Karen Odegaard Joins Loyola's Generative AI Advisory Panel to Drive Responsible Innovation

Karen Odegaard Joins Loyola's Generative AI Advisory Panel

Guidehouse’s commitment to AI leadership continues with the appointment of Karen Odegaard to a prestigious advisory role.

On October 21, 2025, Guidehouse, a leading global professional services firm focused on AI, announced that Karen Odegaard, its Global AI and Data Leader, has officially joined the Advisory Panel of Loyola University New Orleans' Generative AI for Value Creation Certificate Program. This panel is exclusive, consisting of professionals recognized for their exceptional achievements in advancing technology and innovation.

Mickie Giacomini, the Program Manager for Zschool, expressed enthusiasm about Odegaard's unique blend of strategic insight and technical expertise, which is expected to significantly shape the program's curriculum. "Karen’s leadership in responsible AI innovation is vital to empowering future leaders to effectively utilize generative AI for positive impact," Giacomini noted.

With over 20 years of experience in the tech industry, Karen Odegaard has held multiple senior leadership positions across various domains including AI, data platforms, and technology infrastructure. At Guidehouse, she champions the organization's AI strategy and is instrumental in guiding its service and workforce initiatives aimed at facilitating AI-led transformation in both commercial and public sectors. Throughout her career, she has initiated transformative projects that impacted sectors such as healthcare, financial services, and public services. Odegaard's passion for integrating emerging technologies to generate new opportunities has become a hallmark of her leadership journey.

Odegaard herself expressed her honor at being part of the Advisory Panel, emphasizing the importance of this collective in defining the responsible application of generative AI. She committed to supporting Loyola’s mission to equip the next generation of leaders not only with the skills required to maximize AI's capabilities but also to tackle the challenges associated with it.

About the Program

The Generative AI for Value Creation Certificate Program at Loyola is designed to benefit leaders by helping them differentiate between the tactical, strategic, and transformational uses of AI. It offers an integrative approach that combines hands-on applications with strategic incorporation and ethical implications of AI technology. The curriculum aims to foster collaboration and create actionable AI roadmaps that enhance business value in a rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Odegaard's new role on the Advisory Panel also reinforces Guidehouse's expanding influence in national and local AI initiatives. Recently, the firm participated in the White House Presidential AI Challenge, which commits $1.5 billion towards responsible innovation initiatives. Through this engagement, Guidehouse plans to enhance mentorship programs, internships, and educational resources focused on AI to nurture the upcoming generation of leaders, preparing them for a future dominated by AI technologies.

About Guidehouse

Guidehouse is a global professional services firm specializing in AI-driven advisory, technology, and managed services for commercial and government sectors. The firm employs a nuanced approach to business technology, aiming to enhance efficiency and resilience across various markets, including healthcare, financial services, energy, infrastructure, and national security. With around 18,000 professionals, Guidehouse is dedicated to creating substantial impacts and influencing a meaningful future.

For more information regarding Guidehouse and its initiatives, visit Guidehouse's website.

Media Contact:
Cecile Fradkin
Email: [email protected]

In summary, Karen Odegaard's appointment reflects both her personal commitment to responsible AI practices and Guidehouse's broader mission of fostering progressive leadership in technology.