DAMA-MN News

A Message to Our DAMA-MN Community

April has been an extraordinary month for DAMA-MN.

Across events, partnerships, and community engagement, we are seeing something powerful take shape—a growing, connected network of data professionals who are not only advancing their own capabilities, but actively contributing to the future of the profession.

From student engagement to thought leadership and collaborative learning, this month reflects exactly what DAMA-MN strives to be: a community of practice grounded in real-world experience, shared learning, and professional growth.

To our members, partners, and colleagues—thank you for being part of this journey.

Chapter Momentum

The momentum within DAMA-MN continues to build in meaningful and measurable ways.

Recent chapter programs, community initiatives, and partnerships are reinforcing DAMA-MN’s role as a growing hub for data management professionals in Minnesota and beyond.

From student outreach and certification support to thought leadership and peer learning, the chapter is creating more ways for members and guests to connect, contribute, and grow.

Data Career Fair — A Resounding Success

On April 16, DAMA-MN co-hosted a Data Management Career Fair in partnership with the University of St. Thomas and the University of Minnesota, held on the St. Thomas campus.

More than 70 students registered to attend, with nearly 40 students participating in the morning event. The fair created valuable opportunities for students to connect directly with practitioners and organizations working across data governance, quality, architecture, analytics, and related disciplines.

This event marked an important milestone for the chapter—bringing emerging talent and experienced professionals together in one place, and reinforcing DAMA-MN’s commitment to helping shape the next generation of data leaders.

Career Fair Highlights

Scenes from the DAMA-MN Data Management Career Fair — April 16, 2026 at the University of St. Thomas

April Chapter Meeting Recap

Featuring Dr. Tom Redman — “The Data Doc”

We were honored to host Tom Redman, Ph.D. for our April chapter meeting, where nearly 50 attendees joined an engaging conversation centered on the critical role people play in data management.

Tom shared deep insights into a truth many organizations continue to rediscover: data problems are not simply technical problems. They are often rooted in people, leadership, accountability, and organizational alignment.

His perspective reinforced the importance of bringing together data, business, and leadership in ways that help organizations transform how they work with information and with each other.

Looking Ahead — May Chapter Meeting

May 20 | 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM

Our May chapter meeting will take a different and highly engaging format. Rather than a traditional presentation, we will host a facilitated small-group discussion session, bringing together data professionals and community members for focused conversations on topics that matter most to practitioners today.

We anticipate breakout groups forming around topics such as data governance, master data management, data cataloging, data quality and data profiling, and data readiness for AI.

This format creates a valuable space for peer-to-peer learning, shared experience, and community building. It reflects DAMA-MN’s continued evolution into a collaborative network where practitioners learn not only from speakers, but from one another.

CDMP Study Group

Our Spring CDMP Study Group cohort is nearing the end of its journey, with only two sessions remaining before the exam date.

We are especially grateful to Michelle McGovern for her leadership and dedication in guiding the study group and supporting our chapter’s mission to deliver meaningful value to our members.

We also plan to host another CDMP Study Group in the fall, continuing DAMA-MN’s commitment to professional development and certification support.

Your Voice, Your Impact — Volunteer With DAMA-MN

DAMA-MN is growing, and we’re seeking passionate members to help shape the chapter’s future, strengthen our programs, and expand our impact across Minnesota’s vibrant data community.

Volunteering is one of the most rewarding ways to deepen your professional network, develop leadership experience, and contribute to the advancement of data management in our region.

Open Board Position

• Director of Strategic Development — outreach to potential sponsors, partners, and co-collaborators including college and universities, software and product vendors, talent recruiters, and non-profit organizations.

Volunteer Opportunities

• Website Development & Digital Experience
• DAMA Days volunteers (we need many!)
• Communications (Newsletter & Social Media)
• Mentorship Program Developer
• Data Career Fair Support
• Strategic Relations Committee Member
• Member Services Committee Member

Whether you have a few hours a month or want to take on a leadership role, your contribution helps strengthen Minnesota’s data management community.

Interested in getting involved? president@dama-mn.org or info@dama-mn.org

DAMA Days 2026 — Save the Date

DAMA-MN is excited to announce DAMA Days 2026, a two-day data conference bringing together practitioners, leaders, and experts across the data management community.

📅 Tuesday, October 6 & Wednesday, October 7
📍 Shoreview, Minnesota

This two-day event will feature speakers and sessions covering a wide range of topics including data governance, data management, analytics, and more.

Day One will include hands-on workshops and a CDMP certification exam opportunity.
Day Two will feature a symposium-style conference with speakers presenting across a variety of data management disciplines.

We are currently seeking speakers to participate in this exciting event. Conference entry is free for selected speakers.

Coming Soon — Walk Around the DAMA Wheel

This summer, DAMA-MN will host a 12-week “Walk Around the DAMA Wheel”, a virtual learning series designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of each segment of the DAMA-DMBOK framework.

🗓 Mondays | 6:00–7:30 PM CT
📅 June 1 – August 24
📍 Virtual — attend any or all sessions

Each session will explore a specific area of the DAMA Wheel, helping attendees build a practical understanding of core data management disciplines and how they connect across the enterprise.

This series is ideal for students, new practitioners, those exploring unfamiliar subject areas, individuals preparing for a CDMP study group, or anyone looking to improve data literacy within their organization.

The program is open to everyone—no DAMA membership required. Additional details and registration information will be shared soon.

DAMA-DMBOK v3 — Get Involved

DAMA International is actively developing the next edition of the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK v3), a major update to the foundational guide used by data professionals around the world.

DAMA-MN members and the broader data community are invited to participate in listening sessions that may help influence the direction of the next edition.

Learn more at the DAMA-DMBOK v3 Project page or express interest by emailing dmbok@dama-mn.org.

New Member Benefit — DAMA-MN Job Board

We are pleased to offer a new members-only job board, connecting professionals with opportunities across data governance, data quality, architecture, analytics, AI, and related disciplines. View the member job board.

New Books from Technics Publishing

Technics Publishing continues to expand its outstanding library of data management, governance, and analytics titles. Here are several new releases we recommend for DAMA-MN members.

DAMA-MN members are eligible for a 5% discount on books from Technics Publishing .

Data Products Volume 1
Amy Raygada

The Confidence to Act
Karima Makrof

AI Risk Management for the Enterprise
Justin Ryan & Linda A. Kresl

The Data Catalyst³
Robert S. Seiner

April has demonstrated something important: DAMA-MN is not just hosting events—we are building a community.

Thank you for being part of this chapter and for helping strengthen the practice of data management in Minnesota and beyond.

Upcoming May Chapter Meeting

Join us on May 20 from 11:45 AM – 1:00 PM for a collaborative session featuring small-group discussions on timely data management topics.

New DAMA-MN Job Board

DAMA-MN members now have access to a dedicated data careers job board featuring opportunities in governance, quality, architecture, analytics, and more.

DAMA-MN Merch

Fueling data governance one cup at a time. Grab official DAMA-MN merchandise and show your support for Minnesota’s data community.

DAMA-DMBOK v3 Project

DAMA International is actively developing DMBOK v3. DAMA-MN members are invited to join listening forums and help influence the next edition.

Member Value Highlights

DAMA-Chicago Upcoming Events & CDMP Training

Our colleagues at DAMA-Chicago are hosting their next chapter meeting on May 20, featuring two speakers in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation.

DAMA-Chicago is also offering CDMP certification training for members, including six evening sessions covering key knowledge areas, followed by a proctored certification exam.

DAMA-MN members who are interested in participating in DAMA-Chicago events can request reciprocity access by contacting president@dama-mn.org .

For CDMP training inquiries, contact Frank Cerwin at frank.cerwin@damachicago.org .

Industry Events & Conferences

Upcoming conferences and learning opportunities across the data management and AI landscape.

Chapter Sponsors