INFORMS Open Forum

We are saddened to share that Aaron Burciaga passed away this past weekend.

Aaron was a long-time and deeply engaged member of the INFORMS community, contributing in many roles over the years, including leadership with the Analytics+ Conference, the CAP program, the Analytics Society, Analytics for Good, and MAPD. More importantly, he was a colleague, mentor, and friend to many.

His impact extended beyond his professional roles. He invested in people and supported others in meaningful ways, often without recognition.

We would like to create a space for the community to remember him.

If you have a story, reflection, or memory you would be willing to share-whether personal or professional-please add it here. We hope to gather these reflections to honor Aaron's life and ensure his impact is remembered.

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Joseph Cazier, Ph.D and CAP-X
Clinical Professor, Information Systems
Assoc. Director, Center for AI and Data Analytics
Arizona State University
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I'm just seeing this terrible news. I knew Aaron a bit from my time at SAS and his time in the US Marine Corps, which overlapped. Unfortunately I didn't know him terribly well, but I knew him well enough to see that he was highly intelligent, well-trained in several areas, and most of all, a genuinely kind person. The world is markedly poorer for his absence. Condolences to his family and to all who knew him.

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Edward Hughes
Retired Product Manager
None--retired
Raleigh NC
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I am devastated to hear this news. 

Aaron was a force of nature who I got to know over the years through INFORMS. He was a dynamic and bold leader who I deeply respected. He was generous to our community and made us stronger.

My favorite memories with Aaron come from the 2023 Analytics Meeting. That year, he was the General Chair and I was INFORMS President. Throughout the conference we attended many of the same receptions and gatherings, and I developed a deeper appreciation for his vision for analytics. We sat together at the Edelman Gala, sharing our hopes for the OR & analytics community while dressed to the nines. I was so excited for his next chapter, and I'm devastated that there won't be one. I will miss him.

My deepest condolences to all who feel his loss.

Laura

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Laura Albert
Industrial and Systems Engineering
University of Wisconsin-Madison
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Aaron inspired me to purchase a tuxedo to wear at the Edelman gala.  I'll be doing it again this year with thoughts of him.

While chair of the Analytics Certification Board, Aaron spearheaded the ACAP program, which led to the new CAP levels of CAP-Essential, CAP-Pro and CAP-Expert, which drove the creation of the INFORMS Analytics Framework. 

He was also on the advisory committee for Artificial Intelligence of the Miami-Dade College School of Engineering and Technology (see https://www.mdc.edu/entec/advisory-committee/artificial-intelligence/default.aspx).  I'm in Miami, and he had arranged for me to be on a panel back in 2023, that was cancelled at the last minute.  He was hoping to get me invited to give a talk there, but that never materialized.

The INFORMS community will miss his spirit, initiative and enthusiasm for our profession.

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-Irv Lustig
Optimization Principal
Princeton Consultants
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Aaron is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

Yesterday, @John King found this video of Aaron giving a talk to a Scouting America group. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUVWfhody_U

I watched it yesterday. It was wonderful to see Aaron with his passion, intelligence, and kindness. I was particularly caught by what Aaron said around minute 10 when he said that he wanted his eulogy to start with, "Aaron is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent."

With sadness,

Elena

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Elena Gerstmann
Executive Director
INFORMS
egerstmann@gmail.com
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I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Aaron Burciaga.

I didn't know Aaron very well, but I had the opportunity to speak with him when he served as chair of the INFORMS Business Analytics Conference 2023. That brief interaction left a lasting impression on me. He came across as incredibly sharp, confident, and kind.

What stood out most was his commitment to supporting and uplifting young professionals in the analytics community. It's clear that his contributions went far beyond his own work-he helped create opportunities and pathways for others to grow.

His passing is a tremendous loss to the data science community. 

Rest in peace.

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Xiaonan Shang
Manager, Data Analytics
Global Holdings LLC
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Aaron is the reason I started participating at INFORMS. He had done some work with us at one of his earlier roles as I was finishing up my Master's Degree, and we kept in touch over the years as a result. He and I talked analytics, but also family, faith, and fun. I had the chance to present at the INFORMS Business Analytics Conference based on his recommendation. I joined the board to help find speakers based on his recommendation. I have found a great community of different minded people with a similar interest in using data and analytics to make decisions as a result of his outreach and mentorship. I am praying for his family, friends, and all that are hit by the news of his passing.

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Daniel Windle
Director of Sales Operations
TrinityRail
Dallas TX
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I am deeply saddened to hear of Aaron's passing. Our paths first crossed over a decade ago at the INFORMS Analytics Conference, and he quickly became someone I deeply respected for his tireless dedication to our community.

When I served as the General Chair for the 2017 INFORMS Analytics Conference, Aaron was an indispensable partner. I vividly recall him stepping up in a massive way leaning on his deep network to resolve last-minute crises and ensuring the event's success. He was the kind of leader who didn't just show up; he took ownership.

It was a pride to watch him continue that leadership journey, going on to head multiple major initiatives, including chairing the INFORMS Analytics Certification Board and chairing the 2023 INFORMS Analytics Conference. His passion for giving back and his advocacy for practitioners have left an indelible mark on our field.

My heart goes out to his family during this time. May he rest in peace.

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Maher Lahmar
Head, Data Science
Google
Redwood City CA
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Thank you to all who shared their stories.

For those who asked, here is information about his service, including a virtual option.

In case anyone would like to donate to help his family, here is a gofundme site:

 https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-aaron-burciagas-family

Regards,

Joseph

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Joseph Cazier, Ph.D and CAP-X
Clinical Professor, Information Systems
Assoc. Director, Center for AI and Data Analytics
Arizona State University
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Thank you again for all of those that shared stories about Aaron.

There is now a memorial article in Analytics Magazine about Aaron, his life and service.  It includes several thoughts from those who posted in this thread.

You can read it here:  https://pubsonline.informs.org/do/10.1287/orms.2026.02.01/full/

Thank you, 

Joseph

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Joseph Cazier, Ph.D and CAP-X
Clinical Professor, Information Systems
Assoc. Director, Center for AI and Data Analytics
Arizona State University
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-30-2026 16:37
From: Joseph Cazier
Subject: Remembering Aaron Burciaga

Thank you to all who shared their stories.

For those who asked, here is information about his service, including a virtual option.

In case anyone would like to donate to help his family, here is a gofundme site:

 https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-aaron-burciagas-family

Regards,

Joseph

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Joseph Cazier, Ph.D and CAP-X
Clinical Professor, Information Systems
Assoc. Director, Center for AI and Data Analytics
Arizona State University
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