BGA Ignite Speaker Series

Iman Alodah is an experienced data scientist deeply devoted to extracting valuable insights from intricate datasets. Her educational background includes a master's degree in computer science from Purdue University West Lafayette, and she brings over five years of expertise to the realm of data science.

Over the course of her professional journey,she's played a pivotal role in leading and actively contributing to data-driven ventures spanning diverse industries, such as NLP research and healthcare. She's harnessed state-of-the-art technology and methodologies to steer strategic decision-making. Her approach to data science is underpinned by a steadfast commitment to ethical data practices, an unwavering dedication to ongoing learning, and a proficiency in simplifying data to provide actionable recommendations.

As the Chief Accounting Officer for Deloitte, Anissa reports to the Chief Financial Officer and oversees the Accounting and Compliance functions. Accounting focuses on excellence in financial stewardship, driving policy and providing accurate and reliable financial reporting across all the businesses. Compliance monitors financial risk, drives quality, and implements controls and performs internal audits to address regulatory compliance.

With more than 25 years of experience in public accounting, Anissa also served clients primarily in the manufacturing and consumer products industries. She has served in numerous client service roles, developing expertise in leading complex, multi-
national engagements. While leading these engagements, Anissa developed strong professional relationships with Audit Committees, CEOs, CFOs, and other members of senior finance and accounting management. She advised on complex GAAP and statutory accounting and reporting matters, and has assisted in numerous SEC filings; registration statements, including the issuance of comfort letters; and mergers and acquisitions.

In 2015, Anissa was selected to serve as a leader in Deloitte’s Audit Transformation group with a primary focus on being the business sponsor for a strategic innovation and transformation project to develop a next generation audit platform, Deloitte Omnia. This platform is now the enabling technology that was the catalyst to Deloitte’s execution of a data-driven audit, driving higher quality and value to its clients. In leading this project of approximately 150 individuals, consisting of Deloitte client service professionals, ITS, and an external software development firm, she further honed her skills in transformational thinking and leadership while expanding her Deloitte relationships across the U.S. and global firm.

Brian is the Founder and CEO of The Innovation Studio, a company that cultivates and accelerates innovation and builds successful, impactful, and valuable startups. He has over 30 years of experience in leading and growing technology-driven businesses, and has created and launched multiple companies, product, and services. He is a trusted advisor, board member, and mentor, leveraging his skills and knowledge in process improvement, consulting, and technology to support and empower other entrepreneurs, organizations, and communities. He has been recognized multiple times as a Nashville Power 100 business leader and a global top 100 thought leader.

Julia Polk is a serial entrepreneur and cofounder, with over four decades of experience launching, financing and scaling innovative healthcare and tech-enabled companies. Following her start as a Wall Street investment banker at Morgan Stanley, she now serves as Founder and Operating Advisor for her consulting firm New Value Creation, offering leadership teams, their investors and Boards of Directors actionable strategic and financial guidance to drive value in innovative, successful companies. Introduced by venture funds to accelerate operational discipline and scale into their portfolio companies, Polk cultivated a deep understanding of the intricacies of business operations, financial management, messaging, and strategic planning. Her commitment to ethical leadership, diversity, and sustainable business practices aligns seamlessly with the values and mission of the organizations she guides.

Beginning in 2015, Polk became cofounder of two cutting-edge biotech startups, Decode Health and IQuity Labs, specializing in AI healthcare analytics targeting the drug and diagnostic discovery ecosystem. At Decode, she has managed all aspects of the business over time, including negotiating partnerships with multinational companies such as Quest, BD, Genentech, and other collaborators in the R&D ecosystem.

Other Key Roles:

• CFO of Change Healthcare, 2009-2012, the first cost transparency-focused health tech company founded in 2009. Polk raised two rounds (Series B and C) of venture financing to support a transition to seasoned senior management who eventually sold the company for $135M.
• CFO of Corporate Family Solutions now part of Bright Horizons (NYSE-BFAM), 1988-1992, the leading international provider of onsite childcare for employers. Polk raised 2 rounds of capital and defined the business model that stood for 20+ years. The combined companies eventually went public at $220M.
• Launch Tennessee and Jumpstart Foundry, 2012-present, representing the Tennessee entrepreneurial ecosystem. Polk has mentored and advised over 100 early-stage founders in process of launching and financing their businesses across a variety of industries.

Board Service:
Polk currently serves on the following private and non-profit boards: Decode Health, Shep Digital Solutions and Launch Tennessee, a public-private partnership serving entrepreneurs across the state. She also is an advisor to Major Care, a virtual doula offering for postpartum care.

Personal:
A graduate in mathematics from Vanderbilt University, Polk is proud mother of two grown daughters, an avid traveler, evolving Francophile, and active amateur photographer perfecting her technique for shooting in black and white. She is passionate about expanding her understanding of sustainability and climate tech while continuing to spotlight innovators in FemTech in healthcare.

Dr. Berger is a communication strategist and on-air personality engaging with global and iconic companies, individual brands, celebrities, professional athletes, and award-winning entertainers. He has contributed to Forbes and Entrepreneur Mag for over a decade and hosts his podcast, HeadRoom with Dr. Rod Berger. 

Over the last 18 months, Dr. Berger has been to sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Sweden, Norway, Toronto, Miami, and Los Angeles, covering stories about innovators and change makers and gave his first TEDx Talk. He visited with the Pope and UN officials in Rome to discuss the global refugee crisis and spent time in Northwest Uganda reporting from the Imvepi Refugee Camp. Dr. Berger and his family are proud to have called BGA home for the past two years, and he currently serves on the BGA strategic planning team for Curriculum & Programs. 

This month, Dr. Berger received Pangea Education's inaugural International Prize for Literacy Award for his advocacy and editorial efforts to support literacy for young people around the world.