BRG Adds Three Directors to AI & Decision Intelligence Practice to Help Clients Deploy “Intelligence That Works”

BRG today announced three new director appointments to the firm’s AI & Decision Intelligence practice. Shanteé Hope, David Nickelson, Psy.D. and Nikita Rajgopal have joined in Chicago, Washington, DC and New York, respectively.

The trio—whose arrivals follow the June appointment of Jason Gu, Ph.D., as a managing director—further deepens the firm’s capabilities in AI strategy, organizational transformation and governance. Their additions reflect the sustained global growth of BRG’s AI & Decision Intelligence practice and mounting demand for practical guidance on using AI in critical decisions, operations, transactions, disputes and regulatory environments.

“AI success requires more than powerful technology. It takes the right strategy, governance and execution,” said Peter Smith, head of BRG’s AI & Decision Intelligence practice. “Nikita, Shanteé and David further bolster our ability to help clients turn AI into a practical—and financially beneficial—business capability. Their combined experience advising executive teams, leading high-stakes technology transformations and assisting organizations in putting AI to work will strengthen the support we provide clients as they increasingly look to integrate AI across their operations.”

Hope brings experience across management consulting, retail and financial services. She leads organizations through AI-enabled transformations by redesigning operations, mobilizing teams and supporting strategic growth. She has guided executive teams on enterprise transformation, developed operating models and governance frameworks and assisted with a range of AI implementations. She holds a B.A. from Queens University of Charlotte.

Nickelson has spent over 20 years leading digital and AI transformations for health systems, health insurers and digital health companies, drawing on a background that combines clinical psychology, law and AI governance. Before joining BRG, he was principal of AI Strategy & Governance at Clarity Performance Solutions, where he advised healthcare and other regulated organizations on AI adoption, governance architecture and organizational change. He holds a B.A. in psychology and the humanities from the University of Minnesota, an M.S. and Psy.D. in clinical psychology from Widener University and a J.D. in corporate and constitutional law from Widener University Schools of Law.

Rajgopal guides organizations through complex business challenges by designing AI systems that support day‑to‑day operations and high‑stakes decisions. She has led generative AI‑powered transformations for Fortune 500 organizations across multiple industries; designed platforms that reduce costs, accelerate go‑to‑market timelines and improve decision quality; and advised C‑suite leaders on moving from fragmented AI experimentation to scalable, enterprise‑wide investment strategies. She holds a B.A. from Wesleyan University.

“AI implementations face mounting scrutiny from both business and government, underscoring the need for integrations that prioritize rigor, transparency and defensibility,” added Smith. “Our team brings together a diverse group of academics, industry leaders and applied analytics professionals to advise clients on the strategic value and material risks of AI, whether they operate in healthcare, construction, financial services or other complex industries. This group exemplifies what makes our growing team so special, and we couldn’t be more excited to have them on board.”