Meet Caroline H. Santos, new Director of AI Strategic Integration and Data Management in IITS
On June 2, Caroline H. Santos joins Concordia’s Instructional and Information Technology Services (IITS) as the inaugural Director of AI Strategic Integration and Data Management.
In this newly established role, she will serve as a key link in a larger collaborative drive across the university to better use artificial intelligence and data in planning and decision-making, supporting more efficient and effective operations through technology.
“This role reflects a growing opportunity,” says Philippe Delisle, Associate Vice-President of IITS and Chief Information Officer. “AI and data-driven strategies aren’t just about innovation, they’re about solving real challenges, optimizing resources, and building resilience for the future.”
Strategic integration with purpose
Reporting to Delisle, Santos will help to align emerging technologies with Concordia’s academic, research, and operational goals. But this is not a solo endeavour however. Delisle explains that her role is to foster vital connections within a broader, collaborative effort that spans the university.
Delisle emphasizes that innovation at Concordia is a collective effort, driven by contributors from across the institution. This includes individuals like Daniel Therrien, Associate Vice-President of Integrated Planning and Chief Data Officer, academic departments, research entities such as the Applied AI Institute (under the Office of Research), and the university’s five IT ecosystems.
“Santos will collaborate in close partnership with all the stakeholders across the university,” says Delisle. "She's a key piece in a broader puzzle that will help take ideas and concepts into real, implementable solutions that promotes ethical and responsible usage, builds institutional capacity and delivers measurable impact.”
A leader in data strategy and applied innovation
Santos brings over a decade of progressive experience in analytics, data governance, and strategic transformation, with a background spanning financial services, retail, and loyalty marketing. Most recently, she was Director of Regional Partnership Analytics at BMO, where she led national analytics initiatives, including the AIR MILES launch at Pharmasave. Her work establishing analytics teams and standardizing methodologies has driven commercial success and strategic clarity.
Her expertise includes predictive analytics, machine learning, natural language processing, and business process optimization. She is known for leading high-performing teams and developing data-driven tools that enhance decision-making and performance.
A proud Concordia alumna, Santos holds a B.A. in Actuarial Mathematics and Finance from Concordia and an M.Sc. in Business Intelligence from HEC Montréal. She is also a Certified Analytics Professional Expert (CAP-X) with INFORMS, reflecting both her technical depth and commitment to responsible AI.
“Returning to Concordia, a place that profoundly shaped my journey, I'm thrilled to lead Strategic AI Integration and Analytics,” says Santos.
Her goal? "To foster a collaborative environment where we empower our community, spark curiosity, and tap into my passion for translating data into innovative solutions that navigate today's challenges and build tomorrow's opportunities.”
"AI is not just about efficiency, it’s about amplifying our impact as a university and unlocking new possibilities for our community,” says Delisle. “This new role is a critical step in empowering us to innovate responsibly, and to define what safe, meaningful AI looks like at Concordia.
