Meet Sam Porras. Senior Director at Slalom.
Ohio Tech Summit Spotlight:
Sam Porras
Sam joined us on a short Q&A for the Ohio Tech Summit Spotlight Series to talk about the big transformation happening in healthcare through advancements in AI, and positioning Ohio’s strengths in retail.
Name: Sam Porras
Title: Senior Director
Company: Slalom
Hometown: Park Ridge, Illinois
Current City: Columbus, Ohio
About Slalom
Slalom is a business and technology consulting company that helps organizations solve complex challenges and achieve their goals through strategic advisory, technology implementation, and transformation services. The company focuses on areas such as data analytics, cloud computing, customer experience, and organizational effectiveness. Slalom partners with clients across various industries to deliver tailored, innovative solutions that drive growth and efficiency.
Role at Slalom
At Slalom, Sam's focus as Senior Director is to grow Slalom’s market footprint by establishing and nurturing strategic client partnerships, leading delivery on the largest and most complex projects, and leading Slalom’s market AI capabilities.
Q: What’s a trend in tech/innovation that you think more people should pay attention to?
There is a big transformation happening in healthcare through advancements in AI, telemedicine, and digital health solutions, especially following COVID-19. Innovations such as wearable health devices, remote patient monitoring, and AI-driven diagnostics are re-shaping access to healthcare and patient outcomes.
Q: What’s one “moonshot” idea that would help put Ohio on the map as a leading tech hub?
I like the idea of positioning Ohio’s strengths in retail, CPG, and Restaurants to develop a Next-Gen Retail and Culinary Innovation Hub. This initiative would focus on transforming Ohio into a center of excellence for retail technologies, sustainable CPG practices, and cutting-edge culinary innovations. One example could be developing a testbed for seamless integration of online and offline retail experiences, exploring technologies like omnichannel platforms, digital twins, and smart inventory management.
Q: Outside of work, what’s a favorite hobby or activity that you enjoy?
I love to travel with my family, fish, hike, and attend sporting events (Go Crew! Go Buckeyes!).
Q: If someone were visiting your city, what’s one can’t miss coffee shop or restaurant people should try?
(I recommend) The Avenue Steak Tavern in Grandview!
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Learn more about Sam’s work by connecting with him on LinkedIn.