DANBURY, Connecticut — The Ancell School of Business at Western Connecticut State University will host a panel discussion on the topic of “Analysis in Action: Using Data to Drive Decision-Making” at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in the Campus Center Ballroom on the university’s Westside campus, 43 Lake Ave. Extension in Danbury. Sponsored by Morrison Cohen, the event will bring together top industry leaders for an insightful discussion on how businesses — both large and small — can leverage AI analytics, and data integration to drive smarter decisions and real results. The event is free and the public is invited.
Attorney David Kozlowski, a Partner with Morrison Cohen, will moderate the discussion. “I’m thrilled to be a part of Analysis in Action, where we’ll highlight the power of WestConn’s alumni in harnessing data and technology to solve real-world business challenges,” Kozlowski said. “Whether you’re an entrepreneur or part of the C-suite, this event offers valuable insights that can elevate your decision-making and drive success.”
Panelists will include Michael Cohen, Global Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Plus Company; Dr. Jonathan Stark, Executive Director at the Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute; and Christine Pfeifer, Director of Global Application Operations Transformation Program and interim lead for Enablement at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals.
The discussion aims to provide an evening of expert insights, engaging conversation, and valuable takeaways to help attendees stay ahead in today’s data-driven world. Networking opportunities and refreshments will be available after the discussion. Register to attend at https://wcsutickets.regfox.com/ai-business.
About the participants:
David J. Kozlowski, Esq., Partner, Morrison Cohen LLP
David Kozlowski is a partner at Morrison Cohen LLP, a New York-based, full-service law firm. He helps businesses nationwide strengthen their operations to avoid financial distress and provides strategic, proactive solutions for companies facing challenges. With a focus on creative, commercial, and value-driven strategies, Kozlowski advises commercial landlords, private equity firms, and corporate officers and directors in navigating complex situations.
Morrison Cohen employs a multidisciplinary approach and an integrated legal services platform to distressed situations, ensuring proactive, effective solutions tailored to each client’s needs. The firm is known for its ability to provide sophisticated legal counsel with the efficiency and responsiveness of a boutique practice.
Before joining private practice, Kozlowski served as a Law Clerk to the Hon. John C. Ninfo, II, a federal bankruptcy judge. He earned his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law in 2006, where he was a member of the ABI Law Review, and holds a History degree from Western Connecticut State University.
Committed to mentoring future professionals, Dave returns to campus several times a year to work with students and moderate panels like this one. He lives in Stamford with his family.
Michael Cohen, Global Chief Data & Analytics Officer, Plus Company
Michael Cohen is a globally recognized leader in AI, data, and predictive computation. He specializes in transforming businesses with data-driven management systems. He is experienced at bringing consumer data technologies to market. At Plus, Cohen led the creation of AIOS, an Intelligent All-in-One System for Marketing, which generates a comprehensive view of the customer journey. AIOS enables returns on marketing investments with machine generated influential creative, precision measurement, granular allocation optimization, and seamless marketing activation.
Formerly a member of the marketing faculty at the NYU Stern School of Business, Cohen has published research at the intersection of marketing, computation, statistics, and economics. His publications apply predictive computation to new and traditional media strategies, social responsibility in marketing, food retailing, payment methods, antitrust, and consumer choice.
In his professional journey, Cohen successfully launched and managed AI and ML product businesses. His products advanced user safety, privacy, and legal compliance, uniquely enhancing customer relationship management, and improving marketing measurement.
Cohen is recognized for his contributions to explainable prediction, particularly in synthesizing data for AI training and inference, even when data is incomplete. His goal is to eliminate data gaps and enhance decision-making processes with AI. Cohen’s contributions appear in the LA Times, CFO, AdAge, Marketing Brew, MarTech, and several international publications. He’s spoken at The Nantucket Project, ANA Masters of Marketing and Marketing Brew Summit, public radio, top ranked business schools, and many other events.
Jonathan Stark, Ed.D., Executive Director, Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute (NMDSI)
Jonathan Stark serves as Executive Director for the Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute (NMDSI), a groundbreaking collaboration between Northwestern Mutual, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Marquette University that works to inspire and cultivate passion for data science through a unique partnership of academia and industry. The institute’s key focus areas – research, talent, and community – aim to solve important business and community challenges by harnessing the power of AI and data science for research and scientific discovery, preparing the next generation of data science professionals.
Stark joined Northwestern Mutual in 2022, bringing two decades of professional experience working in higher education. Most recently, he served as the inaugural chief administrative and operations officer for Columbia University’s Data Science Institute, assistant dean of graduate student and postdoctoral affairs, and student affairs officer for the university.
Stark holds a B.A. in Psychology from Western Connecticut State University, an M.A. in applied organizational psychology from Fairfield University, an M.A. in higher education from Teachers College of Columbia University, and an Ed.D. in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania. In 2024, he received the Macricostas School of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award.
When not in Milwaukee, he lives in New Rochelle, New York, with his husband Charles and four feline fur-babies. A talented musician, Stark performs regularly as a bassoonist, contrabassoonist, and clarinetist with community orchestras and music ensembles.
Christine Pfeifer, Director of Global Application Operations Transformation Program and interim lead for Enablement at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals
Christine Pfeifer leads the transformation of the Global Application Experience team, ensuring transparency and effective communication. Pfeifer mentors team members, conducts periodic health checks, orchestrates departmental strategy, and chairs the Strategic Service Board to evaluate service performance. She also oversees the Enablement team, focusing on demands, vendor/contract management, insights/compliance, and user experience.
Pfeifer joined Boehringer Ingelheim in 1996 as an intern and has held various positions within IT with a focus on end user support and experience as well as demand management. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems from Western Connecticut State University and her Master of Business Administration from Quinnipiac
University. She actively participates in transformation initiatives and strategic planning, providing valuable insights and leadership. Her extensive experience and strategic vision continue to contribute to the field of IT and transformation.
Pfeifer resides in Branford, Connecticut, with her husband, daughter and her dog Finny.
Western Connecticut State University changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.