FI showroom red and grey logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Flock Invests in Data Science, IT

Hires focus on data-driven insights and innovation.

February 17, 2023
Flock Invests in Data Science, IT

Bowers

IMAGE: FLOCK Specialty Finance

2 min to read


Priestly

IMAGE: FLOCK Specialty Finance

FLOCK Specialty Finance announced a strategic investment in technology and human capital related to data-driven insights and innovation with two top-level hires.

"Our investment in an analytical platform is foundational to our commitment to provide best-in-class support to our customers and our investors. The FLOCK analytics platform enables operational efficiencies, improved insights, and opportunities for data-driven innovation. To support and implement this vision, we have made two new strategic hires," founder and CEO Michael Flock said.

Ad Loading...
  • Jennifer Priestley as chief data officer responsible for the data platform which supporting Flock's business processes, analytics and market insights. She will oversee automation of operational processes, as well as data security and cybersecurity protocols. Her background as a professor of statistics and data science at Kennesaw State University for almost 20 years and developer of the country's first doctorate program in data science has made her uniquely qualified to help FLOCK become a leader in translating data into information to drive value. Before her career in academia, Jennifer held positions with VISA EU in London, MasterCard International, and Accenture. She holds a bachelor's degree from Georgia Tech, an MBA from Pennsylvania State University, and a doctorate in Decision Sciences from Georgia State University. 

  • Will Bowers as senior data scientist. He has nearly a decade of experience in data science, and his background in data engineering, analytics and business intelligence will contribute to the development of data-driven solutions for underwriting, portfolio management, and internal FLOCK financial processes. He was senior manager of performance data and analytics with Credigy before joining FLOCK. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia.

"These strategic investments in our organization allow us to continue to drive value in the marketplace, bring deeper analytical insights, and enrich our customers' use of capital. FLOCK intends to become the nerve center of capital, data, and expertise for the middle market of debt buyers. Our enhanced investment in human capital and in technology is evidence of our strategy," Flock said.

Contact Jennifer at jpriestly@flockfinance.com, for information or questions related to Flock Specialty Finance's data platform.

Topics:F&I

More F&I

Man holding magnifying glass over sales volume paper.
F&IMay 29, 2026

Why Your F&I PVR Is Misleading You

Here’s a handy checklist of the numbers to track in 2026 instead.

Read More →
Photo of woman typing on a laptop as she sits on a couch
F&Iby Hannah MitchellMay 29, 2026

Auto Consumer Anxiety Presents Opportunity

A survey of U.S. drivers found the majority are concerned about finances and the economy, but those fears make many ready to buy vehicle-protection products.

Read More →
Dustin Gingerich standing on stage giving a presentation
F&Iby Lauren LawrenceMay 28, 2026

Humble and Hungry: 12 Rules for an F&I Life

Dustin Gingerich, with a decade in the F&I business under his belt, shares his thoughts on leadership, building trust with customers, and the importance of learning and innovation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of businessman's hands resting on files on a desk
F&Iby John TabarMay 27, 2026

Focus on the Opening

F&I managers must learn as much as possible about their customers, starting before they walk into their offices. The bulk of today’s consumers expect that, and good results will follow.

Read More →
Photo of a three-seat vehicle back seat
F&Iby Hannah MitchellMay 22, 2026

F&I Reaches for the Sky

The increasingly important profit center continued making gains in the first quarter, according to StoneEagle data, ancillary products proving more popular as consumers hold onto their buys longer.

Read More →
Cover image for a BOK Financial report titled “Timing the market: How avoiding volatility entirely can hurt long-term reinsurance program performance.” The image shows several road construction barricades with flashing amber warning lights lined up in a nighttime work zone. Beneath the image, red text explains that avoiding volatility can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long-term surplus growth. The BOK Financial logo appears at the bottom right.
SponsoredMay 8, 2026

Timing the Market Can Hurt Long-Term Program Performance

For dealer-owned reinsurance entities, avoiding volatility entirely can mean falling behind inflation and missing market rebounds that drive long term surplus growth. Missing just a handful of strong market days can materially impact cumulative returns—an important reminder for long horizon trust and investment strategies.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Ryan Ruff, The 90/10 Rule, Automotive Training Academy, Sales Series
F&IMay 6, 2026

The 90/10 Rule

In this video, Ryan Ruff explains the rule that elite sales professionals use to turn ordinary conversations into unforgettable customer experiences.

Read More →
Photo of essential oil diffuser on desk next to laptop
F&IMay 4, 2026

Your Office Is Talking

What’s the atmosphere saying about you to your customers? You can make minor adjustments and additions that transform your space into one that creates trust with the people on the other side of the desk.

Read More →
"Effective training ensures the customer’s needs remain at the heart of everything we do. When that is the focus, both sales and profits naturally improve." by Rick McCormick with F&I and Showroom logo and picture of Rick McCormick
F&IMay 1, 2026

F&I Training Fundamentals

How can auto dealerships help F&I managers fulfill their vital role in the most effective ways? Industry expert Rick McCormick shares his insights on the best ways to train these professionals and help them maintain good habits.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of car tire and the tread mark it left in snow
F&Iby Hannah MitchellApril 29, 2026

Not Just Any Tire Will Do

More consumers and businesses are opting for all-season options for various reasons as safety, sustainability and convenience push practical change.

Read More →