Christopher Donnelly, MSBA '23
“The Stern brand and alumni network get you in the door; the knowledge and global experiences help you make a lasting impression once you are there; and the unique blend of deep technical skills and business application ensures you stand out as a leader who delivers results.”
Christopher Donnelly is the Head of Gen AI and Innovation at Security Benefit, where he leads a team of AI engineers, data scientists, and analysts focused on translating business challenges into technical solutions. His work centers on building predictive frameworks, automating processes, and augmenting the workforce with AI tools. With a background in analytics consulting and a strong focus on applied AI, he brings a practical, outcomes-driven approach to innovation and leadership.
He recently spoke with Stern about reaching a pivotal moment in his career, how the MSBAi program sharpened his technical depth and confidence, and how he is now leading applied AI innovation in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
Where were you in your career when you decided to pursue this MSBAi program? Why did you choose Stern over other avenues?
At the time, I was working as a Lead Analytics Consultant at CVS Health. I had a solid footing in the industry, but I was at a pivot point. I wanted to deepen my technical expertise, expand my network, and truly test my capabilities against the best in the field.
Coming out of the pandemic in 2022, I realized that standing out in a remote world meant being a “solutions and outcomes generator.” To differentiate myself, I knew I needed to sharpen my technical skills. I also wanted to legitimize my expertise with a graduate degree from a top-tier university.
As a New Yorker, I view NYU Stern as an iconic institution with a huge global brand. Beyond the prestige and the location, I chose this program because it is tailored for experienced business professionals. It allowed me to continue working full-time and apply what I learned immediately instead of stepping out of the workforce.
What was the biggest professional challenge you were facing before joining the MSBAi program, and how did the program help you solve it?
My biggest challenge was bridging the gap between descriptive and predictive analytics. I was proficient at identifying business problems and describing them with SQL or dashboards, but I lacked the advanced toolkit to solve them algorithmically. The program taught me data science and AI best practices, allowing me to move beyond reporting on problems and start building technical solutions to solve them.
What excites you about the field of analytics and artificial intelligence, and how do you see yourself contributing to the field? How will your experience at Stern help you make that contribution?
I view data as the lifeblood of any modern company. Today, analytics and AI are necessary to compete in almost any industry. What excites me most is the potential for workforce augmentation. I see AI as an opportunity to take the “drudgery out of the day by automating repetitive tasks so employees can focus on creativity and high-value outcomes. Stern helped me bridge the gap between theory and practice. I vividly remember taking an AI course during our module in Abu Dhabi right as GPT-3 was released. That experience made me feel ahead of the curve during a pivotal moment in tech history. The program gave me the toolkit to apply AI in business contexts and the confidence to recommend technical solutions to stakeholders.
You’ve said that you are “deeply committed to fostering collaborative environments where innovation and curiosity are encouraged.” How did Stern provide that environment?
The best products are never built in a vacuum—the magic happens when a team has the environment to constantly iterate. Stern fostered this perfectly, especially during our Capstone project. It taught me the true value of teamwork, where every member contributes to innovating and fine-tuning to deliver a superior result.
What has the immediate value-add of the program been on your career?
The immediate impact was the ability to get hands-on with my organization’s engineers and data scientists. The degree empowered me to dive straight into generating outcomes with AI, and I felt prepared rather than playing catch-up. I could embed myself in the build process of technical solutions rather than managing from the outside, and I gained a technical understanding of data science and AI algorithms deep enough to translate them effectively for business stakeholders. I can act as a “translator” between technical and business teams while also having the hands-on skills to function as a solutions builder.
Additionally, I was exposed to cutting-edge research early and learned from professors with deep business experience, which helped me establish myself as a leader who can navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
When seeking new opportunities, the value came from three places: the Stern alumni network, the technical depth I could demonstrate in interviews, and the credibility of an NYU Stern graduate degree.
What advice would you give someone considering this program but unsure whether it’s the right time?
It is never a bad idea to invest in yourself. As the workforce evolves, you should seriously consider any opportunity to learn and differentiate yourself. Beyond the professional edge, this program also provided me with a network of great friendships that I enjoy to this day.
What makes Stern MSBAi graduates uniquely prepared to lead in a data-driven world?
The Stern brand and alumni network get you in the door. The knowledge and global experiences help you make a lasting impression once you are there. Finally, the unique blend of deep technical skills and business application ensures you stand out as a leader who delivers results.
What three words would you use to describe your experience in the program?
Challenging. Enlightening. Fun.