Title: Vice President of Data
Company: Plooto
Location: Denver, Colorado, United States
Steve Collins, MBA, vice president of data at Plooto, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in financial technology.
Mr. Collins has established a successful career in financial technology, specializing in data analytics, statistical analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Since 2024, he has served as vice president of data at Plooto, a platform offering accounts payable and receivable solutions for small and medium-sized businesses in Canada and the U.S. In this role, he leads the development of a new data platform and expands the data team to include expertise in engineering, business intelligence, and data science. His initiatives include creating machine-learning models, such as a customer churn model, to enhance marketing strategies and drive product improvements.
Mr. Collins’ also includes leadership positions in data and analytics, including head of data and analytic product at Convera from 2023 to 2024 and NYDIG from 2020 to 2022, as well as vice president and head of data science at NYDIG from 2018 to 2020. His earlier roles include principal data scientist and senior consultant at AArete from 2016 t0 2018 and graduate research assistant at the University of Illinois Chicago from 2014 to 2016. His military background includes serving as senior director of advanced analytics for the U.S. Army’s 244th Digital Liaison Detachment from 2013 to 2014, analytics director for Special Operations Team Bravo in the Third Special Forces Group from 2011 to 2012, and senior counter-terrorism analyst at the National Security Agency from 2005 to 2009. He also served as principal data analyst and assistant team leader for Special Operations Team Alpha in the Third Special Forces Group. Additionally, he is a member of the World Future Society and Chicago Innovation Exchange and mentors through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago and the National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps and has served as a consultant for nonprofit organizations and an advisory board member for a local AI startup.
Mr. Collins laid a solid educational foundation, earning a Bachelor of Arts in intelligence studies from American Military University in 2012 and three master’s degrees from the University of Illinois Chicago, including a Master of Business Administration in technology entrepreneurship and international business, a Master of Science in management information systems in 2016, and a Master of Science in business analytics in 2017. He also participated in study abroad programs at Fundação Getulio Vargas and École de Management Normandie Business School. His academic accolades include induction into high honors societies such as Pi Gamma Mu, The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Golden Key International Honour Society. Additionally, he completed certifications in artificial intelligence, data strategy, and advanced analytics, including training from LinkedIn’s AI Academy, Vanderbilt University, Microsoft, IBM, and DeepLearning.AI. He has also pursued professional development in negotiation, design thinking, and Python and SQL programming.
In light of his impressive undertakings, Mr. Collins has been honored with the Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. He also holds the Parachutist Badge and the Joint Service Achievement Medal. Looking to the future, he envisions advancing his consulting practice, focusing on making machine learning and AI technologies accessible to small businesses, and aims to leverage his entrepreneurial education to bring academic innovations to the market and help businesses achieve transformative growth. He also aspires to become a chief data officer or chief information officer while potentially pursuing a PhD to deepen his expertise. His ultimate goal is to help organizations harness cutting-edge technologies to unlock their potential.
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