Karen Hilderbrand, Ph.D.

Industry SA Leader, Agriculture, AWS

Dr. Karen Hildebrand brings a unique blend of deep technical expertise and genuine agricultural passion to her role as Solutions Architect Leader for Agriculture Amazon Web Services. With a Doctorate in Information Systems and a fourth generation producer, she has dedicated her career to solving the world’s most pressing agricultural challenges through innovative cloud technologies and data science.

Karen’s journey into agriculture technology wasn’t just professional—it was personal. In an industry where technology can sometimes feel disconnected from the field, Karen represents the bridge between what’s possible and what’s practical—helping farmers and agricultural businesses harness the power of cloud computing, AI, and data analytics to build a more sustainable and productive future for agriculture. Her work spans from helping cooperatives modernize their SAP systems to partnering with industry leaders like The Morning Star Company and Netafim to revolutionize everything from tomato processing to precision irrigation. She understands that behind every data point is a farmer working to feed the world, and behind every technological advancement is an opportunity to grow.

Before joining AWS, Karen spent over a decade leading data science teams at companies like Texas Instruments, Digi-Key Corporation, and Target, where she honed her ability to translate complex analytics into actionable business intelligence. This experience taught her that the most powerful technology is the kind that people can actually use—a philosophy she brings to every agricultural partnership today.

What sets Karen apart is her commitment to the agricultural community beyond her day job. She’s been featured in Fast Company discussing how farmers use data and technology to meet global food demands, and she regularly speaks at conferences about the intersection of AI, big data, and modern farming practices. When Karen talks about agriculture, she speaks from a place of deep respect for the industry’s traditions while embracing its technological future. Whether she’s discussing precision agriculture with South Dakota corn and soybean producers or exploring vertical farming innovations that use 95% less water in Singapore, she brings both the analytical rigor of a data scientist and the practical wisdom of someone who truly understands agriculture’s critical role in our world.