Josh Kohr

Chief Data Officer People's Bank

As the Peoples Bancorp Chief Data Officer, I lead the enterprise data strategy for the bank, ensuring data is trusted, accessible, and actively used to drive informed decision-making across the organization. My focus is on delivering business value through modern data engineering, analytics, and the governance and operation of enterprise data platforms that support regulatory confidence, operational efficiency, and growth.

My leadership philosophy is grounded in data-driven decision-making founded on structured and repeatable processes, processes that are regularly questioned for both integrity and efficiency. Any deficiency in either is viewed as an opportunity for learning, growth, and organizational maturity. This philosophy shapes how my teams design, deliver, and continuously improve data capabilities across the enterprise.

My career spans more than 25 years in data, analytics, and leadership, including 18 years in financial services across four institutions. I have held progressively senior roles including Reporting Analyst, VP of Information Delivery Applications Programming, Senior Data Architect, Manager and Director of Data Services, and now Chief Data Officer. Throughout this journey, I have built and led teams responsible for data engineering, analytics delivery, platform architecture, application development, and data quality, grounded in Design for Six Sigma principles that emphasize discipline, consistency, and measurable outcomes.

My professional foundation was shaped early through hands-on work on a family farm and a unique first job measuring precipitation for the federal government, sparking an early appreciation for data accuracy and integrity. That foundation evolved through customer service, operations leadership, and enterprise data management, shaping a leadership style that values people, process, and purpose equally.

Outside of work, I live in Derby, Kansas with my wife Kristin and our children. I enjoy woodworking, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, and scuba diving holding a PADI Rescue Diver certification, and a goal of becoming a Dive Master, reflecting my passion for building, teaching, and helping others grow.