Gartner Expert

Meghan Hollis

Sr Principal Analyst

As an analyst, Meghan Hollis, Ph.D., provides expert guidance to clients on critical aspects of AI implementation. Her work focuses on developing and implementing AI security policies, AI ethics, data classification/preparation for AI, securing data and models throughout the AI lifecycle, establishing robust AI governance frameworks (with a strong emphasis on security and data integrity), and building collaborative partnerships between CDAOs and CISOs. Dr. Hollis is also dedicated to advancing AI literacy and helping organizations navigate and overcome common AI and data leadership challenges.

Previous experience

Meghan Hollis, Ph.D., leverages experience in AI and cybersecurity to provide crucial insights to clients on securing data for AI initiatives, managing and governing AI, and overcoming AI and data leadership challenges.

Dr. Hollis previously served as a CDAO in Texas state government, where she led data governance/management/analytics and AI governance programs. A key achievement involved partnering with the CISO to implement data classification and sensitivity labels, a foundational step for AI data security. She also supported the GRC team in the Information Security Office and developed metrics tracking dashboards to assist the Information Security Office with threat monitoring. She spearheaded the development and implementation of AI and data literacy programs across multiple agencies and contributed to statewide data literacy training initiatives with the Texas Department of Information Resources.

She was the first CDAO for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, building the data program from the ground up. Similarly, she was the inaugural CDAO for the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission where she introduced advanced data analytics to the review and evaluation of Texas state agencies. Her background includes roles as a Policy Research and Data Analyst at the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, developing analytical tools and reports for executive leadership and elected officials, and as an Analyst for the Texas Legislative Budget Board, where she created forecasting and simulation models for state budget development. Prior to her state service, Dr. Hollis was a university professor specializing in police organizational studies, predictive policing, and experimental criminology, at Michigan State University, Texas State University, and Tarleton State University further solidifying her analytical and research expertise.

Professional background

Michigan State University, Professor, 2 years

Northeastern University/NSCR, Research Associate, 7 years

Tarleton State University, Professor, 2 years

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, CDAO, 1 years

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, Policy Research and Data Analyst, 1 years

Texas Department of State Health Services, Manager, Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology, 1 years

Texas Legislative Budget Board, Analyst, 2 years

Texas State University, Professor, 2 years

Texas Sunset Advisory Commission, CDAO, 1 years

University of Massachusetts - Boston, Lecturer, 4 years

Areas of coverage
  • Analytics and Artificial Intelligence

  • Security of Applications and Data

  • Build and Optimize Cybersecurity Programs

  • Meet Daily Cybersecurity Needs

  • Build Trusted Data, Analytics and AI

Education

Ph.D. in Criminology and Justice Policy, Northeastern University

M.Sc. in Criminal Justice, Northeastern University

B.Sc. in Criminal Justice/Psychology, Troy University

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Top Issues That I Help Clients Address

01

Managing and governing AI through the cybersecurity and data leadership lens and development of AI security policies

02

AI Red Teaming

03

AI Security Governance

04

Navigating and overcoming common AI and data leadership challenges

05

Preparing and securing data for AI including data classification initiatives