Regional Coordinators
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Ron Legere
Canadian Regional Coordinator
Data management has been my focus throughout my career. My earlier DBA years taught me quickly that data was critical to all business processes. My “Data is an Asset” mantra came to me early, garnering me the title “the data guy” in many places I worked. I progressed from hands-on DBA roles to building out an enterprise information management department responsible for all of the DMBoK disciplines. I realized it did not matter what industry I worked in; the corporate data was central to where quality, accuracy, and business confidence were all paramount. I worked in many verticals, including utility, transportation, retail, government, and services. The last number of years has me as a hands-on enterprise information architect building corporate information models and integrating data discipline activities into business and IT processes. And, of course, all the while promoting data as the centre of the universe, using the DAMA DMBoK as an instruction guide.
Founding member and currently DAMA Calgary president and treasurer.

Mikitaka (Mick) Hayashi
Asian Pacific Regional Coordinator
Mikitaka (Mick) Hayashi, Chairman of DAMA Japan, Asian Pacific Regional Chapter Coordinator, CDMP Data Modeling Practitioner, ISO TC184 Member has 32-year experience of System Architecture and 22-year experience of Data Management in various industry. He is currently working in Oil & Gas industry and leading data-centric project execution.
He is chief translator of DMBOK 2 Japanese version (DAMA Data Management Excellence Award 2019) and a frequent speaker in EDW (2011, 2012, 2013 and 2017) and other conferences in Japan.
Chapter Affiliation: DAMA Japan

German Morante
LATAM Regional Coordinator
MBA, con especialización en Gestión de Tecnología e Ingeniero de Sistemas, experiencia en Dirección de Empresas de Consultoría y Servicios de TICs; reconocida trayectoria en la gestión integral de Proyectos de TICs, tomando como punto de partida la estrategia corporativa con el objetivo de Generar y Preservar Valor. Dominio de de las mejores prácticas en Gestión Empresarial y de TI como: DMBoK, TOGAF, PMP, COBIT, ITIL, ISO 9000, ISO 20000, ISO 27000, BS 25999, ValIT y RiskIT. Experiencia comprobada en la implementación de proyectos de Tecnologías de Información tales como:
TRANSFORMACIÓN DIGITAL, ARQUITECTURA EMPRESARIAL, ARQUITECTURA DE DATOS, GOBIERNO DE DATOS, BI, BA, SOA, BPM, SEGURIDAD y CONTINUIDAD.

Alexander Zhukov
European Regional Coordinator
With over 10 years of experience in IT and data management, I am currently the Data Governance Practice Lead at a global technology consulting and services company. My career spans key industries, including retail, financial services, insurance, and e-commerce, where I’ve led transformative projects in data governance, data quality, enterprise data architecture and data platforms.
Guided by the belief that “Data Management is a strategic business capability” I specialize in leveraging frameworks like the DAMA DMBoK and TOGAF to design and implement robust data management solutions that deliver measurable business value. My expertise has positioned me as a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies, driving impactful initiatives on a global scale. My portfolio includes number of strategic connections and partners, including major cloud providers.
As the Founder and President of DAMA Ukraine Kyiv chapter, I actively contribute to the global data management community, sharing my insights through conference presentations and industry thought leadership. I am a Certified Data Management Professional – Practitioner, further demonstrating my commitment to advancing the profession and promoting best practices in data management.

Terry Baresh, CBAP, IIBA-CBDA
USA East Regional Coordinator

Deron Hook
USA West Regional Coordinator
Deron Hook is a certified data management professional passionate about people, data, and formulating strategies that utilize both to their highest potential. He is currently the Director of Data Governance and Management at American Express and has experience creating foundational data governance programs at various companies in the financial services industry. In his current role, he is building the data governance team in the Global Merchant and Network Services business unit at American Express using foundational initiatives such as metadata management, data stewardship, and data quality management.
Deron is a recognized data leader, has served on various boards, including serving as the current President of DAMA-Phoenix, and was a Chief Data Officer (CDO) summer school graduate by Carruthers & Jackson. He received his MBA with a concentration in data analytics from Purdue University and is also a proud Brigham Young University graduate and Cougar sports fan. He and his wife have five children and live in Phoenix, Arizona.

Karim Elhelaly
Middle-East and African (MEA) Regional Coordinator
Karim Elhelaly is a seasoned Egyptian attorney specializing in Intellectual Property (IP) and Data Law. He has honed his skills in strategy design and governance programs, actively participating in the protection, commercialization, and enforcement of intellectual property across a wide array of industries.
As President of DAMA Egypt Chapter, Karim's focus on promoting data literacy and raising data awareness and availing educational platform to enhance the career path for data professionals and the data community.