AI FOR BUSINESS 2026

Sree Hari Devineni is a seasoned technology leader and Principal Enterprise Architect with over 25 years of progressive experience in digital transformation, architecture, and AI strategy across highly regulated finance and healthcare industries.

At Cone Health, he serves as a servant leader and Chief AI Strategist, leading the establishment of AI Center of Excellence (AI-CoE) to advance responsible and scalable adoption of AI.

His work focuses on incubating high-value AI initiatives, enabling robust technology platforms, governance frameworks, and operationalizing AI and generative AI across clinical and operational workflows. These efforts help enhance patient outcomes, improve operational efficiency, and enable data driven decision making while aligning with Cone Health’s strategic roadmap in a secure, collaborative, and scalable manner. He also ensures that innovation is implemented with strong governance and adherence to regulatory and compliance requirements.

Sree is deeply passionate about advancing responsible AI and guiding healthcare organizations from early experimentation to enterprise scale implementation. His approach is grounded in industry standards, AI governance principles, and maturity models that enable sustainable, Value driven, secure, and trustworthy AI adoption.

Daniel Englebretson is a technical founder and AI advocate focused on empowering individuals, teams, and organizations through human-AI collaboration. He recently launched Elynox, a neuro-symbolic AI company, and teaches AI at Wake Forest University, Elon University, and on LinkedIn Learning. With over a decade of experience leading digital transformation and change management initiatives, Daniel has received numerous awards, including ‘2023 AI Strategist of the Year.’ He is also involved in various advisory roles, promoting equal opportunity and AI literacy. Daniel holds an MBA from Elon University, where he developed a passion for AI’s transformative potential.

Dr. Anita McCoy is an AI consultant, educator, and technology strategist with more than 30 years of experience across technology and higher education. She is the founder of SmartShift Ai, where she helps small businesses, educators, and professionals adopt AI in practical, empowering ways. A higher education instructor as well as a consultant, she is known for translating complex technology into clear, accessible strategies that support learning, innovation, and growth. Through speaking, training, and consulting, Dr. McCoy helps audiences build confidence in using AI for meaningful, real-world impact.

Dr. Sherine Obare became UNCG’s Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement in 2024 after serving as dean of the UNCG NC A&T Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering. A distinguished nano scientist and fellow of the American Chemical Society, she has received numerous accolades, including the NC Biotechnology Center’s Academic Development Excellence Award and recognition as a Triad Business Journal Triad Power Player. Under her leadership, UNCG established ICONS, a defense-focused nanotechnology research lab, and Joint School’s Institute for Research Technologies, an award-winning institute fostering university-industry partnerships. Her research spans environmental contaminant detection, nanoscale materials for healthcare and energy, and the study of nanomaterial toxicity. Obare previously held leadership roles at Western Michigan University and earned her Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of South Carolina.

With a career in software development spanning over two decades, Heath Webster serves as VP of Software Development for Greensboro-based Xtern Software. Heath received his BS in Information Systems and Operation Management from UNCG. 

Xtern Software works primarily with business-to-business manufacturers, but has broadened its scope in recent years, to work with customers in higher education, nonprofits, and local government. The company is also highly involved in the local Greensboro community.

Outside of work, Heath enjoys spending time with his wife, two teen daughters, and his cavachon, Louie. 

I’m Sam White, owner of Guidance Grove Research. At heart, I’m a blend of art and science. My first passion was flavor chemistry. In high school, I became fascinated by how food worked, which led me to major in Food Science. But what truly hooked me wasn’t just the chemistry. It was listening to customers; their stories, preferences, and the emotional “why” behind their choices.

That curiosity eventually pulled me into market research. Guidance Grove began almost accidentally, when a colleague asked me to run surveys and analytics for a personal project. Word spread, and soon I was supporting more founders and teams than my 9–5 could hold. Many were turned away by large firms for being “too small,” but I saw something different: a real need for enterprise-level insight without enterprise-level barriers.

Today, I lead Guidance Grove using the A.I.M. Framework™—a system proven to get businesses 50% more revenue and 30% faster lead conversions. My mission is straightforward: close the gap between insight and action so businesses can move forward with clarity and confidence.

Outside of work, I’m part of a lively household of six (plus a cat and a dog). I’m a sci-fi reader, a singer, and an unapologetic nerd. Think of me as your superhero-loving strategist, turning curiosity into clarity, and insight into momentum.