Pilcher, who graduated with a BS in computer science in 1985, has extensive industry experience in government oversight, financial, construction and telecommunication industries both as a business owner and executive. As owner of a highway construction business employing 150 people, he was a recognized expert in three-dimensional roadway modeling and automated machine guidance using Global Positioning Satellite systems and has presented to various agencies including the Transportation Research Board. Pilcher served on two joint committees with NC-DOT representing road building contractors alongside the Carolinas Association of General Contractors. In his role as Chief Technology Officer and VP of Engineering for Pulse Communications, Gerhard directed the design of early digital subscriber line systems (internet over the telephone line) and was a member of the international forum defining the standards for DSL implementation. Prior to Pulse Communications he was Director of Operations for Bell Northern Research leading the design and delivery of hardware and software for large scale telephony switching and fiber optic systems. After what would be considered a very successful career by many, Pilcher went back to school and completed his Master’s Degree in NC State’s prestigious Institute for Advanced Analytics in 2011. Pilcher is currently the President and CEO of Edler Research, Inc. in Charlottesville, Virginia. Here, he leads data science consultants who are experienced in analytics solutions for predictive analytics, software usage analytics, fraud detection, insurance analytics, and text mining. He personally enjoys predictive analytics and data mining, especially related to the areas of Fraud Detection, Financial Risk Management, and Health Care outcomes using various analytical methods, working with people, leading change, and timely management of complex projects.Pilcher is co-author of the acclaimed book “Mining Your Own Business”, published in 2016, that helps executives understand how to manage data science within their organizations. He teaches at Georgetown University as an adjunct faculty member in the Math and Statistics Masters degree program. He also is an instructor for the three-day SAS Business Knowledge Series course "Data Mining: Principles and Best Practices" and has been invited to speak at conferences around the globe.Throughout his career, Pilcher has remained actively involved in his community and alma mater. He acts as a local board member of Rotary International chairing the Community Service Committee and is recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow, past President of the Greater Mount Airy Habit for Humanity, and a voting member of the ACM. Pilcher is also a past member of the Technology Committee for the Mount Airy City School System. Pilcher has managed to remain actively involved with N.C. State University as well. He gives both his time and resources in addition to serving as one of the founding members of the department’s Strategic Advisory Board. He currently serves on the Institute for Advanced Analytics Advisory Board and George Washington University Masters in Science in Business Analytics Advisory Board. In 2015, he and his wife Denise Carlisle (’89, B.S. Multidisciplinary Studies), established the Henry B. Rowe, Jr. Scholarship Endowment honoring his step-father, also an NC State alum (Class of 1941) and North Carolina business leader. Pilcher’s wife is a true, red-to-the-core Wolfpack fan and supports athletic scholarships through lifetime rights seats and Wolfpack club donations and involvement. Better cheer loudly and proudly if you’re in Section 22! His oldest son, Bryce, graduated with an MS-CSC degree in May of 2017.