Flock Invests in Data Science, IT
Hires focus on data-driven insights and innovation.
Bowers
IMAGE: FLOCK Specialty Finance
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.
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.
More F&I
Integrating Nontraditional F&I Products
The niche presents a strategic advantage for auto dealerships as they move to adapt to fast-changing consumer expectations in today’s market.
Read More →
Trust Is Personal
Technology, no matter how efficient, can’t replace what the human F&I manager can do, which is to bridge the divide between cyberspace and the in-store experience.
Read More →
Amplify 2026 Billed as Turning Innovation Into Results
Reynolds and Reynolds says its annual retail summit will connect dealers with practical strategies, peer insight, and technology-driven ideas.
Read More →
Own Your Outcome: F&I in the Digital Customer Journey
Finance has historically been the last step in the car-buying process, but it doesn’t have to be. The customer’s journey starts long before they arrive at the dealership, and so should F&I’s involvement.
Read More →
Tariffs Could Raise Insurance Premiums
As U.S. import tariffs affect repair costs, consumers might find it more affordable to replace a damaged vehicle, according to recent Insurify tariff analysis.
Read More →
Smaller Loans, Longer Terms
The youngest generation of car buyers is more likely to finance less expensive vehicles, more than half of generation Z consumers borrowing less than $25,000.
Read More →
New Lifetime Battery F&I Product Meant to Drive Dealer Traffic
EFG Cos. offering is intended to create lifetime auto dealer engagement with customers.
Read More →
The Psychology Behind Menus That Increase Add-On Sales
There is a science to crafting a menu that gives customers confidence in the choices presented, and moving the process outside the F&I office can further boost results.
Read More →
Why Your F&I PVR Is Misleading You
Here’s a handy checklist of the numbers to track in 2026 instead.
Read More →
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 →