Smithfield, RI – Industry leader and ValidDatum Founder and CEO Daryl (David) Crockett ’82 is the inaugural Grant Thornton Visiting Executive at Bryant as part of a new program scheduled to start October 10-12.

Consistent with the University’s commitment to academic excellence and education of the whole person, Crockett’s focus as Visiting Executive is on topical areas of interest in today’s business world.  With a broadly diverse and impressive background, Crockett’s expertise will benefit students in all disciplines, but particularly Data Science, Information Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Global Supply Chain majors. Topics of discussion will include data privacy and security, supply chain economics, and the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.

In the multi-day engagement at Bryant, Crockett will interact with students and faculty in a number of different ways, including lectures, classes, one-on-one mentoring, and meetings across the campus. Her keynote address is titled The Dawning of Data Privacy & Data Security – What This High-Stakes Game Means for U.S. Business.

Crockett founded ValidDatum – a data privacy, data migration and validation software and services company – after winning the Bryant New Venture Business Plan competition in 2013. She is an active Bryant alumna, lending her experience and expertise to multiple student competitions and other alumni engagement events.

A recognized leader in data, she also has a background as an innovative international consultant and C-level executive. Crockett’s wide array of industry experience includes the life sciences, software, government, media, financial services, and manufacturing fields. She is also the co-author of several software patents and has co-invented a number of software solutions.

“My Bryant education prepared me for a broad array of employment and entrepreneurial experiences,” Crockett says, “and I’m eager to bring that experience back to help a new generation of students prepare for their futures.”

“Daryl Crockett’s industry leadership and expertise bring invaluable insights to our students,” says College of Business Dean Madan Annavarjula, Ph.D. “The Visiting Executive’s participation at Bryant will further distinguish both Bryant University for its cutting-edge educational programs and Grant Thornton for its commitment to the development of Bryant students into successful leaders in the global marketplace.”

Grant Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton) is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world’s leading organizations of independent audit, tax, and advisory firms. The new Grant Thornton Visiting Executive Program at Bryant seeks to bring expert resources to campus to offer students the broadest possible exposure to the most contemporary and pressing issues in business today.

“Bryant University has always been a leader in educating young people for success in business, and Grant Thornton is dedicated to helping communities and people to grow, develop, and unlock their potential,” says P. James “Patrick” Brady III ’81, Chief Operating Officer of Grant Thornton. “We’re pleased to be able to facilitate the interaction between Daryl Crockett and Bryant students who can benefit so much from her expertise.”

Brady is also an active Bryant alumnus, and in addition to steering a successful Grant Thornton recruitment program on campus, is the benefactor of the Barbara and P. James Brady III ’81 Sophomore International Experience Scholarship. He is also the Chair of the College of Business Dean’s Council.