Sarah Konieczny
Summary
Enterprise AI Governance & Enablement leader within a Fortune 150 energy company (15,000+ employees). Lead cross-functional governance across Legal, Privacy, Security, and Data, and operationalize risk-based AI frameworks, workflows, and controls. Translate regulatory and technical risk into scalable governance systems and provide executive decision support on AI risk posture, adoption, and governance maturity, bridging governance and adoption to drive safe, scalable AI use across the enterprise.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior AI Governance Analyst
NRG Energy
09.2024 - Current
- Led governance and enablement for Microsoft 365 Copilot pilot and rollout, establishing risk controls, usage policies, and training strategies for enterprise deployment across existing data, privacy, and security frameworks
- Built and operationalized enterprise AI governance processes that defined intake, risk review, and deployment pathways for AI use cases across the organization, with cross-functional alignment across Legal, Privacy, Security, and Data
- Led development and operationalization of NRG’s AI Governance Framework, translating regulatory requirements and responsible AI principles into structured controls and governance mechanisms
- Designed and implemented governance workflows and tracking mechanisms to support consistent evaluation, documentation, and oversight of AI initiatives across the enterprise
- Provide executive reporting and decision support on AI risk posture, policy adherence, adoption trends, and governance maturity
- Design and implement adversarial testing and monitoring practices to identify and mitigate model risks, including bias, security vulnerabilities, and prompt failures
Product Management Analyst
NRG Energy
06.2022 - 09.2024
- Led cross-functional delivery of a high-impact data and analytics initiative, coordinating 8+ teams and delivering a solution nominated for NRG’s “Best Implementation of 2023” award
- Developed product roadmaps, use cases, and project charters that defined scope, priorities, and value delivery for enterprise data and AI initiatives
- Translated complex business needs into technical requirements and specifications, enabling effective execution across business, data, and engineering teams
- Provided stakeholder reporting and performance insights that supported decision-making and tracked progress against strategic objectives
- Leveraged data analysis and user feedback to identify process improvements and increase adoption of data-driven solutions
Real-Time Operations Dispatcher
NRG Energy
Buffalo, New York
11.2018 - 06.2022
- Managed real-time dispatch of distributed energy resources across North American energy markets, balancing supply, demand, and operational constraints in high-stakes environments
- Ensured compliance with contractual obligations and market requirements across multiple ISOs, including NYISO, PJM, ERCOT, CAISO, and ISO-NE
- Designed and implemented Excel-based automation tools that streamlined dispatch workflows, reduced manual effort, and improved operational efficiency
- Developed reporting and forecasting tools that enhanced visibility into system performance and supported faster, data-driven decision-making
Load Planner
C.H. Robinson
Plano, Texas
01.2018 - 08.2018
- Optimized freight routing and logistics planning to improve cost efficiency, capacity utilization, and service levels within a high-volume network
- Promoted to full-time role based on performance and operational impact
Education
Master of Information Systems Management - Business Intelligence
University of Arizona Global Campus
09-2023
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Psychology, Religious Studies and Theology
Canisius College
05-2015
Skills
AI Governance & Risk
AI Governance, Responsible AI, AI Risk Management, Compliance, NIST AI RMF
Enterprise Enablement & Strategy
AI Enablement, Change Management, Executive Communication
Program & Product Leadership
Cross-Functional Leadership, Program Management, Stakeholder Engagement
Affiliations
- Co-lead, Women in Power ERG, NRG Energy (2023 – Present)
Lead initiatives focused on professional development, mentorship, and engagement across the organization - Enterprise Champion Networks (Compliance, Privacy, Change), NRG Energy (2024 – Present)
Participate in cross-functional champion networks that support the adoption of governance, compliance, and change initiatives across the enterprise
Key Contributions
- Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption & Expansion
Led governance and enablement for Microsoft 365 Copilot Program, increasing pilot adoption from 73% to 96% and enabling expansion of enterprise licensing - Enterprise AI Governance Framework
Operationalized a risk-based AI governance framework that established enterprise standards for AI risk evaluation, control implementation, and ongoing oversight - Enterprise AI Governance Operating Model
Established standardized governance processes and workflows that defined how AI use cases are evaluated, approved, and deployed across the organization
Certification
- Generative AI Leader Certification — Google
- Six Sigma Black Belt in Information Technology — CSSC
- Advanced Leadership Development Program — White Cap Coaching
Timeline
Senior AI Governance Analyst
NRG Energy
09.2024 - Current
Product Management Analyst
NRG Energy
06.2022 - 09.2024
Real-Time Operations Dispatcher
NRG Energy
11.2018 - 06.2022
Load Planner
C.H. Robinson
01.2018 - 08.2018
Master of Information Systems Management - Business Intelligence
University of Arizona Global Campus
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Psychology, Religious Studies and Theology
Canisius College