Kemi Nelson

AI & Data Strategist

Dr. Kemi Nelson is a transformative data and AI executive, entrepreneur, and scholar of adaptive leadership in technology. In her current executive role, she leads enterprise data tooling innovation and AI-ready foundations that power underwriting, claims, risk intelligence, and customer experience across a $48B portfolio. Recently, her leadership delivered a 55% improvement in operational efficiency, modernization of 15+ platforms, and a measurable turnaround in enterprise data access, accelerating responsible, enterprise-wide AI adoption.

Blending growth strategy with deep technical expertise, Dr. Nelson drives outcomes through disciplined execution and transformative change leadership. She is committed to helping organizations fully and safely capitalize on the rapidly evolving age of AI to achieve sustainable growth and strategic advantage.

A nationally recognized voice in AI governance and enterprise data strategy, she has delivered insights at industry forums including FIMA Connect, Insurance Innovators USA, and AI4, shaping how organizations approach AI adoption, governance, and cultural transformation.

Experience

Kemi Nelson is a driven businesswoman with years of experience working as a data and analytics executive in corporate contexts. She lives in Texas, and most recently at USAA, worked as the Director of Strategy and Business Architecture for Property and Casualty insurance (P&C) after serving as a Data Decision Science Analytics Leader at the top Financial Services’ Bank. Kemi Nelson is a natural-born leader who is passionate about driving business growth. She has built a glowing reputation in her professional network and strives to inspire and elevate talent everywhere she goes.

Academically, Kemi Nelson commands cognitive prowess, a platform she uses to lead others to high performance. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, where she graduated with first-class honors and was the first female to graduate from the program Summa Cum Laude. She then attended the University of Texas for her Master in Electrical Engineering and obtained her Doctor of Strategic Leadership with Data in 2025. Kemi Nelson has also embraced other learning opportunities throughout her career, participating in multiple training courses to expand her skill set.

One of Kemi Nelson’s earlier roles was working as an Operations Analysis Manager for Capital One in Plano, Texas. She led a small team and was responsible for strategy, analytical financial data, and incentives. In her few short years with the company, Kemi Nelson worked to develop new programs and improve the team’s operations, increasing revenue and performance. This pattern has continued throughout her other professional roles. At GE Capital Americas, she earned multiple Above and Beyond awards and several certifications. She has consistently been recognized as a strong leader who drives results and helps her teams understand and interpret critical business data.

Kemi Nelson takes her role as a business leader very seriously. She values each team member as a whole person she has been entrusted with and strives to help teams maximize their talents and potential. Regardless of the context, she takes a loving approach coupled with exceptionally high expectations, helping her reports grow in their performance to reach shared goals. Kemi Nelson is a “champion raiser,” leading younger professionals and aspiring students to new heights through her extensive expertise.

Beyond her thriving professional career, Kemi Nelson also loves to spend time with her family and volunteer in the community. She has helped local schools as a financial advisor, volunteered for New Hearts of Texas retreats, and more. Additionally, she has founded her own college preparatory program called ChampRISER International. Through this organization, Kemi Nelson and her team help students and parents prepare for and go through the college admissions process, ensuring more students can reach their full potential by finding the perfect educational match.

Past Positions

Volunteer Work

Education

University of Ibadan |
BSc., Electrical & Electronic Engineering

The University of Texas at Arlington |
MSc., Electrical Engineering

Recent Blogs

Adaptive Leadership in Data Management

Why Data Science Education is Essential

Building a Successful Career in Data Analytics