Stephen A. Barry

Stephen “Steve” Barry is head of data and technology at Savant and works out of our Chicago Loop office, where he focuses on strengthening the firm’s technology and data foundations to support long-term growth and client experience.

As a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Cybersecurity Service Provider (CSSP), Steve leads initiatives that modernize platforms, improve data quality and governance, and apply artificial intelligence thoughtfully across the firm. His work centers on helping Savant scale responsibly while maintaining reliability, security, and strong fiduciary focus. By aligning technology with purpose, he helps support advisors and strives to enhance the client experience through improved decision-making tools and reliable systems.

With more than 30 years in the technology industry, Steve has built and led large-scale digital transformation efforts in highly regulated environments. Before joining Savant, he served as director of enterprise architecture for a global investment banking firm, where he helped transition fragmented legacy systems into modern, data-driven platforms designed for durability and trust.

Steve has led early adoption of generative AI in financial services, including hands-on work with early OpenAI models. He developed AI-driven M&A buyer and seller scoring systems, advanced cloud-first and platform engineering strategies, and established enterprise architecture, DevOps, and data governance practices. His leadership balances innovation with judgment, ensuring technology serves people, not products.

A recognized speaker and thought leader, Steve frequently speaks on artificial intelligence in financial services, data strategy and governance, digital transformation, and modernizing legacy technology. He has appeared as a speaker and panelist at events hosted by the University of Chicago Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies, ADSP, Microsoft WEKA Titans of AI, P33 Chicago Tech Week, and Informatica World.

Steve holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Iowa and a Master of Science (MS) in applied data science from the University of Chicago, where he also serves as a lecturer. He volunteers as a Boy Scout troop assistant and part-time leader and enjoys hiking, traveling with family, and winter sports, especially skiing.