Board of Advisors
David Asher
Software and Product Management Leader
David Asher brings an unusual perspective to software management from his career experiences as a product management leader, inventor, entrepreneur, systems analyst, lifelong coder, and volunteer non-profit executive.
His software experience spans from cloud to mobile apps to firmware, and his backgrounds in physics, signal processing, and electronics further broaden his perspectives to complex systems. Some of his roles were at well-known names like Amazon, Bose, Iron Mountain, Dialogic, Banyan Systems, and Grumman, while others were at smaller companies and startups.
David developed the skills to be an inside entrepreneur, over and over initiating startup programs within companies that would lead to disruptive new products. It is with all of these experiences that David is now giving back to the community of software managers and challenging them to raise the bar with his blog on Medium.com, Managing Software Development.
Dr. Ron Babin
Full Professor
Ted Rogers School of IT Management
Ryerson University
Dr. Ron Babin is a Professor in the Ted Rogers School of IT Management. He joined Ryerson University in 2006 after a 30-year professional career in IT and Management Consulting. Prior to joining Ryerson, Dr. Babin was a strategy partner at Accenture and at KPMG in Toronto, where he focused on advising executives, including CIOs and CEOs, on IT strategy.
His current research is focused on digital transformation, social responsibility and global outsourcing of IT and business processes. He examines the social and environmental impacts of global IT outsourcing and has published several books, journal articles and conference papers on this topic. His research on this topic began with his doctoral studies and thesis at the University of Manchester.
Within the industry he maintains his knowledge currency through teaching executive education on topics such as Digital Disruption, Cybersecurity Ethics and Outsourcing. Dr. Babin is an Adjunct Researcher with the International Data Corporation (IDC), IT Executive Program where he conducts research, advises IDC global clients, and writes about Vendor and Sourcing Management strategies. Dr. Babin also writes teaching cases that are published in conference proceedings and in academic publications such as the Journal of IT Teaching Cases and Harvard Business Review case studies.
Baziel Barends
Senior IT Executive, Managing Director and Founder
Radishweed Global
Baz is a highly experienced technology executive focussing on sustainable digital and business transformation. Prior to founding Radishweed Global, Baz led multiple large scale digital transformations for over fifteen years in the areas of Logistics, Manufacturing, Merchandising and Service Management in a large multinational organization in Cape Town, South Africa.
Baz has a B.Sc. with majors in Computer Science and Accounting as well as an Executive MBA with distinction from the University of Cape Town. In his current role, he advises organizations in the areas of strategy, leadership and digital transformation and has coached senior executives in the areas of systemic leadership and viable organization. He has been appointed to the board of the Business Relationship Management institute and has been a keynote speaker on Leadership-as-Practice at their global conference.
John Boehmke
Former Chief Technology Officer
Mr. Boehmke is the former Chief Information Officer of Abrams Capital, which he joined in 2007. Prior to joining Abrams Capital, Mr. Boehmke was the Chief Technology Officer at Sowood Capital. Mr. Boehmke has over 30 years of experience providing technology to financial services companies, including work for Columbia Management, Fidelity Investments and Thomson/Reuters.
He is a graduate of Hamilton College and NYU’s Stern School of Business.
David Cagigal
CXO Advisor
David Cagigal is currently serving as a CXO Advisor for Zscaler as well as a Board Member for the Wisconsin Cyber Threat Response Alliance (WICTRA). He is also advising other organizations regarding cyber security challenges and opportunities in building and sustaining cyber defenses focused on Zero Trust Principles.
David Cagigal was appointed CIO for the State of Wisconsin in November 2012. As the CIO, he also serves as Division Administrator for the Division of Enterprise Technology (DET). DET manages the state’s IT assets and provides technology to state agencies such as computer services, voice-data-video telecommunications, and print and mail services. David retired June 2020. While as the State CIO, he collaborated with more than 30 Agency CIOs to implement an enterprise ERP (Oracle – Peoplesoft), consolidate all agency data centers into a single enterprise data center as well as improve broadband connectivity throughout the state to more than 760 state offices, local government, 425 K-12 School Districts, 350 libraries and influencing providers to connect the citizens of Wisconsin. David was also instrumental in improving cyber defenses in state and local government. He worked extensively with the Wisconsin National Guard, National Governor’s Association (NGA) and the Department of Homeland Security – CISA to protect 16 Critical Infrastructure/Key Resource Sectors. He also initiated the formation of Wisconsin’s Cyber Response Teams to address cyber threats and attacks.
David was also the Chief Information Officer for Alliant Energy from 2004 to 2011 serving electric and gas customers in Wisconsin and Iowa. David has held executive IT positions at DeVry University, DePaul University, Maytag and Amoco.
Nancie Calder
Avanade Inc (a Microsoft Accenture joint venture)
Executive – Global Customer Engagement Practice Lead
Nancie Calder is an executive at Avanade Inc., where she leads the global D365 Customer Engagement Practice. Nancie has held many leadership roles at Avanade since 2014, working closely with both Business and IT leadership to achieve positive business results with new technology.
Before joining Avanade Inc., Nancie worked independently for over 20 years as an Information Technology consultant, helping her own clients and working in different consulting firms. She held various roles including: fractional CIO for membership organizations, Executive for a software company later bought by Microsoft, and leading IT reskilling programs for a local college. She also worked as a Project Manager, Trainer, Business Analyst, and Developer.
Lately, Nancie has been mentoring IT professionals, using her wide range of skills and experience. Throughout her career, Nancie has always aimed for excellence, loved trying new things, and wanted to help others succeed in their careers.
Eric Collins
HB Global, LLC
Vice President of IT
Eric is the Vice President of Information Technology at HB Global, LLC, a growing employee-owned mechanical contracting organization. HB Global has over 2,000 employee owners spanning 9 divisions that operate in 25 states, D.C., and the Caribbean. He is responsible for management, strategy, and the execution of business technology throughout the enterprise. Eric is focused on leading HB Global and its divisions through successful digital transformation and becoming an industry leader in technology adoption and delivery in the mechanical contracting space.
Eric is an experienced technology leader, working at the intersection of innovation and business to further organizational growth while protecting assets. He has a strong record of driving digital transformation within an organization through building high-performing teams and delivering some of today’s top tier technologies to the organization.
Eric has a successful 20-year track record across industries in the private and public sector. Prior to his current role, he worked in various technology capacities including IT support, network/systems administration, IT management, and IT consulting. Eric attended Penn State University with a bachelor’s in Business Administration. He also holds certifications in executive leadership from the MIT Sloan Executive Program, Information Technology Management from Harrisburg University, and is ITIL, CompTIA+ and Cisco CCNA certified.
Samuel Densmore
Senior IT Executive
Samuel Densmore is a collaborative and innovative leader. He expertly drives the development, implementation, and adoption of new processes and deconstructs challenges into logical steps toward resolutions that increase efficiency, connect teams, and achieve company objectives.
Samuel most recently served as the chief technology officer at AlphaSimplex Group LLC. He assembled enterprise-wide IT staff into a single, centralized group serving the technology needs of this multibillion-dollar investment management organization. He was responsible for developing and articulating the company’s technology strategy, roadmap, and infrastructure, and led the teams accountable for their implementation.
Before AlphaSimplex Group, Samuel held vice president roles in two distinct Bank of New York (BNY) Mellon organizations; The Boston Company and Asset Management Operations. He built high-performing teams and developed technology strategies to support custom applications, services, and infrastructure for boutique business units within BNY Mellon. He has also led the conversion of Independence Investment’s legacy systems to modernized frameworks, trained cross-functional teams, and constructed business continuity programs across multiple organizations.
Samuel is a champion for leadership development, including 360° feedback, coaching, and customized learning. He is an enthusiastic advocate of the extreme ownership leadership philosophy, is passionate about his own professional development, and encourages and facilitates the development of his employees. Sam transforms teams and businesses through transparent and effective leadership.
Samuel holds a Master of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems from Bentley University in Waltham, MA, as well as a Bachelor of Arts Degree with Individual Concentration in Finance, Economics, Accounting, and Consumer Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Samuel lives just north of Boston, Massachusetts.
Tyler Falcone
Director of Infrastructure & Operations at AIPSO
Tyler Falcone is an accomplished IT leader with three decades of experience. He leads a team of over 30 IT professionals, overseeing IT infrastructure, security service delivery, and strategic IT initiatives. Tyler has held various leadership roles at AIPSO, consistently aiming to improve operations, develop strong, collaborative teams, and drive outstanding business results.
He is actively involved in the local IT community, particularly with the Society for Information Management (SIM), where he contributes to advancing IT leadership and education. Tyler’s expertise includes strategic planning, infrastructure & operations, modern software delivery, and cybersecurity. He is passionate about using technology to empower teams and achieve business goals.
Serge Findling
Senior IT Executive, CIO, and CIOs, CEOs, C-Suite, and Board Advisor
Dr. Serge Findling is an accomplished senior IT executive and CIO. He also advises CIOs, CEOs, and C-suite executives.
As an Adjunct Research Advisor and formerly a Vice President of Research with International Data Corporation (IDC) IT Executive Programs (IEP) and the CIO Agenda program, Serge focuses on digital transformation and technology leadership for business and IT executives. He also helps organizations thrive with AI, data excellence, and strategic architecture in today’s digital landscape.
He is an internationally recognized thought leader, a frequent speaker, presenter, and moderator at industry conferences, as well as providing analysis for multiple media outlets.
Before IDC, Serge had senior IT executive responsibility, including CIO, CTO, strategy, governance, and architecture, for over 20 years at Hewlett Packard, Compaq, Digital Equipment, and Spie-Batignolles, an international construction leader.
Serge holds a civil engineering degree from the Ecole Spéciale des Travaux Publics, one of the prestigious French grandes écoles, a degree in Economics from Sorbonne University, and executive education from Wharton. He also holds a doctoral degree from the OUS Royal Academy for Economics and Technology, Switzerland. Furthermore, Serge has a strong background in data science and AI.
Gary Foster
Senior Transportation Strategist
MTX Group
Currently working for MTX Group Inc. as Senior Transportation Strategist. The MTX Transportation Vertical MTX invests in transportation-specific expertise to bring value to clients who require salient experience developing their technology solutions.
After leaving MBTA and MassDOT in February 2020, Gary worked at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Technology as senior consultant from May 2020 through July 2021. Primary responsibility was Executive Program Director for the Modern Workplace Program. This program included cloud transition, distribution of 20K laptops, and implementation of a consistent personal computing process across the Executive Branch of the Commonwealth.
At MassDOT Gary was responsible for Information Technology. Key areas include Information Security, public web presence, RMV applications and systems, server and desktop operating systems and network infrastructure. As both MassDOT SCIO and Chief Technology Officer Gary was responsible for enabling and supporting technology innovation and implementation across the entire enterprise with an eye on customer experience.
Gary Foster previously served as Managing Director of Product Development at Omgeo LLC. A member of the executive team since Omgeo’s inception, Foster’s leadership was crucial in the growth and creation of Omgeo.
In his previous role as the Chief Technology Officer at Omgeo, Foster was responsible for the launch of Omgeo’s premier product into the marketplace – Omgeo Central Trade Manager. As CTO, Foster transformed Omgeo’s approach to product development through the introduction of the Omgeo Product Development System.
Prior to his appointment to CTO in 2000, Foster held numerous senior management positions at Thomson Financial. His career at Thomson include his leadership role in the integration of SEQUAL, an acquisition from the London Stock Exchange the development and introduction of two of Thomson’s premiere products – First Call and The Bond Buyer’s MuniFacts Plus.
Foster joined Thomson Financial in 1987 from John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company where he worked for 13 years as part of the Group Pension business.
Foster is a well-versed speaker and has presented at industry events on a variety of topics. He studied software engineering at Harvard Extension and is currently a B.A. degree candidate. He has extensive leadership training, completing numerous programs including Innovative Leadership at the Duke University Fuqua School of Business.
Maryfran Johnson
CEO & Founder
Maryfran Johnson Media
Prior to founding her new company in October 2019, Maryfran was Executive Director of IDG’s CIO Programs and former Editor in Chief of CIO magazine.
During the past decade, she created and moderated 10 CIO events annually, including the CIO 100 innovation symposium. She also ran the prestigious CIO 100 awards and CIO Hall of Fame programs.
An award-winning technology business journalist, Maryfran is well-known for her engaging stage presence, expertise in IT leadership issues and her extensive network of CIOs, CTOs and digital leaders.
Dr. Quintin McGrath, D.B.A.
Founder
QplusAI LLC
Quintin McGrath is a driver of global-scale business growth and digital transformation with a focus on emerging technologies, ethics, risk management, and sustainability.
As a retired Deloitte IT executive, board member, and founder of QplusAI LLC, he is known for advising leaders on the latest technologies and their impact on organizations, most recently guiding the application of Artificial Intelligence to a business considering the ethical, governance, and leadership implications.
He is a member of the CXO Advisory Network of the A.Team start-up, he sits on Blumberg Capital’s CIO Council, an Advisory Board for the early-stage venture capital firm, a Board Member of The Mentor Project, and a Board Member of the Society for Information Management (SIM) Tampa Bay chapter. He chairs the ReThink Everything! SIM Interest Group for IT Leaders seeking to turn the convergence of global megatrends and emerging technologies into business success.
He leads SIM National’s Research Institute implementation effort. Quintin is a popular speaker, panelist, and Adjunct Professor at USF’s Muma College of Business, teaching MBA and Executive MBA students. He holds a Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) focused on AI, ethics, and risk management from the University of South Florida, a Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Cape Town, and a Master of Arts from Wheaton College.
Tony Messina
Founder of AM Consulting, Former Corporate IT and HR Executive
Tony is an independent consultant specializing in organizational enablement, creating value from administrative functions and coaching emerging leaders.
He is a former VP at Campbell Soup. He joined the company as an IT developer and progressed through a variety of roles including stints in HR and Finance as well as Business Unit and Corporate IT. The last 15 years focused on building a global IT organization and driving business value from IT. Tony also spent several years as an adjunct MIS professor at Temple University’s Fox School of Business and as a board member and chair of a not-for-profit behavioral health organization.
Tony earned an MBA from Drexel University and a BS in Business Management from Widener University.
Darrel Popowich
BRM Institute
Chief Visionary Officer
Darrel Popowich is a seasoned executive with a remarkable 30-year journey in the technology sector. With a passion for leadership and business relationship management (BRM), Darrel has held pivotal roles, including CIO and H&R Block Canada. His prowess in converging technology and business objectives has led him to coach executives globally and speak at renowned CIO conferences. Presently, as the Chief Visionary Officer & COO at the BRM Institute, Darrel continues to drive innovation, leveraging his extensive leadership experience. With a reputation for visionary insights and fostering collaboration, Darrel stands as a beacon of excellence in bridging leadership and business domains.
Tony Rehmer
Senior Vice President, Information Technology
Tony is a highly experienced and accomplished technologist with over 40 years of success leading and managing information technology. He has a proven track record of aligning IT strategy with business goals, driving innovation and delivering results.
In his current position as SVP of Information Technology at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Tony is a member of the Senior Leadership team and is responsible for all aspects of IT. Tony is a key contributory in organizational strategy, yearly planning and regularly mentors his staff and staff outside of his departments.
Tony started in computer operations in 1982 before moving into a programmer role. After developing software for a decade, he entered the management ranks and quickly excelled. As his management skills developed, he acquired a large breadth of management, which today includes 10 departments. Tony has experience managing Cyber Security, Network Administration, Help Desk, Software Development, Data Operations, UI/UX, Salesforce, Dev/Ops, PMO and Quality Assurance.
Tony is passionate about continual improvement in organizations and using data and technology to help raise funds to saves kids’ lives. He is also a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
In his spare time Tony likes to play bridge, golf, swim, ski, spend time with his family and volunteer helping his church and the homeless community.
Steve Rubinow
Executive in Residence
Steve Rubinow is an exceptional, multifaceted, global executive, strategist and award-winning Chief Information and Technology Officer, with deep experience in transforming companies, working on many boards and teaching in university classrooms. Conversant in the latest advances in technology, Steve has the exceptional ability to utilize existing and new ways to use technology to improve and impact complex industries.
Currently he is the Director of the Institute for Professional Development at DePaul University’s College of Computing and Digital Media and a Professional Lecturer in the School of Computing. He also is President of Infocology Inc., a technology consultancy.
Most recently he was the Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for Catalina, a personalized digital media company based in St. Petersburg, FL, where he led all aspects of the global technology function. He developed and shepherded a complete transformation of core data and analytic systems, and a modernization of corporate and organizational culture to be more entrepreneurial and competitive.
While Steve was at FX Alliance, a global provider of electronic foreign exchange trading solutions, the firm was acquired shortly after his arrival by mass media and information company Thomson Reuters. Steve was the Chief Information officer in Reuters’ Marketplaces Division in New York, NY.
As Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at the New York Stock Exchange Euronext in New York, Steve transformed an entire industry from a technology standpoint. He was responsible for all aspects of technology for the largest global exchange in the world. He combined operations across continents, and designed and developed new data centers, the financial industry’s first cloud and a new culture of innovation for global trading. He had begun this work as Chief Technology Officer for Archipelago Holdings, Inc., in Chicago, IL, and was called on to integrate three major mergers/acquisitions: NYSE-Archipelago, NYSE-Euronext and NYSE-American Stock Exchange. Because of cyber-terrorism threats in this industry, Steve had government clearance from major federal security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies for addressing cybersecurity/counter-terrorism issues.
In his 2012 induction into the CIO Hall of Fame, Steve was described as “clearly one of the most innovative and transformational CIOs ever.”
Steve has held leadership positions in Information Technology and Marketing for leading firms in the Internet, investment, manufacturing and service industries. He has extensive experience teaching university-level computer science courses. He serves on a number of Boards of Directors in both advisory and volunteer roles.
Steve holds a Doctorate degree in Chemistry, a Master of Business Administration degree in Marketing and Finance (ranked first in his graduating class), a Master of Science degree in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences and Chemistry (graduating with honors and distinction), all from the University of Illinois. He also earned a Master of Science degree in Computer Science and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Screenwriting from DePaul University.
Steve is an avid cyclist and hiker. His two favorite hiking destinations are the American Southwest and the Himalayas.
Alan Salisbury
Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus at Code of Support Foundation
Alan Salisbury completed a 30-year career in the U.S. Army leading information and command/control/communications/intelligence systems programs, retiring as a major general. His last position was CG, US Army Information Systems Engineering Command, a worldwide command with responsibility for development and support of all Army IT systems, both enterprise and tactical.
Alan then spent 12 years in the IT industry in similar leadership roles. He was part of the management team that took Learning Tree International public in 1995. He has served on the boards of four public companies (NYSE and NASDAQ), and chaired the audit committee for two of these companies.
Since his retirement, he has focused on activities that combine his philanthropic and creative interests. These include the Code of Support Foundation supporting veterans (he co-founded COSF and now serves as Chairman Emeritus), the West Point Alumni Glee Club, and Opus One Studios, which he founded to produce “creative products supporting worthy causes.” Among these are children’s books and musical compositions, all profits from which he donates to charities.
Alan is a graduate of West Point and holds MS and Ph.D. degrees from Stanford University.
Laura Schmidt
Tech Ecosystem Development – Principal Consultant
Endinas, LLC
Laura is an award winning executive focused on building a strong tech talent pipeline that fosters innovation, economic development, positive societal impact, and life-changing jobs. She served as Field Technology Manager at Northwestern Mutual where she was responsible for technology research, vendor negotiations, usability lab operations, and enterprise software. She later served as Executive Director of an education foundation before joining the School District of New Berlin where she led strategic planning and continuous improvement efforts, developed corporate relations strategies, and represented the District in local, regional, state, and national efforts to support talent pipeline objectives. She then served as the first Director of Corporate Relations for MSOE University with the primary objective of aligning corporate and university objectives to form mutually beneficial partnerships. Most recently, she served as the Chief Talent Development Officer for the Milwaukee Tech Coalition where she helped build the organization and assumed primary responsibility for tech talent pipeline strategies (registered tech apprenticeship, AI Education, Up/Reskilling, etc.). She has volunteered her time with the UW-Ex IT Leadership Management Program, the AI4K12 Initiative, the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Program, and a wide variety of STEM Outreach programs. She now serves as a consultant for state/regional tech talent initiatives and is a mentor for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Talent Pipeline Management program. Laura holds an MBA with an emphasis in Leadership Studies from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI.
Awards: 2022 TECNA Major Impact on Tech Community, 2018 STEMMY
Lori Seuch
Chief Information Officer
Lori joined MEFA in January 2004 as the Director of Loan Operations, and in 2010 she took on the responsibility of overseeing the Information Technology department. Before joining MEFA, she had worked in the financial aid industry for 15 years. Lori received her BA from the University of Vermont and her Masters in Higher Education Administration from Boston University.
Michael Spies
Former CIO, Chief Enterprise Architect, CTO
Mike is an accomplished business outcome Information Technology Executive and Technology Advisor who enjoys partnering with IT and business stakeholders to develop and executive technology strategies, initiatives, & projects that drive business results and position IT organizations to deliver business value.
He was most recently the Chief Information Officer and member of the Executive Leadership Team at U.S. Anesthesia Partners. During his tenure, he advanced the maturity of the IT organization, improved operational excellence of the IT function, and applied technologies to optimize business operations and improve digital experience of patients and clinicians.
Mike spent the first 33 years of his career at PepsiCo performing various IT roles with progressive leadership responsibilities across different business units within PepsiCo. During the last 10 years, as Chief Enterprise Architect, he institutionalized the enterprise architecture practice and discipline globally across PepsiCo. He ensured the IT function maximized the value of IT investments, developed agile and scalable solutions, treated information like an asset, and reduced the cost and complexity of the IT landscape. He also drove the IT digital transformation strategy and secured alignment, funding to build the digital services platforms and IT capabilities to enable the PepsiCo digital transformation journey.
Mike was fortunate to be nominated for and complete the entire series of PepsiCo’s highly acclaimed Accelerated Leadership Development Programs and attended SIM’s renowned Leadership Development Program. He also represented PepsiCo on the Gartner Technology Infrastructure Research Board (TIRB) and was the PepsiCo liaison with MIT’s Center for Information Research (CISR) during his career.
He received a B.S. in Systems Analysis and Design from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
Major Brandon Sivret, USAF, Retired
Technical Founder
Argento Simulations
Brandon is a retired Major of the United States Air Force with leadership experience across a broad spectrum of organizations, both technical and not, to include presidential and international level planning and support. A three-time startup founder and senior engineer, Brandon has served as CEO, CTO, and numerous other director and executive level positions to deliver services and products in web and desktop application environments.
As an advocate for veteran and military IT career development, he has positioned himself to advise current and former service members towards a fruitful path to long term employment. He specializes in private and government sector non-dilutive funding combined with business growth to help other companies find the best solution for future success.
Tom Sloan
Founder, Luminaire Solutions
Former CTO, VP Digital Engineering
Tom Sloan is an experienced Information Technology leader with a strong record of building high performing teams and delivering digital solutions to top tier organizations in the Retail and Healthcare space.
Tom has a proven track record of delivering exceptional results, including implementation of new eCommerce platforms for 2 of the top 20 Retail web sites – Staples.com and CVS.com.
He led the selection of eCommerce platforms and tooling for CVS.com and the build out of digital engineering teams for CVS Health – providing integration to support online pharmacy management capabilities and ExtraCare features for both desktop and mobile platforms.
In addition, he led the re-platform and launch of several Omni-Channel capabilities for BJ’s Wholesale Club to support their rapid growth in driving digital engagement with their members. Tom led the introduction of agile to BJ’s Wholesale Club and rolled out agile across the organization and demonstrated its transformational value in the execution of BJ’s digital roadmap.
Tom is the Founder of Luminaire Solutions, which provides IT services to its clients – including Strategy, Research, Competitive Analysis, Technology Selection, Digital Architecture, and Program Management.
Tom holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Boston College.
William (Bill) Waas
ELD Program Manager
Society for Information Management (SIM)
Bill is the founder, developer and manager for the SIM Emerging Leader Development (ELD)program. ELD is focused on developing the leadership skills for those individuals entering a managerial role within an IT organization.
He was the Chairman & CEO of the Illinois Technology Foundation (ITF). ITF was a not for profit organization that focused on keeping graduating students in Illinois and working with k-12 students encouraging them to pursue a career in technology.
He started his career at Grumman Data Systems Corporation and held various management positions in strategic planning, finance and service management. He was Senior Vice President of Service and Support at Vanstar Corporation, a $2.5 billion dollar system integrator. At Vanstar, Mr. Waas headed the $250 million service organization.
Bill was Vice President of Value Added Services at Dell Computer Corporation. He was responsible for a $750 million dollar division of Dell, responsible for the sale and delivery of software, peripherals and system integration services.
He is an adjunct professor at Northwestern University and the Harvard Extension School.
Bill also serves on the IT advisory councils for St. Petersburg College, Hillsborough Community College and the University of Tampa.
He is member of the board and chair of the programs and marketing for the Society for Information Management Tampa Bay Chapter.
He was a co-founder of the Service Section of CompTIA and was a member of the Board and Chairman of the association from 1995-1997 and co-founder of the A+ certification program
Mr. Waas holds a BBA in accounting and an MBA in finance from Hofstra University.
Hugh Wax
Organogenesis
CIO, Vice President of IT
Hugh Wax is the head of IT, responsible for planning, development, implementation, maintenance, and security of the company’s information systems and processes. He is currently a key partner within the organization, providing guidance on establishing the strategic direction of the company’s information systems (IS) and executing the strategies in collaboration with company leaders.
Prior to joining Organogenesis, Mr. Wax worked for Hawkins Point Partners as Principal Consultant at Bluebird Bio, Infrastructure, ITSM and divestitures or acquisitions. He also held several progressive IT roles in pharma and biotech including Genzyme/Sanofi prior to joining Hawkins that included diagnostics and therapeutics efforts on healthcare software and then leading global infrastructure needs throughout the Sanofi ecosphere.
Hugh holds a Master of Science in Information Technology Management and a BS in in Industrial Science, Manufacturing Technology from Fitchburg State University.
David West
Director of Information Technology
Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group
David West is the Director of Information Technology at Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group and is responsible for the management, strategy, and execution of IT infrastructure for the company. David knows that IT touches virtually every aspect of any organization and it’s his goal to ensure that the right technology is in place and acts as a tool to enable users to do their jobs as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Before coming to Atlantic Bay, David worked in various technical capacities in K-12 education for 15 years, including the role of Network Administrator for a local school board. David holds a master’s degree in Information Technology from Virginia Tech, as well as numerous certifications, including Certified ScrumMaster, Microsoft MCITP, and CompTIA (A+, N+), to name a few. David also leads the mentorship program at 757CIO.
Peter White
Senior IT Executive
Peter has a broad range of experience, ranging from managing IT organizations to creating and championing organizational change in both domestic and international settings. He has also successfully established and grown organizations, led project and program offices, within both small and large cross-organizational teams.
Peter has proven experience in getting sustainable results through a focus on business value, business process, and team improvement. His international experience includes India, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Australia and Latin America.
- Peter’s specialties include:
- Extensive experience in Agile practices (Kanban, Scrum, XP, SAFe and others)
- PMO creation and management
- Process improvement
- IT best practices across a broad range of industries including Technology, Financial Services, Insurance and Healthcare
- Leading change in organizations
Chad Wright
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Boston Dynamics
Chad is the Chief Information Officer at Boston Dynamics, a Boston area robotics company that specializes in mobility, perception and navigation. His career in Information Technology has spanned more than 30 years, including roles in a variety of industries, such as marketing, software, healthcare, retail and robotics. He’s worked at some of Boston’s most innovative companies, including Avid, Endeca Technologies, athenahealth and Amazon Robotics. In addition to his leadership roles, Chad’s background includes business systems analysis, data analytics and project management. Chad graduated from the College of the Holy Cross with a degree in Mathematics and a Concentration in Computer Science. He holds a Master’s Degree in Information Technology from Bentley University and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell. In his efforts to give back to the next generation of IT professionals, Chad is also an Adjunct Instructor at Bentley University, teaching courses in Project Management, Data Management and Systems Analysis and Design, to both graduate and undergraduate students.