CDOs Must Evangelize Data as a Standalone Discipline

Neeraj Koul, Chief Data Officer (CDO) at the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), speaks with Ranyah Salous, Director of Digital Solutions, Data and AI at Guidehouse, in a video interview about best practices for federal CDOs aiming to enhance their organizations’ data capabilities.

Drawing from his experience, Koul emphasizes the importance of advocating for data as a discipline, demonstrating value to stakeholders, streamlining access to data, and preparing the workforce for a data-driven future.

Advocate for data as a core discipline

According to Koul, one of the most critical responsibilities of a CDO is to establish data as a standalone discipline within the organization. He notes that at FRA, this was accomplished by restructuring to create the Office of Research, Data, and Innovation, which now serves as a central hub for data practitioners.

“As a CDO, you have to be an evangelist and make a case for data as a separate discipline within the organization,” Koul states.

This approach ensures that different FRA divisions—such as the Office of Safety and the Office of Railroad Development—can rely on data experts to solve mission-critical challenges.

Demonstrate value and address pain points

Koul stresses that CDOs must focus on identifying and solving real problems for their internal customers, embedding themselves in the workflow, and proving the value of data-driven solutions. “Once you show them value, by building efficiencies into their system and enabling them to do their jobs better, they will come on board.”

He outlines the following key actions for federal CDOs:

• Be innovative and proactive in solving pain points
• Develop a larger strategy for data use that aligns with mission objectives
• Embed data solutions into decision-making processes

Streamline data access and enable agile solutions

A common challenge within federal agencies is the bureaucratic hurdles that data professionals face when accessing critical datasets. Koul highlights the importance of establishing agile data processes and ensuring the right tools are available to users.

At FRA, this has meant leveraging GIS tools, Power BI, and Tableau to ensure data is accessible across mission areas. He provides an example of how FRA developed a financial dashboard that now allows the CFO to access and utilize data more effectively in decision-making.

“We ensure data is available in a manner that is useful, rather than just accessible,” he explains.

Build a data-ready workforce

Further, Koul underscores the need for preparing the workforce, not just data professionals but also end users and decision-makers, to effectively engage with data.

“We’re not at a stage where data is only used by data professionals. Our decision-makers will use data daily, and they need to understand its limitations.”

To achieve this, FRA has implemented workforce training initiatives, including:

• Basic tool training to ensure employees can navigate data platforms
• AI awareness sessions covering both opportunities and challenges
• Data literacy training focused on understanding normalized data versus raw counts to avoid misinterpretation

Secure a seat at the table in system development

Speaking of the role of a CDO, Koul emphasizes that data leaders must be involved in system design from the outset. He notes that business users often view data from their specific operational perspective rather than an enterprise-wide lens, which can create silos and inconsistencies.

“Make sure you are at the table when systems are being developed, so you can integrate data effectively and ensure quality from the beginning.”

To support this, FRA is working toward a common data architecture and embedding best practices into system development to align with federal regulations and standards.

Key takeaways for federal CDOs

Summarizing his insights, Koul highlights four essential takeaways for federal data leaders:

• Be an evangelist for data — Advocate for it as a distinct discipline
• Show value and solve real problems — Embed data into mission objectives
• Streamline access and implement the right tools — Make data actionable, not just available
• Build a data-ready workforce — Ensure decision-makers can use data effectively

For the full interview, watch the video below.