Rikki L. Graham has built a career defined by her expertise in data governance, security and strategy, along with her ability to shape business practices through informed decision-making. As chief data and analytics officer for the Diocese of Raleigh, she oversees operations across Eastern North Carolina, guiding data governance, security and analytics initiatives that strengthen the organization’s mission. Her leadership reflects a consistent commitment to advancing data-driven solutions across both corporate and nonprofit sectors, demonstrating how information can be transformed into actionable insights that benefit organizations and communities.
Ms. Graham’s academic background has been central to her achievements. She earned a Master of Science in applied analytics from Columbia University, graduating magna cum laude. This education provided her with advanced skills in data analysis and strategic application, which have guided her professional trajectory. She also completed a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and business at William Peace University, graduating summa cum laude. The combination of technical knowledge and an understanding of human behavior has given her a distinctive perspective on how data can be used to strengthen organizations and serve people more effectively.
Building on these achievements, her professional development includes certification as RENXT by Blackbaud, affirming her expertise in nonprofit relationship management software. This credential complements her broader commitment to continuous learning and her drive to remain ahead of technological and methodological advances in her field. Recognition of her influence includes the Top 50 Data & Analytics Professional Award from OnConferences.
Ms. Graham’s tenure at the Diocese of Raleigh reflects steady advancement and increasing responsibility. She began as a data analyst, supporting decision-making and resource allocation. She later became director of data operations, leading efforts to streamline processes and implement systems that improved efficiency and reliability. These experiences prepared her for her elevation to chief data and analytics officer, a role that has allowed her to expand the organization’s digital infrastructure and strategic outlook.
Before her service with the diocese, Ms. Graham provided consulting expertise on data management strategies for diverse clients, helping organizations recognize the value of their information assets. She also contributed as a regulatory data consultant at Arysta Lifescience, ensuring compliance through effective management of complex datasets and support of regulatory submissions.
Ms. Graham’s earlier career highlights include her role as senior metadata quality assurance specialist at TiVo, where she maintained high standards for metadata accuracy across digital content platforms. She began her professional journey with Digital Smith in Durham, later acquired by TiVo, gaining early experience in video conversion, tagging and categorizing content. This formative period sparked her passion for working with data and laid the foundation for her career trajectory.
Extending her impact beyond core data operations, Ms. Graham has also been recognized for leading initiatives that blend her professional expertise with her commitment to service. Among these achievements was her leadership of the annual appeal campaign for the Diocese of Raleigh. By applying a rigorous data-driven strategy, she not only met but surpassed fundraising goals. The success of this campaign provided greater resources to assist those in need, underscoring her dedication to aligning data management with social impact.
Born in Portsmouth, Ms. Graham remains deeply connected to the idea of using data for social good. She envisions establishing a nonprofit organization dedicated to leveraging analytics to strengthen communities, furthering her mission to make data a tool for meaningful and lasting change.