Leland Lockhart, PhD
About Leland Lockhart, PhD
Leland Lockhart, PhD, serves as the Executive Director of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Vista Equity Partners, where he has worked since 2023. He has extensive experience in data science and analytics, having held various roles in organizations such as Merck & Co., Inc., Experian, and Kasasa.
Current Role at Vista Equity Partners
Leland Lockhart serves as the Executive Director of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Vista Equity Partners. He has held this position since 2023, contributing to the firm's focus on integrating advanced AI technologies into its operations. His responsibilities include driving AI adoption across private equity-backed organizations to enhance customer and enterprise value.
Previous Experience at Vista Equity Partners
Prior to his current role, Lockhart worked at Vista Equity Partners as the Director of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from 2020 to 2023. He also served as the Director of Data Science from 2018 to 2020. During his tenure, he focused on custom machine learning model development and building MLOps infrastructure.
Professional Background
Lockhart has a diverse professional background in data science and analytics. He worked at Merck & Co., Inc. as a Graduate Associate in 2009 and at Experian's Clarity Services as Principal Scientist and Manager of Business Analytics from 2011 to 2013. He also held positions at Kasasa as a Data Scientist and Kershner Trading Group as a Senior Data Scientist.
Education and Expertise
Leland Lockhart earned a PhD in Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods from The University of Texas at Austin, where he also obtained an M.A. in Program Evaluation. He holds a B.S. in Psychology from the same institution. Additionally, he studied Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His educational background supports his deep understanding of data analytics and machine learning technologies.
Teaching and Leadership Roles
Lockhart has experience in education, having served as a Part-time Instructor in Data Science at General Assembly from 2017 to 2020. He also worked as a Teaching Assistant and Graduate Research Assistant at The University of Texas at Austin. His leadership roles in fintech and alternative data organizations highlight his ability to translate complex business challenges into actionable data strategies.