AI, Analytics, and What’s Next: A Conversation with the 2026 INFORMS President

2026 INFORMS President Mark Lewis sits down with Kara Tucker, editor of OR/MS Today and Analytics magazines, to discuss his plan to lead with purpose.
00:00 Intro
00:35 Coming into your presidency year, what do you see as INFORMS’ greatest strengths?
01:42 How will INFORMS continue its financial recovery and growth during your presidency?
03:10 Tell us about your experience getting creating this community and serving as its president?
05:38 Can you share a few concrete initiatives you hope to launch (or continue) aimed at underrepresented members in O.R./analytics?
07:32 How do you envision concretely fostering stronger collaborations between academia and industry during your term?
09:34 How do you think you'll get some of those academics to attend INFORMS Analytics+ Conference?
10:56 What does “sense of community” mean specifically for INFORMS in 2026? And how might you reach members who are less connected to make them feel part of the INFORMS community?
13:09 How do you think INFORMS needs to evolve to stay relevant in the context of fast-moving analytics, AI and machine learning?
14:42 How does INFORMS tagline “Smarter Decisions for a Better World” resonate with you?
16:02 Do you remember when you first joined INFORMS?
17:56 How did you get where you are today, any mentors?
20:01 Who were the mentors or role models who most influenced your path in operations research – and what lessons from them still guide you today?
21:51 How do you stay grounded? Is there a daily routine or mindset that helps you manage it all?
23:01 What do you like to do for fun? What does a typical weekend look like for you?
24:24 What do you hope members will say about your presidency a few years from now – what kind of impact would feel most meaningful to you personally?

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