Leadership in Technology Speaker Series: A Conversation with Lynn Good '81 and Rob Davis '89
March 18, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
Wilks Theater, Armstrong Student Center
550 E. Spring St. Oxford, OH 45056
Free Starbucks drink voucher for all attendees!
This event is only open to the campus community.
About This Session
The inaugural event of the Leadership in Technology Speaker Series is bringing two of Miami University’s most accomplished alumni back to campus to share their expertise and experiences at the forefront of technology.
Beena Sukumaran, Dinesh and ILA Paliwal Dean of the College of Engineering and Computing, welcomes Lynn Good ’81, chair and CEO of Duke Energy, and Rob Davis ’89, chairman and CEO of Merck & Co. Inc., to share their journeys, leadership insights, and advice for future changemakers.
Learn how their Miami experiences impacted their careers and informed their path to becoming a CEO, what it’s like to lead a complex organization, and how artificial intelligence is changing the business landscape in their respective industries.
The Leadership in Technology Speaker Series is presented by Duke Energy.
Security
For the safety of our guests, all attendees must present a Miami University identification to enter the theatre. No bags or coats will be permitted; a coat/bag check will be provided. No food or drink will be permitted in the theatre, refreshments will be served after the event.
Schedule
6:15 p.m. Arrival and security screening
6:30 p.m. Welcome/Introductions
6:40 p.m. Discussion with Lynn Good and Rob Davis facilitated by Dean Sukumaran
7:10 p.m. Q&A with students
7:30 p.m. Event concludes
The Speakers
Lynn J. Good '81
Chair and CEO of Duke Energy
Lynn Good is chair and chief executive officer of Duke Energy, one of America’s largest energy holding companies.
Before becoming CEO in 2013, Good served as Duke Energy’s chief financial officer and earlier led the company’s commercial energy businesses during its initial development of renewable energy projects. She began her utility career in 2003 with Cincinnati-based Cinergy, which merged with Duke Energy three years later. Prior to 2003, she was a partner at two international accounting firms, including a long career with Arthur Andersen.
Fortune magazine lists Good among the “Most Powerful Women in Business,” and Forbes magazine calls her one of “The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women.”
Good currently serves on the boards of directors for Boeing, the Edison Electric Institute, Foundation For The Carolinas, the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations, the World Association of Nuclear Operators, myFutureNC, and New York City Ballet. She also serves on the Charlotte Executive Leadership Council and Bechtler Museum of Modern Art Advisory Council. Good holds bachelor’s degrees in Systems Analysis and Accounting from Miami University. She and her husband, Brian, live in Charlotte.
Rob M. Davis '89
Chairman and CEO of Merck & Co. Inc.
Rob Davis is chairman and CEO of Merck & Co., Inc.
Rob joined Merck as CFO in 2014, with additional responsibility for real estate operations, corporate strategy and business development, and also served as executive vice president of global services.
Rob became president and CEO in 2021 and chairman of the board of directors in 2022.
Before joining Merck, Rob was corporate vice president and president of Baxter’s medical products business. Prior to Baxter, he held numerous positions of increasing responsibility for 14 years at Eli Lilly and Company.
Rob serves on the board of Duke Energy Corporation and is a member of the Northwestern Law Board. He is also a board member of Project HOPE, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering healthcare workers, and of Catalyst, a global nonprofit advocating for women’s corporate leadership.
About The Series
As a technology-driven world continues to evolve, engineering and computing students face unprecedented challenges in fields ranging from smart manufacturing and renewable energy to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. At the same time, they will need to navigate complex leadership demands in dynamic, globalized industries. By connecting CEC students with seasoned professionals and their first-hand experiences in these fields, CEC can help bridge a critical gap between academic theory and practical, real-world leadership.
The Leadership in Technology Speaker Series at Miami will bring distinguished Miami alumni and esteemed friends of the university to campus to share their experiences, challenges and future visions. These speakers will not only address important topics like practical leadership, technological advancements and emerging industry trends but will also inspire students with examples of perseverance, business ethics and innovation. By fostering these critical discussions, this speaker series will better prepare students to lead in their fields.
