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School of Data Science Welcomes Three New Advisory Board Members
The University of Virginia School of Data Science is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to its Advisory Board: Will Foshay, Sam Garofalo, and Don Vu. Each brings deep expertise across industry, data science, and leadership, further strengthening the School’s mission to advance responsible data science for the common good.
The School of Data Science Advisory Board is composed of leaders from across sectors who provide strategic guidance, industry insight, and partnership opportunities that support the School’s growth and impact. The addition of Foshay, Garofalo, and Vu reflects the School’s continued commitment to bridging academia and practice at the highest levels.
“We are thrilled to welcome Will, Sam, and Don to the Advisory Board,” said Interim Dean Jeffrey Blume. “Their collective experience across industries and their leadership in advancing data science and AI will be invaluable as we continue to grow the School’s impact and prepare the next generation of data science leaders.”
With the addition of these new members, the Advisory Board continues to expand its breadth of expertise, supporting the School’s strategic priorities in education, research, and external engagement.
Will Foshay
Since 2008, Will Foshay has been president of the Felton Group, LLC, a Charlottesville-based family investment office with over 20 early-stage investments in a variety of companies and fields. Foshay is also the executive director of the Quantitative Foundation, one of the largest and most generous grant-making foundations in Virginia. In this role, Foshay has been the primary liaison for transformative gifts to the University from the Foundation for data science and the University’s squash facilities and program. Prior to relocating back to the Charlottesville area many years ago, Foshay practiced anti-trust litigation in New York City. A native of Orange, Virginia, Foshay received his A.B. at Harvard University and went on to earn a J.D. from Emory University School of Law.
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Sam Garofalo
Sam Garofalo is a recognized leader in analytics and data strategy, with a strong track record of building high-performing teams and scalable data infrastructures. A proud double Hoo with a bachelor’s degree in statistics and a master’s degree in data science from the University of Virginia, she has spent nearly a decade leading analytics initiatives across the NBA and WNBA. Her work spans competition design, schedule optimization, replay and officiating innovation, and technology integration aimed at improving player health, game integrity, and fan engagement. Her work specifically focuses on leveraging data to inform organizational growth and innovation. Garofalo's expertise aligns closely with the School’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world application.
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Don Vu
Don Vu is a technology and data executive with more than 25 years of experience across industries including sports, media, financial services, and real estate. Most recently, he served as SVP and chief data and analytics officer at New York Life, where he led enterprise-wide AI transformation initiatives. Earlier in his career, Vu played a foundational role in building advanced analytics capabilities at MLB Advanced Media and BAMTech, contributing to the evolution of large-scale streaming and data platforms. He has also held leadership roles at Northwestern Mutual and WeWork and currently serves as an AI and data advisor at ICONIQ Growth. Vu is an alumnus of the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce and has previously served on advisory initiatives supporting data science and analytics at UVA.
