improve asset intelligence, and enable smarter, faster decision-making.
Drive modernization, automation, and artificial intelligence that enable digital field execution and infrastructure insights.
Recruit, develop, and lead teams across GIS, Asset Data, Data Engineering, and AI; cultivate a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, and business leaders to align priorities, outcomes, and funding roadmaps.
Communicate progress, risks, and value realization to executive stakeholders; manage budgets and vendor relationships effectively.