Keynote Speaker & Data Strategist

Kiersten
Farmer

Data Strategist  |  Public Affairs Expert  |  Organizational Excellence Coach

Kiersten turns data anxiety into data confidence — equipping leaders with frameworks they can put to work the moment they leave the room. With nearly two decades of experience and a presence on national stages, she delivers content that sticks.

Data Governance AI & Data Culture Organizational Excellence Leadership
Kiersten Farmer
Turning the Data-Anxious into the Data-Confident
Building Data Cultures That Stick
Making AI & Data Governance Work for You
Identity Crisis in the AI Age

Topics Tailored to Your Audience

Kiersten customizes every session to your audience, goals, and context. Her presentations draw from deep expertise across data, governance, leadership, and organizational performance.

Data Literacy & Confidence

Turning the Data-Anxious into the Data-Confident

For non-technical leaders and teams who want to engage meaningfully with data — asking better questions, challenging weak assumptions, and making decisions with confidence.

  • Building data confidence at every level of an organization
  • Navigating dashboards, KPIs, and data-driven conversations
  • Translating data into action without requiring a technical background

Data Governance & Culture

Building Data Cultures That Stick

For organizations ready to move beyond compliance and build a culture where data is trusted, used, and owned at every level. Grounded in real-world implementation experience.

  • Designing governance frameworks that people actually follow
  • Creating accountability without creating bureaucracy
  • Sustaining data culture through leadership transitions and change

AI, Strategy & Organizational Excellence

Making AI & Data Governance Work for You

For leaders grappling with AI adoption, performance management, and the intersection of strategy and technology. Practical, grounded, and built for the realities of modern organizations.

  • Responsible AI adoption and governance in practice
  • Strategic planning powered by data and continuous improvement
  • Baldrige-based frameworks for performance excellence

Identity Crisis in the AI Age

Who Are We When Machines Can Do What We Do?

A thought-provoking session for professionals navigating the human side of AI — exploring what it means for identity, purpose, and value in a world where automation is redefining work and expertise.

  • Understanding how AI is reshaping professional identity and self-worth
  • Finding clarity and purpose in a rapidly shifting landscape
  • Leading teams through existential change with confidence and humanity

Leading Through Change

Bringing Your People Along on the Transformation Journey

For leaders navigating organizational change, digital transformation, and cultural shifts. Blends practical change management with data-driven decision-making to help teams move forward together — without leaving people behind.

  • Communicating change in ways that build trust, not resistance
  • Creating shared ownership of transformation across all levels
  • Using data to track progress, reduce uncertainty, and celebrate wins

Performance Excellence & Continuous Improvement

Measuring What Matters — and Acting on It

For organizations ready to move beyond tracking activity and start measuring impact. Grounded in Baldrige-based frameworks and real-world government performance management, this session gives leaders the tools to build a culture of continuous improvement.

  • Designing KPI frameworks that drive behavior, not just reporting
  • Using performance data to fuel strategic decisions and accountability
  • Building a continuous improvement mindset across teams and departments

Audiences Leave Ready to Lead

How awesome! So proud of you! I've never met someone so trusted and such an expert that they get to share so much knowledge all the time at these wonderful and important conferences!

— Robert Burgy

Right on point and much needed in these days of analysis paralysis.

— Albert Mesa

My brain is still digesting all the opportunities and risks of AI days after the conference... While I've been reading a lot on AI, hearing from my peers accelerated my learning! My favorite sessions featured local government leaders setting a solid data stewardship foundation through governance and data fluency efforts — Kiersten Farmer.

— Jesse Regala Paran

You are amazing! Knock 'em dead, Kiersten!

— Polly Walker
Kiersten Farmer speaking

Practitioner. Strategist. Speaker.

Kiersten Farmer is the founder of DataCivic LLC and a nationally recognized expert in data governance, organizational excellence, and leadership development. With nearly two decades of experience building data programs and performance management systems inside government, she understands the challenges leaders face — because she has lived them firsthand.

She holds master's degrees in Technology Entrepreneurship and Public Administration, and is a Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP). She serves on ICMA's Performance Management Advisory Committee and has volunteered as a performance examiner for the Southwest Alliance for Excellence.

Kiersten has been published in PA Times Online, GRC Outlook, and Icon Outlook, and has spoken at the ICMA Annual Conference, Enterprise Data World, Local Government Reimagined, Data Governance and Information Quality, and the American Society for Public Administrators Annual Conference, among others.

M.S. Technology Entrepreneurship M.P.A. Public Administration CBAP Certified Baldrige-Trained ICMA Advisory Committee Published Author Founder, DataCivic LLC Nearly 20 Years Experience

Past Talks & Events

Kiersten has taken the stage at national and international conferences across government, data, and leadership.

Conference

Blueprints of Tomorrow: Strategic Planning with Data Insights

ICMA Annual Conference · 2024

Conference

Connecting Through Data: Transforming Community Engagement

ICMA Annual Conference · 2024

Conference

Tech-Savvy Governance: Mastering Data in the Digital Era

Local Government Reimagined Conference · 2024

Conference

Finding Premierness: Henderson's Path to Excellence through the Baldrige Framework

Baldrige Institute · 2023

Conference

Data Strategy and Governance: The Journey Continues

Data Governance and Information Quality · San Diego, CA · 2023

Conference

Building Data Culture and Community

Enterprise Data World · 2023

Conference

The Processing Power of Data Consortiums

American Society for Public Administrators Annual Conference · 2023

Conference

Leader As Coach: Inspire Your Team to Exceed Expectations

ICMA Annual Conference · Columbus, OH · 2022

Conference

When Non-Data Professionals Inherit Data Stewardship

Data Governance and Information Quality · San Diego, CA · 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

What topics does Kiersten speak on?

Kiersten speaks on data literacy and confidence, data governance and culture, AI adoption and strategy, organizational excellence, identity in the AI age, continuous improvement, strategic planning, and leadership development. All sessions are customized to your audience and goals — submit an inquiry and she will propose the best fit for your event.

How do I book Kiersten for my conference or event?

Use the booking form below to submit your inquiry. Include your event date, audience type, and any relevant goals or context. Kiersten typically responds within 48 hours to discuss availability, topic fit, and logistics.

Does Kiersten tailor her presentations to specific audiences?

Yes — every session is tailored. Kiersten takes time to understand your audience, their challenges, and your conference goals before developing her talk. Whether your attendees are local government professionals, executives, or data teams, she adapts her content and framing accordingly.

What types of events is Kiersten available for?

Kiersten is available for keynotes, conference sessions, panels, workshops, executive retreats, and virtual events. She has spoken at national conferences across government, data governance, and leadership, and is comfortable with audiences ranging from small leadership teams to large conference halls.

Is Kiersten available for virtual or hybrid events?

Yes. Kiersten is experienced presenting both in-person and virtually and can deliver high-energy, engaging sessions in either format. Mention your format preference in your inquiry.

Book Kiersten for Your Event

Tell us about your event and we'll be in touch within 48 hours to discuss availability, topics, and fit.