Our Team

  • Shanna Johnson, CEO

    Data-driven and results-oriented operations and technical executive with experience across multiple verticals, with both large enterprises and startups. Experience building and managing complex customer service, sales, engineering and logistics operations. Particularly effective scaling small teams and managing them to significant outcomes. Experience as full-time and fractional CEO, COO, and CTO for start-ups and turnarounds.

  • Matt Fouch, Chief Scientist

    Ph.D. geophysicist and former university professor with 25+ years of experience in project management, technical design, analysis, education, scientific computing, and government contracting. Highly effective leadership skills among diverse groups of scientists, engineers, marketing, finance, and CEOs. Success in leading multiple startups to exponential revenue growth. Experience as in-house subject matter expert and fractional CTO.

  • Rachel Kraft, COO

    Manages all complex client engagements for Samara Data, leveraging a team of talented project managers. As a start-up founder herself, she brings vast expertise implementing cross-functional projects and managing teams across organizations, industries and time zones.

  • Nicole Flynn, CMO

    Nicole E. Flynn, CMO

    Responsible for results-driven marketing and strategic business development programs across verticals. Proven track record growing profits in fast-paced, rapid-changing, high-expectation, entrepreneurial environments through maturity and IPO landscapes.

  • Erica Lengefeld, Sr. Program Analyst

    With a background in finance, office management, and client relations, Erica supports many Samara/Data clients and the back office. She helps facilitate and manage projects, assists with business operations, and provides proposal support.

  • Taranga Panditaratne, Sr. Project Manager

    Former Software Engineer turned Retail & Shopper Insights professional with 12+ years in consumer goods spanning eCommerce and Brick & Mortar. Proven record in storytelling through data, delivering actionable insights & shopper behavior, and data-driven merchandising for both online & in-store. Extensive experience in Data Structuring and Visualization to facilitate business decision-making.