Dr. Tim Mark Persons

Dr. Tim Persons is a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC), where he leads the development of innovative assurance solutions for its clients in artificial intelligence/machine learning, data, algorithms, and other digital transformations to best help them build and maintain trust with their customers and stakeholders. His remit involves addressing sector-specific digital assurance problems of today and tomorrow in coordination with stakeholders, policymakers, and oversight bodies – all based on design thinking and the development of a proper understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and risks.

Currently, Tim is working with clients in various sectors to respond to evolving statutory, regulatory, and/or policy expectations in Artificial Intelligence – including governance, innovation, risk and controls, and assurance. In this work, Tim draws on his broad range and depth of experience helping clients identify and respond to the inherent risks presented by strategic business decisions, transformative changes in operations, new forms of reporting to internal or external stakeholders, or reputational and regulatory pressures -- all the elements companies are dealing with as they consider the risks and opportunities that AI is creating.

Tim brings a 30-year proven track record of leadership in innovation, strategy, and results-oriented execution in digital transformation and services (i.e., AI/ML, data analytics, cybersecurity) and myriad science and technology issues. Previously, Tim was Chief Scientist at the US Government Accountability Office in Washington, DC at the Managing Director for its science, technology, and digital team where he focused on providing assurance for oversight mechanisms in critical areas to help build trust in our institutions. He also held key posts with the National Security Agency and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. During his career in public service, Tim gained a unique perspective and established relationships and credibility inside many of the US government agencies and external constituencies in the digital/cyber, quantum computing, AI, data science, and analytics industries. As a trusted senior advisor to the Congress, Tim testified before various committees and round tables a dozen times.

Tim holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering and an MSc in Computer Science from Wake Forest University as well as an MSc in Nuclear Physics from Emory University. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, a commissioner for the Flemming Awards, a member of the board for universities and nonprofit organizations and serves on various Councils and Committees of multiple U.S. National Academies. He has received several national awards for his outstanding achievements in science and technology, such as the Arthur S. Flemming award (2012), a Fed100 Award (2020), and a Comptroller General Award (2020).