Timothy Persons

Tim Persons is the AI Leader for PwC's Next Generation Audit program, where he leads a team of experts and innovators in developing and delivering cutting-edge assurance solutions for clients across various sectors and industries. He helps clients navigate the complex and evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), data, algorithms, and other digital transformations, and provides them with the tools and insights they need to build and maintain trust with their customers and stakeholders in a rapidly changing world. He also works closely with boards, C-suite executives, and businesses to address the digital assurance challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow, using design thinking and a comprehensive understanding of the risks and benefits involved.

Dr. Persons has over 30 years of experience and leadership in digital transformation and services, such as AI/ML, data analytics, and cybersecurity, as well as a wide range of science and technology issues. He has a proven track record of innovation, strategy, and results-oriented execution in both the public and private sectors. Prior to joining PwC, he was the Chief Scientist and Managing Director of the Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics team at the U.S. Government Accountability Office, where he provided assurance for oversight mechanisms in critical areas to help build trust in public institutions. He also served in key cybersecurity positions at the National Security Agency and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. He is an accomplished innovator in the digital/cyber, quantum computing, AI, data science, and analytics fields. He is a trusted senior advisor to the Congress and has testified before various committees and round tables a dozen times.

Dr. Persons holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering and an MSc in Computer Science from Wake Forest University, and an MSc in Nuclear Physics from Emory University. He is a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration, a founding member of the U.S. AI Safety Institute Consortium, a Commissioner for the Flemming Awards, a board member for several universities and nonprofit organizations, and a participant in 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 U.S. Comptroller General Award (2020).