SDI Presence is strengthening its AI and data game with the appointment of Garrick Schermer as AI Data Strategy & Governance Lead. Schermer, a 25-year veteran of enterprise data architecture and analytics, will spearhead the consultancy’s efforts to guide clients through the messy but mission-critical world of data governance, cloud modernization, and AI readiness.
The move signals SDI’s intent to meet enterprises where they are: facing both opportunity and risk as AI adoption accelerates across industries from public safety to aviation and utilities.
“Garrick’s appointment strengthens our position as a trusted partner to organizations navigating the accelerating pace of AI and data transformation,” said Rusty Putzler, SDI CTO and COO.
The Role: AI With Guardrails
Schermer will oversee the planning and delivery of complex Data & AI engagements, ensuring that organizations align technical innovation with actual business outcomes. His mandate spans helping clients build maturity in AI, stand up scalable architectures, and adopt responsible practices that minimize risk.
“Data is only powerful when it’s governed responsibly and aligned with purpose,” Schermer said. “I’m excited to join a mission-driven team like SDI that understands both the technical complexity and human impact.”
Schermer’s background includes leadership roles at RSM US, Virtuous Software, and American Express, with certifications in Snowflake (SnowPro Core) and deep hands-on experience across Microsoft Azure, Databricks, Power BI, and Python.
Why It Matters
The timing of this appointment couldn’t be sharper. Enterprises are racing to operationalize generative AI and machine learning—but most lack the governance frameworks and data architecture needed to do it responsibly. Analyst firms have been warning of an AI “maturity gap,” where proof-of-concepts abound but enterprise-scale deployments stumble over compliance, security, or cost blowouts.
SDI is betting that practitioners like Schermer, who can translate governance and analytics into business outcomes, will be the differentiator.
Inside SDI’s Data & AI Playbook
SDI’s Data & AI practice emphasizes a “practical innovation” approach, with offerings spanning:
- AI Strategy & Enablement – Building AI roadmaps, from machine learning pilots to workflow-integrated generative AI.
- Enterprise Data Strategy – Designing cloud-native data platforms aligned with business objectives.
- Data Governance & Compliance – Frameworks to ensure data quality, security, and regulatory alignment.
- Analytics Modernization – Real-time dashboards, predictive analytics, and advanced BI.
- Cloud Platform Expertise – Deep skills across Azure, AWS, and Snowflake for secure, scalable deployments.
Notably, SDI has already delivered CJIS-compliant analytics for smarter policing and AI-based forecasting for clean energy grids, positioning itself as more than just another IT consultancy—it’s pitching itself as a partner that blends technical execution with industry fluency.
The Bigger Picture
As enterprises shift from AI hype to AI integration, consultancies that can bridge governance with innovation stand to capture growing demand. Schermer’s appointment suggests SDI is doubling down on being that bridge.
The challenge: scaling responsibly while rivals like Accenture, Deloitte, and PwC also invest heavily in AI advisory. SDI’s differentiator will be whether its mid-market agility plus domain expertise can outpace the giants.
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