A data steward is a professional responsible for managing and overseeing an organization's data assets. Their primary role is to ensure data quality, integrity, and security, making sure that data is accurate, accessible, and used appropriately. They often collaborate with various teams to establish data governance policies and best practices. In addition to maintaining data standards, data stewards also provide training and support to staff on data management tools and processes. They play a crucial role in compliance with regulations, such as GDPR or HIPAA, ensuring that the organization adheres to legal requirements regarding data handling and privacy.