Summary: Lata Garlapati has been promoted to vice president of data strategy and governance at the American Dental Association (ADA), where she will lead data governance initiatives and strategic advancements. Her extensive experience in data governance frameworks will help the ADA harness the full potential of its data.

  • Garlapati will lead the ADA’s data governance strategy, enhancing data-driven decision-making and organizational growth.
  • Her prior experience includes roles at Quest Diagnostics, PVH Corp., and Moody’s, where she developed strong data governance programs and frameworks.

The American Dental Association (ADA) announced Lata Garlapati’s promotion to vice president of data strategy and governance. In her new role, Garlapati will lead the data governance program for the ADA enterprise and ADA Forsyth. She will own, develop and facilitate the ADA’s data governance strategy and roadmap, ensuring robust engagement and monitoring progress and performance.

Focus on Data Governance

“Enhanced data governance is imperative to the ADA as it shapes and executes its future-forward strategies,” said Raymond Cohlmia, DDS, executive director of the ADA. “Lata will bring continued advancements to the organization in this role.”

Garlapati began her career at the ADA in June 2023 as the director of data governance. Her accomplishments include developing the ADA’s Data Governance Center of Excellence, creating a formal data governance framework, implementing a streamlined operating model, establishing foundational data principles, defining data governance standards, and rolling out enterprise-wide training for data governance and data principles.

“Great data starts with everyone,” said Garlapati. “I strongly believe data is one of the most valuable assets of an organization and should be treated as a strategic asset. I’m excited to keep building on a strong foundation and help the ADA harness the full potential of its data.”

Previous Experience and Expertise

Before joining the ADA, Garlapati served as enterprise data manager at Quest Diagnostics, where she developed a formal data governance program for the facility domain. At PVH Corp., she laid the groundwork for strong consumer data governance in North America as senior lead of data standardization and governance. As vice president of data governance at Moody’s, Garlapati was instrumental in building comprehensive data governance frameworks, conducting project reviews to ensure compliance, and managing regulatory reporting to meet global data quality standards.

Garlapati holds a postgraduate diploma in Planning and Management with a specialization in Finance and Marketing from The Indian Institute of Planning and Management. She earned her Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in Industrial and Production from KL University in India.