Ilieva Ageenko

Education: Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence, Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv, Ukraine. Master’s in Cybernetics Economics from Moscow State University of Management

Courses Taught: Visual Analytics and Storytelling DSBA 5122, Data and Society DTSC 1301-1302

Biography:

Dr. Ilieva Ageenko is a strategic integrator and former global senior executive with over 30 years of experience leveraging data-driven technology for business growth and innovation. She has held senior executive management roles at Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Truist, and led the Model Risk Management Advisory Practice at Grant Thornton. In this role, she advised the world’s most prominent financial institutions, Chief Risk Officers, and Boards of Directors on macroeconomic risks impacting stress testing models.

Before joining UNC Charlotte in 2024, Dr. Ageenko was the Managing Director and Head of Audit Innovation at Truist. There, she spearheaded the extensive use of advanced analytics, machine learning, NLP, and visualization. She developed the Corporate Audit Services innovation strategy, leading to a significant cultural transformation and the strategic vision to “build assurance along the way with business innovation.”

Ilieva was a member of the Data Management and Data Analytics Executive Group at Truist and served as the Quant Council Leader for recruiting and talent development programs at Bank of America. Notably, she built the first commercial application of mobile banking and orchestrated its US market launch in a cross-industry partnership with Wachovia, AT&T and Verizon. Currently, Dr. Ageenko serves on nonprofits and industry boards including the board of the Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crimes (AMLFC) Institute.

Dr. Ageenko’s research interests encompass responsible AI with a particular focus on addressing and mitigating bias in AI systems, and the art of using data for storytelling a very valuable skill in today’s world of big data. She is a frequent speaker and thought leader on AI and Fintech integration risk.

In addition to her extensive leadership experience and expertise in business applications of data analytics, Dr. Ilieva Ageenko is actively involved in mentoring programs. She dedicates her time to mentoring young professionals, with a particular focus on supporting women in STEM. Her involvement in these programs will provide invaluable opportunities for UNC Charlotte students to benefit from her guidance and insights, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment that encourages the next generation of leaders in data analytics and technology.