About

Former Governor Terry McAuliffe announced in April 2014 the first Virginia Open Data Portal and in September 2014, the first Virginia Datathon was held during the Commonwealth of Virginia Innovative Technology Symposium (COVITS) in Richmond, Virginia leveraging data in the Open Data Portal. The event was a first of its kind among state governments across the country. Teams from across the state were challenged to create applications using state data to promote efficiency and transparency within state government. The teams presented their projects to a panel of expert judges and conference attendees who voted for the best team. The spirit of the event prevails today with participants engaging in the sandbox provided and leveraging technology, exercising creativity, and wielding data to develop transformative solutions addressing complex problems. 

The event is now produced by the Virginia Office of Data Governance and Analytics and still leverages the Virginia Open Data Portal but powered by new technology. Event participants include state agencies, students, localities, non-profits, and private sector employees.

The event follows a simple formula: Anyone can join the event. In previous years, event participants have ranged from state agencies to high school and college students. We have even had private sector participation! 

Teams of 4-6 participants will be given Commonwealth data about the theme via the Virginia Open Data Portal. They then work for 1 week to create a solution based on the theme. The teams will present their solutions to a team of judges, who then grade the solutions based on the following criteria: 

• Impact (as it relates to the theme) 35% 
• Innovation 20% 
• Feasibility 20% 
• Completeness of Idea 15%
• Presentation 10% 

Prizes are awarded for the following: 

• 1st Place- $500 Amazon Gift Card Prize for each first place team participant
• 2nd Place-  $350 Amazon Gift Card Prize for each second place team participant
• 3rd Place-  $150 Amazon Gift Card Prize for each third place team participant
• People’s Choice­- $100 Amazon Gift Card Prize for each people's choice team participant- this will be limited to the top 10 solutions displayed at the in person portion of the event.

2025 Virginia Datathon Theme

In November of 2023, Governor Youngkin announced the I-64 Gap Widening Project, an endeavor that will widen I-64 to increase capacity and mobility, reduce congestion, and improve safety. Governor Youngkin recognizes the value behind investing in transportation, saying “Transportation drives commerce, economic growth and connects Virginians across the Commonwealth…Through continued investments in our local and regional communities, the I-64 Widening Project will help unlock the corridor to unify the Richmond and Hampton Roads regions and enhance job opportunities and economic prosperity.”

The 2025 Virginia Datathon aims to source the best and brightest minds across the Commonwealth to address ways to enhance transportation in Virginia. Participants in the event will use Commonwealth datasets to provide fresh, unique ideas to determine how they can create more efficient and safer roads. Overall, the goal is to figure out how to enhance Virginia’s transportation infrastructure in a way that will make Virginia the best place to work, live, and raise a family.

The theme, following the tradition of previous years, will remain open to encourage creativity and a variety of solutions from participants. Solutions can range from a variety of topics surrounding public transportation such as:

As suggested by the Commonwealth of Virginia Secretary of Transportation's Office:

• Public Transportation Challenges
• Multimodal Transportation Opportunities
• Supply Chain and Freight Transportation Opportunities

Other Solution Building Suggestions:

• Traffic Flow Analysis
• Alternative Transportation Options
• Urban planning and Zoning 
• Technology Solutions
• Infrastructure Maintenance

2025 Datathon Pre-Judges

Rose Lawhorne, Business Intelligence and Data Governance Manager, Department of Environmental Quality

Rose Lawhorne currently serves as the Business Intelligence and Data Governance Manager in the Office of Process Improvement and Data Applications at the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).  Prior to her role at DEQ, Rose spent six years at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and 18 years at the Department of Transportation (VDOT).  Rose has a passion for all things data and was instrumental in modernizing data collection, analysis and visualization, winning multiple awards for her work at both VDOT and DMV. As a past participant in the Commonwealth of Virginia Datathon, she looks forward to supporting the 2025 Datathon.  

Jasmeet Singh Bhatia, VP, Lead Decision Analyst, Truist

Jasmeet Singh Bhatia is a highly skilled Lead Decision Scientist works as VP at Truist. He has 15 years of industry experience in the Banking industry working on high impact global projects related to digital transformation. He brings unique experiences working on strategic initiatives leveraging technology and data to build innovative business solutions. He is an active advisor for multiple universities helping them build the curriculum for the future of  data science education in the US and holds memberships of acclaimed scholarly organizations (IEEE Senior Member, Sigma XI). He holds multiple patents and delivers talks at esteemed conferences attended by scholars . He has national acclaim as the Winner of Rising Star Award in Data Analytics and has judged for many international data science competitions. He also has participated in multiple Virginia Datathons and brings perspective as a previous participant to his role as a pre-judge this year. 

Michael Ulrey, Data Program Manager/ Business Integrated Solutions, Virginia Department of Transportation

Michael Ulrey is a Data Program Manager at the Virginia Department of Transportation. Michael helps his organization take a data-first approach to leverage data assets by applying sound business management and data management disciplines. He is skilled in spatial data management, data management, government procurement, analytical processes, systems analysis and thinking, program and project management, organization change management, enterprise architecture, and management consulting. Michael served in the US Army, where his practical application of data products began. His formal education includes an MBA from Virginia Commonwealth University and a BS in Environmental Geography from Austin Peay State University.

2025 Datathon Judges

Stephen Gatchell, Sr. Director of Data Advisory, BigID

Stephen Gatchell is a seasoned data strategy leader and Sr. Director of Data Advisory at BigID. With expertise in AI & data governance, strategy execution, and product innovation, Stephen has developed and influenced cutting-edge solutions for companies like EMC, Dell, and Bose. He holds a patent on Hierarchical Value-Based Governance Architecture and is a recognized thought leader, contributing to industry standards, innovation councils, and graduate-level education. Stephen's work has earned him multiple awards for excellence in governance and data strategy.

Sheryl Adams, Chief Executive Officer, Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC)

Sheryl Adams is Greater Richmond Transit Company's Chief Executive Officer, the regional agency providing public transportation services to Central Virginia. With over 25 years of experience as a transit industry veteran, Sheryl has a rich background on her ascension at the agency. Sheryl joined GRTC as its first Risk Manager in 1998. When Sheryl joined the agency, many safety procedures were non-existent, and she was charged with developing and implementing new programs for the agency. As a result of her hard work, she created new safety manuals for each of our bus routes, the first-ever training manuals, and a training program. Many of which are still in effect today at GRTC. Sheryl also worked in operations.

As a result of her determination and hard work, Sheryl quickly rose through the ranks and was promoted to Director of Risk Management shortly after joining the transit agency. In 2015, Sheryl was promoted to join the Senior Executive Team at GRTC as its Chief Operating Officer, overseeing all the operational components of the transit agency. Sheryl’s continued insight and understanding of operations added invaluable leadership to the agency, and in March 2020, Sheryl was then promoted to Chief of Staff for GRTC. As Chief of Staff, she served as an asset to two new emerging Chief Executive Officers with expertise in operational management. Sheryl served two stints as interim Chief Executive Officer for GRTC before accepting the role permanently in January 2023.

Sheryl is a member of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), Women in Transportation (WTS International), and Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO). She serves on the board for Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. She also serves on various regional transportation boards, including Richmond Regional Transportation Planning Organization (RRTPO) and Central Virginia Transportation Authority.

Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from William & Mary, where she studied Business. She holds an AIC certificate from the Insurance Institute of America.

Hari Sripathi, Director for the Office of Strategic Innovations, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)

Hari Sripathi, P.E. is the Director for the Office of Strategic Innovations at Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). His office leads transformative programs such as Data Science/AI/ML, Digital Twins, and also promote and champion innovation all across VDOT. He has 30+ years of Engineering, Traffic Management, and Technology experience. After working in private sector, he joined VDOT 25 years ago and had the opportunity to lead many programs in VDOT. He has a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering and he is a Registered Professional Engineer in Virginia.

Robert Osmond, Chief Information Officer, Virginia Information Technologies Agency

Datathon Speakers

Andrew Mondschien, PhD, AICP, Professor of Urban and Environmental Planning, University of Virginia School of Architecture and Associate Dean of Research 

Andrew Mondschein, PhD AICP, is an Associate Professor of Urban and Environmental Planning at the University of Virginia School of Architecture and Associate Dean of Research. He studies transportation systems and travel behavior, seeking to foster equitable, sustainable accessibility in cities and regions. His research addresses the rapidly changing terrain of transportation and information technologies, identifying means to assert social imperatives during a period of urban transformation. His research emphasizes the role of information and knowledge in fostering individual- and community-level capability and control over mobility. Andrew teaches a range of transportation courses, including “Introduction to Transportation Planning and Policy,” “Transportation and Land Use,” and “Transportation and the Environment,” as well as masters and PhD methods. He emphasizes bridging emerging methods with critical and instrumental thinking, and an ethical approach to urban planning.

Jasmeet Singh Bhatia, VP, Lead Decision Analyst, Truist

Jasmeet Singh Bhatia is a highly skilled Lead Decision Scientist works as VP at Truist. He has 15 years of industry experience in the Banking industry working on high impact global projects related to digital transformation. He brings unique experiences working on strategic initiatives leveraging technology and data to build innovative business solutions. He is an active advisor for multiple universities helping them build the curriculum for the future of  data science education in the US and holds memberships of acclaimed scholarly organizations (IEEE Senior Member, Sigma XI). He holds multiple patents and delivers talks at esteemed conferences attended by scholars . He has national acclaim as the Winner of Rising Star Award in Data Analytics and has judged for many international data science competitions. He also has participated in multiple Virginia Datathons and brings perspective as a previous participant to his role as a pre-judge and speaker this year.