ITxKERNEL

Altaf Uddin is the CIO and CISO for the Kansas Secretary of State, where he provides strategic leadership across all facets of information technology and cybersecurity. He oversees enterprise systems of record, mission-critical workflows, and statewide licensing platforms, ensuring operational integrity and compliance with federal and state mandates. With a career grounded in information security and digital transformation, Altaf holds the CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) and MCTIA (Mandiant Cyber Threat Intelligence Analysis) certifications, along with an MBA. He is deeply committed to aligning technology strategy with organizational priorities - driving innovation, resilience, and secure electronic service delivery for the public sector.

Amel Edmond is a technology executive who leads with intention, clarity, and a passion for solving real business problems. As a CIO, he focuses on aligning technology strategy to measurable outcomes—modernizing systems, strengthening cybersecurity, and creating scalable solutions that accelerate the business. Throughout his career, he has delivered $5–10M in savings year over year through cloud optimization, vendor consolidation, automation, and modern architecture. He builds high-performing teams, simplifies complexity, and drives execution with transparency and partnership. His priority is always the same: keep the organization secure, innovative, and operating on the cutting edge.

Amit Basu is the Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at International Seaways (NYSE: INSW), one of the world's largest tanker companies. A pioneer of maritime digital transformation, he has led INSW's transition to cloud-only operations and built a multi-layered cybersecurity framework safeguarding global fleet systems. Amit is recognized for advancing AI-enabled automation and cyber resilience across IT and OT environments. He is also an active thought leader and advisor in global cybersecurity and critical infrastructure forums.

Brian Singer is a seasoned technology executive and product evangelist with a proven track record of guiding organizations through rapid scale and digital transformation. Specializing in Private Equity and VC environments, he has served as CTO/CIO for companies like Propio, RSi, and Angels of Care, where he drove accelerated recapitalizations and EBITDA growth through lean, data-driven strategies. With a foundation at major enterprises including Amazon and UnitedHealth, Brian combines deep technical expertise with operational discipline, rebuilding technology organizations to align innovation with business value and measurable financial impact.

Chris Livanos is Chief Information Officer at the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF), where he leads cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, enterprise applications, and IT governance across healthcare, wellness, and senior services operations. A seasoned IT executive with 30+ years of experience, Chris is recognized for aligning technology with business objectives to drive operational efficiency and digital transformation. His career includes CIO roles at Dell Corporation and WaveID Corporation, where he led global technology strategy, enterprise architecture, and comprehensive information security initiatives. He also brings distinctive expertise from senior leadership roles at Tenet Healthcare, Turner Entertainment, and Candle Corporation spanning healthcare, consulting, and media. Chris serves as an Advisory Board Member for the UC Santa Barbara PaCE program and active member of the Southern California Society for Information Management (SIM). He holds a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Computer Information Systems from California State University, Dominguez Hills, and is ITIL v3 Foundation certified.

Clark Rainer is the Chief Information Officer for Georgia's Attorney General Chris Carr, bringing over 25 years of IT leadership experience across public and private sectors. He holds CGCIO and LGCIO certifications and authored "How to Build an IT Department from Chaos to Continual System Improvement." Clark has driven digital transformation initiatives and developed cybersecurity programs for multiple Georgia state agencies, including the Secretary of State's Office. As GMIS International's longest-serving board member, he helped establish LOLA and received the MISAPA Outstanding Professional Award and Hershal Strickland Award for his contributions to government technology leadership.

Daniel Naylor is the Chief Information Officer at Precision Aviation Group, a leading provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and value-added services to the aerospace and defense industries. He brings over 20 years of leadership experience in technology and operations, including executive roles at Advance Auto Parts, Delta Dental and Optical Cable Corporation. Daniel leads enterprise technology strategy, cybersecurity, and digital transformation across PAG's worldwide operations, driving modernization through data visibility, automation, and secure infrastructure.

Deepak Sachdeva is a battle-tested CIO, CTO, Chief Data Officer, and SVP of IT who delivers under pressure and transforms at scale. Unlike typical IT leaders who maintain systems, he builds, rebuilds, and rewires organizations—fast. He has led full-spectrum tech transformations across defense, financial services, retail, merchandising, and supply chain, operating at the intersection of mission-critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, data, and AI. Reporting directly to CEOs and Boards, he has owned $150M+ budgets and led 200+ engineers, architects, and cyber experts. He has driven $4B+ in enterprise value across 6 private equity deals and 12 M&As—handling everything from technical due diligence to post-deal stabilization and modernization. At the U.S. Air Force, he led the architecture, cyber, and systems engineering for global C3 (Command, Control, Communications) systems supporting real-time operations at Air Operations Centers, intelligence systems, and battlefield missions. He drove AI/ML integration into combat platforms, building hardened, scalable systems with zero margin for failure. He doesn't just manage IT—he weaponizes technology for impact. He thrives in chaos, makes tough decisions quickly, and drives complex transformations where failure is not an option.

Derek Stephens serves in CIO, CISO, and Integration leadership roles at LHC Group, where he has spent the last six years guiding the $3B provider through its acquisition by United Healthcare. Previously, he managed Watermark Digital and spent over 20 years at IBM leading global strategy and transformation for Fortune 500 clients. Derek holds degrees from Texas A&M and SMU, is certified in Design Thinking by MIT, served 14 years as Mayor of Lowry Crossing, Texas, and owns Dallas Equestrian.

Heidi is a transformational CIO and strategic innovator with a proven track record of modernizing financial services and government systems. She has led high-stakes digital transformations—from launching the nation's first online dispute resolution platform to executing complex $500M global mergers—delivering over $380M in savings and positioning organizations for 10X growth. Recognized for building elite technical teams and pioneering cloud-native solutions, Heidi consistently bridges the gap between complex technology and accessible, scalable user experiences.

Ian Catolico is the Chief Information Officer at Qualfon, where he leads global technology strategy, AI enablement, and cybersecurity for a 16,000-person workforce across North America, Latin America, and Asia. He has successfully transformed IT into a strategic growth engine by consolidating financial platforms into SAP S/4HANA and launching a Decision Intelligence Platform that integrates over 250 data sources using Microsoft Fabric. Ian also elevated the company's security posture through a Zero-Trust architecture and unified governance across PCI, SOC2, and HIPAA standards. Based in South Carolina, he is a dedicated family man who balances his high-paced professional life with raising three young children.

Irvinder Singh is a visionary technology executive currently serving as Chief Technology Officer at the World Bank, where he leads global strategy, enterprise architecture, and the delivery of secure, cloud-first platforms. With a background including executive roles at AgFirst Farm Credit Bank and Wells Fargo, Irvinder has a proven track record of driving large-scale digital transformations, managing budgets exceeding $100 million, and leading teams of up to 600 staff. He specializes in aligning technology roadmaps with business missions, modernizing legacy infrastructure, and engineering resilient systems that enhance operational efficiency and user experience.

Jalen Byford is a senior technology executive and Chief Information Officer for Humana Healthy Horizons in Oklahoma, where he leads large-scale digital transformation and healthcare technology strategy to improve outcomes for Medicaid members. A highly engaged community and industry leader, Jalen is actively involved in advancing the regional and national technology ecosystem through nonprofit board service, executive mentoring, and thought leadership. He is passionate about fostering innovation, developing future IT leaders, and strengthening collaboration across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Joao Mendes is a technology executive with over 20 years of leadership experience transforming Fortune 500 companies including Nike, Converse, PepsiCo, Whirlpool, and Specialized Bicycle Components. He has driven digital transformations delivering $165 million in business value, 550% revenue growth, and built connected ecosystems serving over 50 million users across consumer goods, retail, consumer electronics, and healthcare industries. As Chief Information Officer at Specialized, Joao optimized technology spending by $15 million while driving $110 million in revenue expansion through AI, data, and connected e-bike innovations. At Nike, he served as Vice President of Data & AI/ML, creating AI-inspired product capabilities through airimagination.nike.com and architecting real-time personalization platforms for 350 million users. Previously as Converse CIO, he enabled 550% digital revenue growth and transformed technology into a strategic business partner. At Whirlpool Corporation, Joao pioneered the company's global IoT strategy, launching 50+ connected appliances that earned CES Innovation Awards and led the industry's first integration with Google Home/Nest. Earlier as CIO for DASA—Brazil's largest diagnostic network—he directed technology strategy for 400+ facilities and was recognized as "CIO of the Year - Healthcare" by Info Exame Corporate Publication. Joao holds an MBA from the University of California, Irvine, and brings expertise in AI and data strategy, IoT, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and building high-performing global teams.

Matt Matthews is a seasoned CIO, CTO, CISO, Board Member, and Technology Investor who leads enterprise-wide digital and AI transformations that drive measurable operational and cost efficiencies without compromising service levels or SLA commitments. He has successfully guided complex business intelligence and analytics initiatives that align technology execution with strategic business goals and deliver sustainable value. His approach to innovation is grounded in change management principles, disciplined project leadership, and intentional roadmap planning that ensures technology investments advance core business objectives. He is passionate about fostering organizational resilience and performance through thoughtful governance, collaborative leadership, and strategic foresight in technology adoption.

Nathan Kimpel is a transformational CIO/CTO with 28+ years of experience leading global technology organizations and delivering measurable enterprise value across real estate, private equity, manufacturing, and data-center operations. He has driven large-scale digital transformation efforts—ranging from cloud migrations and ERP consolidation to AI-enabled portfolio optimization—resulting in billions in enterprise impact and sustained operational excellence. Known for his people-first leadership style and ability to align complex technology ecosystems to business strategy, Nathan consistently accelerates growth, scales organizations, and modernizes platforms for the world's most demanding environments.

Priya Almelkar is SVP and Chief Information Officer at Wolfspeed. She is responsible for setting Wolfspeed's technology vision, facilitating business growth, and driving scalability. With a focus on AI strategy, security, and implementation, Priya spearheads efforts to drive enterprise-wide value through integrated manufacturing. Priya has been recognized for her leadership by the National Association of Manufacturers, and she is a proud sponsor of Wolfspeed's Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) employee resource group. Priya brings over 25 years of experience to Wolfspeed, having led global IT functions across a variety of verticals including telecommunication, retail, and semiconductor manufacturing.

Richard Zhu serves as the Agency CIO for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, where he has led enterprise technology strategy, modernization, and digital transformation efforts for more than 20 years. With deep experience at the intersection of public service, innovation, and large-scale systems, Richard has guided technology initiatives that strengthen service delivery, data stewardship, security, and operational resilience across complex healthcare and human services environments. Prior to his tenure with the State of Tennessee, he served as CIO for Transcender LLC, an education technology company that was later acquired by Kaplan Inc., where he supported growth, integration, and scalable technology platforms.

Shawnna DelHierro is the Chief Information Officer at SoundHound AI, where she leads enterprise technology strategy, cloud modernization, cybersecurity, and scalable AI infrastructure. She is deeply committed to advancing inclusive leadership and responsible AI, giving back through mentorship, community building, and service across several regional and national tech organizations. Her work blends strategic vision with grounded execution, shaping resilient, future‑ready teams and cultures. She is known for her people‑first approach, championing radical inclusion and elevating the next generation of leaders.

Shivani Agarwal is Head of Digital Infrastructure, Operations and Workplace Experience at McLane Company, a supply chain leader. She is responsible for IT Infrastructure, Operations & Services across all McLane distribution centers, data centers, and facilities, and Digital Employee Experience. She is driving modernization and Always On IT Foundation via cloud strategy, predictive issue modeling, Agentic AI, and enhancing DEX and productivity through modern digital workplace experience.

Vince Fattore is a seasoned technology executive with over 25 years of experience in various industries, including healthcare, construction, and manufacturing. He currently serves as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at RoadSafe, where he drives technology strategy and innovation for the company. Prior to this role, he held CIO positions at multiple organizations, including Watsco/Temperature Equipment Corporation and Brookdale Senior Living, where he focused on technology enablement and business transformation. Vince holds an MBA and a bachelor's degree from Loyola University, and he is known for his leadership in integrating technology systems and driving growth through innovation.