David Pope
Head of Decision Science (AI & Data Science)
Hire their services
Request a quote with no obligation
About
Relentless innovator in thought and action.
AI & MACHINE LEARNING EXECUTIVE | STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGY LEADER
Entrepreneurial executive with 15+ years guiding AI, data science, and machine learning initiatives that transformed business outcomes across finance, insurance, and telecommunications. My approach combines technical depth with strategic vision to build high-performing global teams and translate complex data into compelling business narratives. Throughout my career, I've specialized in developing AI and predictive analytics solutions that deliver meaningful financial impact, resulting in sustainable growth, enhanced profitability, and operational efficiency.
CORE STRENGTHS
- Translating technical possibilities into strategic business advantages
- Pioneering practical applications of emerging AI technologies
- Building and mentoring diverse, high-performing analytics teams
- Bridging communication gaps between technical teams and executive leadership
- Architecting scalable cloud infrastructure solutions (AWS, Azure, Microsoft Fabric)
- Driving product innovation through data-informed decision making
TECHNICAL TOOLKIT
Agentic AI | Artificial Intelligence | AWS | Azure | H2O | JupyterLab | Keras | Knime | LightGBM | Machine Learning | Microsoft Fabric | Multivariate Statistics | PySpark | Python | SageMaker | Snowflake | SQL | Tableau | TensorFlow | Visual Studio Code
Experience
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Head of Decision Science
Fastlane Financial Solutions – Bayview Asset Management | Jul 2022 – Present
- Architected a corporate ML modeling strategy leveraging behavioral features, enhancing decision-making across all business units.
- Spearheaded integration of generative AI workflows, designing an MCP-based conversational assistant with RAG capabilities, boosting team productivity.
- Led development of a near real-time ML inferencing infrastructure, increasing customer targeting precision and driving 15% revenue growth.
- Directed modeling transition from AWS to Microsoft Fabric, improving agility and cost-efficiency.
- Forged cross-affiliate partnerships to integrate siloed data streams, enhancing model accuracy, speed to deployment, and business intelligence outputs.
GreenSky (Goldman Sachs) | Atlanta, GA | Apr 2019 – Jul 2022
- Built and scaled GreenSky’s first Data Science Center of Excellence, recruiting top talent and establishing best practices in AWS model deployment.
- Delivered $3.2M in annual recovery benefits through predictive Recovery Models; improved delinquency tracking with Roll Models generating $2.9M per 1% enhancement.
- Designed profitability forecasting and loan origination models that directly influenced executive decision-making and merchant partnerships.
- Pioneered a chatbot PoC to automate customer interactions, reducing agent workload and operational costs.
- Launched comprehensive model governance programs ensuring regulatory compliance and enterprise model integrity.
- Promoted rapidly from Director to Vice President based on strategic and technical leadership impact.
Infosys-McCamish & SunTrust | Atlanta, GA | Jun 2016 – Apr 2019
- Created a centralized, Python-based Data Science Center of Excellence, transitioning users from SAS and democratizing ML adoption.
- Developed high-impact models for banking (e.g., Customer Lifetime Value, Advisor Model) and insurance (e.g., Underwriting, Claims Forecasting, Churn Prediction).
- Introduced NLP-based solutions such as topic modeling (LDA) to replace unreliable manual call dispositioning processes.
- Mentored junior data scientists, strengthening client-facing technical capabilities.
Inteletix Corporation | Nov 2015 – Jun 2016
- Delivered advanced ML solutions across finance and insurance industries, including Light-GBM-based insurance up-sell models and automotive rental recommenders.
Windstream Communications | Jul 2014 – Oct 2015
- Led customer segmentation, churn prediction, and product recommender initiatives, supporting aggressive sales and retention goals.
- Built an enterprise-wide analytics platform and mentored cross-functional teams to scale data-driven marketing.
Integrative Logic (Luckie & Co. LLC Subsidiary) | Atlanta, GA | Aug 2012 – Apr 2014
- Elevated to Vice President, contributing to enterprise strategy and leading Data Science, BI, and Compliance efforts.
- Directed analytics for global brands, including pharmaceutical, telecom, and QSR clients.
- Launched award-winning digital and multichannel marketing strategies informed by predictive analytics.
Official Payments (formerly Tier Technologies) | Norcross, GA | Apr 2011 – Jun 2012
- Built enterprise BI ecosystems, revitalized KPI-driven culture, and modeled $500K+ in processor cost savings.
- Led customer segmentation and pricing optimization strategies.
Integrative Logic | Lawrenceville, GA | Aug 2010 – Feb 2011
- Orchestrated cross-channel marketing analytics programs integrating WebTrends, Google Analytics, and social media intelligence.
Inteletix Corporation | Buford, GA | Jun 1996 – Aug 2010
- Founded and scaled a 15-consultant analytics firm delivering advanced AI/BI solutions to Fortune 500 clients.
- Achievements included $42M annual savings through predictive churn models at BellSouth and design of proprietary marketing platforms.
Advance Technology Corporation | Atlanta, GA | Jul 1994 – Mar 1996
- Led development of DNA software for USWest, securing $5M contracts through telecommunications network analytics.
University of Georgia | Athens, GA | 1987 – 1994
- Directed genetic research on Interactions in host-parasite systems; secured grants; taught core Genetics curriculum.
Louisiana State University | Baton Rouge, LA | 1986 – 1987
- Conducted pioneering fungal pathogen research with strong emphasis on computational and statistical rigor.
Education
EDUCATION
- Ph.D. in Genetics | University of British Columbia
- M.S. in Genetics | University of British Columbia
- B.S. in Biology | North Carolina State University
