Three years ago, I stepped into a newly created role as Director of Analytics within a higher education facilities organization. With only two team members—neither formally trained as business analysts—we began a journey of transformation. Since then, the team has evolved far beyond analytics, now encompassing a broad scope under the leadership of a newly established Senior Director of Data Management and Automation. In this session, I’ll take you along for the ride and share the story of how we went from a blank slate to a thriving, innovative operation.
This roundtable will explore how to build innovation from the ground up, even when starting with limited resources and institutional inertia. We’ll discuss how to identify internal talent, develop scalable processes, and shift the mindset from outsourcing to in-sourcing innovation. Attendees will be invited to share their own challenges and successes, making this a collaborative and practical session.
1) Recognize the potential for innovation within existing facilities teams, even when starting with limited resources or nontraditional skill sets.
2) Identify key strategies for building and scaling a multidisciplinary team that supports data management, automation, and technology integration in facilities operations.
3) Explore practical approaches to reduce dependency on external vendors by developing in-house capabilities and leveraging institutional knowledge.
4) Understand the leadership mindset and change management techniques needed to drive transformation in traditionally slow-moving environments.
5) Engage in peer discussion to share challenges and solutions, fostering a collaborative network of innovation-minded facilities professionals.
Jimmie Hardin is a seasoned higher education professional with nearly 15 years at Georgia Tech and over 18 years of experience in higher education. As Senior Director of Data Management and Automation, he leads a diverse team of GIS engineers, information system leads, business analysts, data analysts, and BI developers, driving innovation through AI, robotic and business process automation, and advanced analytics. His work supports strategic space utilization and operational efficiency across the Institute, with a strong focus on data-informed decision-making. Jimmie is passionate about leveraging technology to transform complex challenges into strategic opportunities.
A two-time graduate of Mississippi State University and a recent graduate of Georgia Tech, Jimmie holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Information Technology and Analytics. Outside of work, he is an avid soccer enthusiast and a founding member of Atlanta United. Although Jimmie and his wife have resided in Dallas TX since 2023, they never let go of their ATL UTD season tickets and remain passionate for the team, traveling all over the US to see away matches. He and his wife also actively support youth and women’s soccer academies around the world, reflecting their passion for community and global engagement.
Athens, GA | October 6-10, 2025
