Business Intelligence Strategy & Tableau Consulting
Turn complex data into clear, confident decisions.
Most organizations don’t need more dashboards.
They need clarity on what actually matters.
From Metrics to Meaning
Business Intelligence consulting for organizations that want better decisions, not just better dashboards.
Most dashboards fail for a simple reason: they aren’t built around how decisions actually get made.
The problem isn’t access to data. It’s turning data into intelligence.
I work with organizations to design reporting systems that cut through noise, focus attention on what matters, and support real decision-making at every level.
This includes defining meaningful metrics, structuring data systems, and building Tableau dashboards that are clear, usable, and aligned with how teams actually operate.
Strategic Impact Highlights
BI Strategy & Advisory
Most organizations already have data. Very few are using it well.
Most reporting fails because it answers available questions instead of important ones.
I work with organizations to define what actually matters, structure their data systems accordingly, and build reporting that leaders use—not ignore.
This includes:
focusing leadership on the metrics that actually drive decisions
structuring reporting systems for clarity and consistency
improving cross-functional visibility
supporting governance and long-term scalability
Tableau Consulting & Dashboard Development
I work exclusively in Tableau and focus on making it usable for real decision-making—not just reporting.
Dashboards should be intuitive, actionable, and aligned with how users think—not just technically correct.
This includes:
custom Tableau dashboards for executives and teams
redesigning existing dashboards for clarity and usability
improving adoption and day-to-day use
aligning backend data structures with user experience
Training & Team Enablement
I provide Tableau training that helps teams actually use data in decision-making.
This includes:
Tableau training for new and intermediate users
dashboard navigation and interpretation for business users
data visualization and dashboard design best practices
coaching teams to build more usable, decision-focused dashboards
improving internal confidence, adoption, and capability
Who I Work With
I work with organizations where data exists, but clarity is missing.
This includes:
leadership teams looking for real visibility into performance
organizations building or refining business intelligence systems
teams using Tableau who want to improve usability and adoption
institutions managing complex or fragmented data environments
I’m most effective in environments where data is complex, under-leveraged, or difficult to translate into clear action.
Why Work With Me
Why Work With Me
Most business intelligence work focuses on tools.
My work focuses on how data is actually used.
I’ve designed and supported reporting systems used by executive leadership in complex institutional environments, where clarity and usability directly impact decisions.
What differentiates my approach:
aligning data with how decisions actually get made
designing dashboards that are intuitive—not just functional
improving adoption across both technical and non-technical teams
translating complex data into clear, actionable insight
ensuring reporting supports communication—not just analysis
The goal is not more data.
The goal is better decisions.
Selected Dashboard Work
Examples of reporting systems designed for clarity, usability, and real-world decision-making.
Each dashboard is built to support decisions—not just display data.
Presidential KPI Dashboard
Real-time metrics for C-level leadership across academic and operational areas. Tracks 90+ KPIs requested by the President, spanning the university’s key functions.
Campaign Performance Dashboard
Supports advancement strategy by visualizing campaign progress, donor engagement, and giving trends. Used by VP for Advancement to guide fundraising efforts.
COVID-19 Campus Health Monitor
Pandemic-era tools used by public health and University leadership to guide policy.
Now supports ongoing monitoring of measles, mental health, STIs, and other illnesses.
Student Success Suite
Dashboards for retention, progression, outcomes, and academic equity.
Spans 19 schools and colleges across undergraduate and graduate programs.
Donor Intent Compliance Dashboard
Ensures accountable use of donor funds and highlights potential risks. Used by General Counsel and Advancement leadership to safeguard institutional trust.
About & Background
I bring a combination of business intelligence expertise, executive-level reporting experience, and practical experience building data systems that are actually used.
I’ve designed and supported reporting systems used by executive leadership in complex institutional environments.
Key Experience
- Lead Business Intelligence Analyst, University of Michigan
- Extensive experience supporting executive leadership and institutional decision-making
- Tableau Certified Associate
- Designer and developer of enterprise-level dashboards and reporting systems
Skills & Focus Area
- Tableau dashboard development and data visualization
- BI strategy and reporting architecture
- SQL and data transformation
- Executive reporting and KPI design
Speaking & Engagements
- Tableau Conference — twice a speaker on data visualization and strategy
- AIR Forum (Association for Institutional Research)
- HEDW (Higher Education Data Warehouse Conference)
- University guest lectures on business intelligence and dashboard design
Education
- MBA, Cornell University
- Master's of Public Health, University of Michigan
Beyond Data Systems
Effective reporting systems do not exist in isolation.
They are shaped by leadership decisions, communication patterns, and organizational structure.
In addition to business intelligence consulting, I work with organizations on leadership development, corporate culture, and relational power dynamics—helping teams improve how decisions are made across the organization.
Stakeholder Feedback
"...he demonstrated a strong ability to work in partnership with others; his commitment to the health of the campus community; an ability to use his specialized knowledge and talents to develop pragmatic solution to complicated issues; and his skill at building relationships to achieve shared goals. Matt continuously sought to understand the audience he was serving and used the knowledge to develop a comprehensive and effective solution that met the needs of all constituents.
Matt's professional experiences create a unique set of qualifications that would benefit any organization.
Sarah Daniels, Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Students
University of Michigan
The complexity and endlessly changing nature of this work cannot be overstated.... His professional style has been very effective, easily connecting with others while communicating clearly about feasibility of requests.
Dr. Robert Ernst, M.D.
Chief Health Officer
University of Michigan
Let's Build Better Data Systems
If your organization is looking to improve how data is structured, reported, and used for decision-making, I would welcome the opportunity to connect.