September 13, 2019 in What's Your StORy?
What's Your StORy? Aaron Burciaga, CAP
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https://doi.org/10.1287/orms.2019.05.03
Name: Aaron Burciaga, CAP
Employer: Analytics2Go
Job Title: Chief Technology Officer
INFORMS member since 2008
Tell us a bit about how you got into the field.
I have always enjoyed approaching and solving problems in new or different ways. When serving as a young Marine Logistics Officer at Camp Lejeune, NC (2003-2007), I was told (and warned) about a degree in operations research that seemed to be, and has since been, a natural fit. I have been able to blend my education in engineering, political science, foreign languages, and operations research toward solving problems.
What has been your favorite INFORMS experience thus far?
My favorite experience is relived every year as I make it a goal to bring clients to the Business Analytics Conference for their first time while I embark with them to develop their analytics capabilities. It has been especially satisfying to see many of those clients return after their introductory experience and have even taken on larger, expanded roles at the conference and among INFORMS. I even look forward to seeing them on stage receiving INFORMS or Edelman awards soon!
How do you define “analytics”?
It is important to curate definitions for common terms in your own words. In a document I maintain, I have defined “analytics” as: a scientific examination of data to detect or develop meaningful patterns regarding something that has happened (descriptive analytics), that will happen (predictive analytics), or that should happen (prescriptive analytics).
You recently started a new job as CTO of Analytics2Go, can you tell us a bit about what you will be doing in this role?
I am a key member of the Executive Leadership Team as the trusted strategist and technology manager. I provide direct leadership over our Engineering, Product Design/Management, IT Infrastructure, Dev-Ops and Contact Center Technology teams. I am also responsible for managing the advanced environment of our systems, business applications and tools for internal, enterprise-customer, and consumer use. Working with the leadership team, I define and implement the technology strategies across our suite of services and products to ensure that the teams, technology, and systems are able to deliver on Analytics2Go’s promises.
Why did you become a CAP and how has it helped your career?
Being a CAP has helped me in countless ways. First, among the many, by preparing for the CAP and subscribing to its domains and JTAs, I embedded a disciplined and robust approach to the way I identify business opportunities and develop solutions with analytic methods—it has provided me and the teams I lead with a clear and proven method for business development, delivery, and differentiation.
What have you done to improve your data analytics knowledge in the past year?
I have made the commitment to complete writing a book by December 1, and in doing so, I have had to do considerable research to validate or further my ideas that will, hopefully, compose an interesting book liked not only by the publisher, but by many readers too!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Practice patience, be more peaceable, and write a letter of gratitude, daily.
What interest do you have outside of work that might surprise us?
All Marine and math stuff aside, I volunteer as a group leader and mentor to teens and children who have lost a family member in the Armed Forces. Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is a magnificent organization, and I encourage you to consider ways to participate in this or similar activities that honor our fallen heroes & those they have left behind (taps.org).
What recent project have you been involved in that you are proud of?
It has been an extreme honor and important service to have been appointed this past year to serve on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Technical Information Service (NTIS) Advisory Board as well as on the National Science Foundation’s Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT). Both groups are providing the country with outstanding steering to advance important business and education initiatives. I take these opportunities seriously as important ways to contribute toward ensuring national security and prosperity.
What does your typical weekend look like?
Every weekday starts at 4:30am with a 5-mile run followed by 90 minutes of weight training, which are critical to how I start my day and orient my mind each day. I am able to work from home 2-3 days a week, and travel either to the office or client sites the balance of days. I do all that is possible to reserve weekday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays for family, service, and church.
Who would win in a fight between Superman and Batman?
Kal-El, without question.
