Dr. Joe Perez
Senior Systems Specialist / Team Leader at NC DHHS and Fractional CTO at CogniMind
Bridging the gap between technical data governance and inspirational storytelling through his 'Data Dance' framework.
Intro
I am Dr. Joe Perez, a Senior Systems Specialist at NC DHHS and Fractional CTO at CogniMind. With a career spanning over three decades—including 25 years at NC State—I have dedicated myself to the intersection of data, leadership, and innovation. I am deeply passionate about 'Igniting the Data Dance,' a philosophy that transforms raw numbers into narratives that drive business transformation. As a global keynote speaker and best-selling author, I strive to bridge the gap between technical craftsmanship and human-centric leadership. Whether I'm developing actionable data governance frameworks or speaking in one of the 20+ countries I've visited, my goal is to inspire excellence and provide the 'muscle' behind the 'flash' of modern analytics. I’m always looking to connect with fellow innovators and leaders to share breakthrough thinking and explore how we can elevate data from a technical obligation to a true leadership discipline.
Networking
What I can offer
- ›Keynote speaking and workshop facilitation
- ›Fractional CTO and strategic IT leadership
- ›Expertise in aligning data ethics with compliance
- ›Mentorship for the next generation of IT leaders
What I'm looking for
- ›Keynote speaking opportunities
- ›Podcast guest appearances
- ›Engagement with high-level data experts and industry innovators
Best fit for
Focus
Current interests
Core competencies
Background
Career
Spent 25 years as a Business Intelligence Specialist at NC State Graduate School before transitioning to leadership roles at NC DHHS, CogniMind, and the Digital Directors Network.
Education
Doctor of Theology in Education/Administration (Minor in Computer Science) from Freedom University; Master’s Degree in Education/Administration from Freedom Seminary.
Achievements
- ›Gartner Peer Community Ambassador of the Year (2023)
- ›IOT Industry Insights Thought Leader of the Year (2021)
- ›#1 Amazon Best-selling author of 'Igniting the Data Dance'
- ›Converted a $2,000 deficit into a $90,000 surplus at NC State in six months
- ›Spoken at conferences in more than 20 countries
Opinions
- Data visualization is the 'flash' (muscle movement), but data governance is the 'muscle' itself.
- The biggest barrier to success is a lack of vision rather than a lack of tools or talent.
- Data must be elevated from a technical obligation to a leadership discipline by balancing craftsmanship with humanity.
Personality
Communication style
Highly enthusiastic, inspirational, and metaphorical; uses storytelling and analogies to explain technical concepts.
Formality — 7/10
Vocabulary