2026 speakers

Keith E. Sonderling was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on March 12, 2025, to be the 38th United States Deputy Secretary of Labor, and on April 20, 2026, was designated by President Donald J. Trump as the Acting Secretary of Labor.

As the United States Acting Secretary of Labor, Sonderling is the highest-ranking official advising the President and enforcing federal laws to protect workers' wages, safety, health, and benefits.

As Deputy Secretary, he serves as the Department's Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the agency's budget and workforce employees. The Deputy Secretary oversees key operational functions such as: strategic planning; budget formulation; financial management; information technology; and human resource management.

Also, during President Trump's second term, Sonderling concurrently served as Acting Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development.

Prior to becoming Deputy Secretary, he was previously confirmed by the United States Senate to serve as the Commissioner of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) from September 2020 until August 2024. He also served as the Commission's Vice-Chair from 2020-2021.

Sonderling previously served at the US Department of Labor as the Acting and Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division from 2017-2020.

Before his government service, Sonderling was a partner at one of Florida's oldest and largest law firms, Gunster. At Gunster, he counseled employers and litigated labor and employment disputes. Sonderling also served as a Professional Lecturer in the Law (Adjunct Professor) at George Washington University Law School, teaching employment law.

Sonderling received his B.S., magna cum laude, from the University of Florida and his J.D., magna cum laude, from Nova Southeastern University.

Taylor Stockton currently serves as the Chief Innovation Officer, leading the Department of Labor’s exploration of how AI and other emerging technologies impact the labor market and the overall experience of the American worker, as well as what new innovations can support workers in achieving the American Dream.

Stockton has spent his career at the intersection of education, the future of work, and technological progress. He was most recently the Chief Operating Officer of a workforce development technology company, partnering with state workforce agencies and local workforce boards around the country to harness AI-powered solutions to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers. Concurrently, Stockton was the Co-Founder of Pathway Ventures, a seed stage venture capital fund investing in the human side of the future of work, which the firm defined as startups driving new models of economic mobility. Previously, Stockton was the Chief of Staff of an education startup in South Africa that harnessed the power of technology in K-12 education to build the innovators and leaders of the 21st century economy.

Stockton earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from Boston College and his master’s in business administration from Harvard Business School.

Chris Pilkerton is the Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Investment Security. In this role, he leads the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and oversees the Outbound Investment Security Program, evaluating foreign transactions to safeguard critical infrastructure and national security. He was nominated by President Trump, previously served as Acting General Counsel for the Department of the Treasury, and assumed his current position on January 5, 2026, following confirmation by the United States Senate.

Marc E. Andersen is the 18th Assistant Secretary of the Army, Financial Management andComptroller (FM&C), sworn in on Oct. 15, 2025, following his nomination by President Donald J.Trump and confirmation by the United States Senate.As Assistant Secretary of Army (FM&C), Andersen is responsible for properly resourcing ourArmy to fight and win our Nation’s war and serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary ofthe Army and senior Army leadership on all matters related to budget, financial management,strategy and comptrollership.Prior to his appointment, Andersen was a senior executive and founder with an extensive recordof leading organizational transformations across the national security, technology, and financialsectors. His professional career includes over 30 years of experience navigating theintersections of global business, defense policy, and emerging technology.Andersen previously served as a senior partner at a global professional services firm, where heestablished and led its government and public sector consulting practice. He has also heldexecutive leadership roles within venture capital and advisory firms focused on leading andadvising strategic investments in defense and dual-use technologies.In addition to his private sector career, Andersen has served in several high-level publicappointments, including as a commissioner to the White House Commission on PresidentialScholars, a trustee to the Virginia Veteran Services Foundation, and an honorary commander ofthe U.S. Air Force 89th Airlift Wing.He is married to a fellow George Mason University alumnus, who is repeatedly honored byprofessional and community organizations for her leadership and business excellence. They arecommitted to serving the greater Washington DC community and have been celebrated asleading Greater Washington philanthropists. Together they reside in the National Capital Region.

Payal oversees the organization's data and AI strategy, ensuring insights drive business decisions. She leads a team, including an AI unit, to develop and implement advanced analytics models and AI solutions. Her role combines technical expertise, leadership, and strategic vision to optimize performance and innovation across the enterprise. Additionally, she is the champion of AI Ready Ohio and helping to lead statewide workforce and economic development initiatives.

Senior Leader in the Artificial Intelligence space with Federal Government and Fortune-5 Healthcare experience; a successful Entrepreneur of 16 years with 60+ clients nationwide; an established Strategist in the AI business/technology space; a noted Public Speaker of 20+ years globally, and a decorated Educator of decades in the academic and professional domains. Fun Fact: NCAA D3 Decathlete, USATF Masters althete, and Pole Vault coach of 15 years.

Sol Rashidi is a people-first AI strategist redefining how enterprises scale AI - securely and sustainably. As a trusted advisor to founders, CEO’s, and leaders to Fortune 500’s, Private Equity, VC’s, Universities, and Big Tech companies, Sol helps o

Dr. Kollin Napier is Director of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network (MAIN), the state’s coordinated statewide AI initiative and the first of its kind in the nation. Based at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, he directs Mississippi's strategy for AI literacy, workforce development, and applied AI adoption across education, government, and industry.

He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Mississippi State University, researching AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering, and previously worked as a software architect and developer.

Dr. Napier shapes Mississippi’s AI policy landscape as chair of the AI Workforce Readiness Council, member of the AI Regulation Task Force, and expert witness before state and federal lawmakers, including the United States Congress.

Under his leadership, MAIN has delivered more than 30,000 hours of no-cost AI training, built strategic partnerships with Nvidia, AWS, and Intel, and advanced workforce initiatives focused on practical, responsible AI adoption that strengthens Mississippi's economy.

Bharath serves as the Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at the University of Cincinnati, reporting to the President. He is responsible for driving the Digital Transformation at UC and the drive towards Excellence in IT Operations as well as the overall technology vision, strategy, and roadmap.

Prior to UC, Bharath served as Deputy Chief Information Officer and the Associate Vice Chancellor for Enterprise Applications for the University of North Texas System where he established the vision, strategic leadership, and direction for all enterprise applications across the UNT System.

Bharath has over 28 years of experience in Information Technology and in driving Transformations. He has worked at start-ups and large companies in the private sector with almost 18+ years at Oracle where he led product teams in Middleware and Cloud Applications and drove several large and successful Digital Transformation initiatives. He also has significant experience working in non-profits and serving on boards and has been nominated for and won industry awards Infotech CIO of the year in 2024 and Ohio ORBIE Awards Enterprise CIO of the Year in 2025.

Bharath has an MS in Computer Science from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor’s in Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, India.

CEO at Embarc Collective, a 501(c)3 tech startup platform and Florida’s fastest-growing startup hub.

Embarc Collective is a central landing zone for Florida’s most driven and focused startup builders and provides curated programming, on-demand coaching and mentorship, access to talent, connectivity to corporates, universities and investors, open collaboration workspace, assigned offices, conference rooms, and event space, and a peer community of 330+ founding team members of 140+ early-stage tech startups and growth-stage companies in healthcare and life sciences, cybersecurity and data analytics, AI and deep tech, financial and legal services, education, renewable energy, and dual-use defense and national security, among other sectors. Member-companies have achieved a 96% survival rate, created 1,200+ tech/tech-enabled jobs, and raised $650+M in funding, driving almost $200M annually in wages and compensation and investment capital directly into Florida's economy.

4x founder. 2x exits. 35+ years of strategy, leadership, and startup experience, including work in 25+ countries. Thirteen years at Accenture. Founder/CEO of Telcom Global Solutions, a $30M services firm with 250 employees named to the “50 US High Tech Ventures to Watch” in 2000. Acquired by Flextronics (Flex) in 2001. Led Flextronics' Network Services Division with $800M in revenues and 6,500 employees.

Co-Founder/Investment Committee at 1809 Capital. Investor with QCA Ventures. Advisor to more than a dozen high growth tech companies that have raised $1+B in funding, including ReliaQuest (Tampa), Gravity Diagnostics (Covington), Solarcore® (Portland), CERKL (Melbourne), Gotcha (Charleston), and Homeshake (Cincinnati).

Board Director for the Florida Chamber Foundation, USF Research Foundation, JA Tampa Bay, and Tampa Medical and Research District.

Past Chair Entrepreneurship Department and Executive Director of John W. Altman Institute for Entrepreneurship at Miami University and past Jim Moran Professor of Entrepreneurship and Executive Director of Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship at Florida State University. 100+ scholarly publications with 5,000+ citations, including 12 in FT50 journals. Best paper awards from AoM, SMS, and Kauffman. Exec Committee for ENT Division and STR Division in AoM.

Passionate about startup journey and about aligning resources to impact founder success. And committed to accelerating Tampa Bay and state of Florida’s startup and innovation ecosystem.

Specialties: Startup and Growth Strategy | Venture Capital | Ecosystem Building

Dr. Alterovitz is an AI and innovation leader across multiple sectors. He is President of the PresidentialInnovation Fellows Foundation, a nonprofit organization focusing on fostering the White House PresidentialInnovation Fellows Program and associated innovation. He is also an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He has a PhD in electrical and biomedical engineering from MIT. Throughout his career, Dr. Alterovitz has worked on national and international collaborative initiatives fordeveloping and applying AI approaches from research to point-of-care. He serves as an internationally-recognized subject matter expert in the field. At Harvard, lab works on artificial intelligence and informatics for precision medicine. He has led an international consortium focused on drug resistance and validated drugcompounds with resulting intellectual property. He has over 100 publications and fourbooks, including bestsellers.

I build programs and systems that help people solve hard problems with clarity. My work blends operations, strategy, and creative thinking, and I focus on turning big ideas into structure that moves people and organizations forward.

At STATION DC, I design programming that brings technologists, policymakers, founders, and operators into meaningful conversations about the future of American competitiveness. I care about depth, thoughtful design, and experiences that create real value.

My background spans operational leadership, financial structure, partnership development, creative production, and storytelling. If you are building something ambitious, working in the national innovation ecosystem, or interested in better systems and better ideas. I would be glad to connect.

Spencer Cummings is a Technical Program Manager at Google PublicSector, where he leads delivery strategy and cloud modernizationefforts for federal civilian agencies. In this role, he specializes intranslating complex artificial intelligence and infrastructurecapabilities into secure, mission-aligned solutions that serve theAmerican people.

Prior to joining Google, Spencer spent nearly 17 years at the FederalEnergy Regulatory Commission (FERC), concluding his distinguishedpublic service tenure as the agency's Deputy Chief Data Officer.During his time in government, he successfully built FERC's datagovernance division, growing the organization to six agile teams witha multi-million dollar annual budget. Notably, he championed andarchitected the commission's first cloud-native data science platform,revolutionizing how complex federal regulatory data is processed andutilized.

A self-described "energy nerd" and human systems engineer, Spencer isdeeply passionate about bridging the gap between Silicon Valley'sinnovation velocity and the complex compliance landscapes of thefederal government. He specializes in architecting high-performing,cross-functional teams that unite talent from across Google, federalagencies, and strategic delivery partners, forging cohesive coalitionscapable of resolving systemic public sector challenges and turningcomplex technology into meaningful mission outcomes.

He holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance and a Master's degree in theManagement of Information Technology from the University of Virginia,and he currently sits on the board of UVA's McIntire School ofCommerce.

Brandon is a renowned product strategist and security researcher who excels at turning complex telemetry into actionable intelligence. He co-founded PassiveTotal (acquired by RiskIQ) and served as a Security AI Strategist at Microsoft, where he was instrumental in launching Microsoft Security Copilot. From developing industry-standard open-source tools to advancing the Microsoft Defender suite, Brandon is the technical architect behind Ent’s product innovation.

Scott Phillips is the Vice Nerd at Nexigen, where he blends deep technical expertise with an energetic, curiosity-driven approach to solving complex IT and cybersecurity challenges. Known for making advanced technology both understandable and actionable, Scott plays a key role in architecting secure infrastructures, optimizing systems, and guiding organizations through modern digital transformation. He works closely with clients and internal teams to evaluate emerging technologies, strengthen security posture, and build solutions that are both practical and future-ready. At the Cincy Future Tech Forum, Scott brings a refreshingly human take on innovation, showing how a little nerdiness, paired with real-world experience, can unlock smarter, more resilient technology outcomes.

Emma Wong is the Lead of Global Innovation Effectiveness(GIE), Nuclear Innovation, and Quantum Technologies atthe Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). She leadsGIE assessments and the GIE cohort, the NuclearInnovation Working Group, the nuclear innovation portfolio,and coordination across technology innovation. She servesas a key interface with global regulatory technical supportorganizations such as the U.S. Nuclear RegulatoryCommission Office of Research, industry groups includingthe Nuclear Energy Institute, EPRI members, andinternational organizations.From 2022-2024, she was on a two-year secondment at theOECD Nuclear Energy Agency in Paris, France as theSenior Nuclear Technology and Innovation Advisor. There,she led initiatives including the SMR Dashboard, NuclearInnovation 2050, the Global Forum for Nuclear Innovation,and work on disruptive technologies such as artificialintelligence.Previously at EPRI, she was the Nuclear Innovation Leadand Long Term Operations (LTO) Lead. n Innovation, sheled the Nuclear Technology Innovation portfolio, innovationeffectiveness and training, the Global Forum for NuclearInnovation, and co-founded an internal innovation start-up.As LTO Lead, she focused on maintaining comprehensivetechnical bases for plant license renewals, agingmanagement, and safe long-term operations.Prior to joining EPRI in 2017, Emma spent nine years at theU.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, where she workedacross operating reactors, dry storage and transportation,generic communications, rulemaking, licensing programimprovements, and stakeholder engagement with industryand government agencies.Emma holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from theUniversity of Michigan and an M.S. in Chemical Engineeringfrom the University of California, San Diego.

Tushar Kulkarni is the Founder & CEO of Big Kitty Labs, a high-velocity software and product studio known for turning early-stage concepts into market-ready innovations across AI, healthcare, mobility, and deep tech. With more than a decade of experience helping Fortune 500 teams, research institutions, government partners, and founders test, validate, and commercialize new technology, Tushar is recognized as one of the Midwest’s most prolific product builders and ecosystem champions. At the Cincy Future Tech Forum, he brings his signature real-world perspective on how organizations can de-risk emerging tech, accelerate experimentation, and unlock meaningful value through rapid prototyping and applied AI.

Johnny Crowder is a suicide/abuse survivor, TEDx speaker, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, and the Founder & CEO of Cope Notes®, a text-based mental health platform that provides daily support to users in more than 100 countries around the world. Armed with a decade of clinical treatment, a psychology degree from the University of Central Florida, and 10+ years of peer support and public advocacy experience through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Johnny’s youthful vigor for mental health has impacted millions of lives across the globe.

Elise has been with JobsOhio for ten years, beginning as a Research Associate and working her way up to Director of Talent Operations. Before she got into Economic Development, she was with the Ohio Department of Higher Education, and worked on DOL grant administration and workforce programing at a local community college. In her current position she leads a dynamic team with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and attention-to-detail, as well as providing JobsOhio clients with quality customer service and cutting-edge solutions to their talent needs. She is also the author of over a dozen local and state history books.

Chris Thomas operates at the intersection of software, AI, and creative. He runs YNDR, a software and AI-native studio built on the belief that every company deserves software people actually like using. His edge is a UX and creative background that makes the work feel like something, not just function like something.

Before YNDR, Chris spent 20+ years shipping production systems for Fortune 500s and mid-market businesses as a Global Head of Product Development & Marketing. His early work on government technology platforms shaped how he builds today. Today, Chris is one of the leading voices on building with Claude Code, helping companies move from AI experimentation to production while teaching that stories beat prompts and context beats commands.

If you broke him down, you'd find 40% creative, 40% AI strategy, and 20% BBQ. Picture Don Draper's dad and Tommy Boy's mom raising a kid in the North Georgia mountains who tells stories about the olden days of the web and AI like they happened yesterday.

Michelle Ramsden in Special Counsel in the Corporate practice group at Jones Walker LLP, and a member of the Commercial Transactions and Privacy, Data Strategy, and AI teams. Michelle is a strategic privacy and technology attorney with more than a decade of experience leading comprehensive privacy, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI) programs for complex organizations. She advises clients on data protection, cybersecurity resilience and incident response, AI governance and risk management, technology procurement and implementation, and regulatory compliance matters. Drawing on her extensive government experience developing national and international frameworks for responsible technology use, Michelle provides practical, business-oriented counsel that enables clients to innovate while managing risk and maintaining compliance with evolving privacy and technology regulations. Before joining Jones Walker, Michelle served for eight years as senior counsel in the Office of Privacy and Civil Liberties at the US Department of Justice. Earlier in her career, Michelle was selected as a Presidential Management Fellow under the US government’s premier leadership development program, serving in multiple capacities with the US Department of Homeland Security. Michelle is a graduate of Emory University School of Law and a member of the State Bar of Georgia.

Tom Bush is the CEO and Innovator at Actual Reality Technologies, anIndustry 5.0 and AI/ML consulting firm in Toledo, OH, leadingtransformative AI-driven projects in manufacturing. Previously, hebuilt advanced avionics at GE Aviation, is a Master Black Belt in LeanSix Sigma, and was Amazon’s large enterprise cloud migration andautonomous AI expert. Tom works with leading manufacturers to apply AIin reducing defects, optimizing operations, and driving productinnovation. In addition, he is the founder of EmpoweredAI, a nonprofitdedicated to empowering underemployed individuals to grow theircareers in tech with the help of augmented intelligence.

Holly Hartell currently serves as Director and Chief Information Officer for the Department ofTechnology Services. Holly was appointed to the role in August 2025 after seven months of service asthe Acting Director and Chief Information Officer.

Dr. Peter Pirnejad, ICMA-CM is the Executive Director of the Davenport Institute for Public Engagementand Civic Leadership at the Pepperdine University School of Public Policy, where he leads research,graduate student education, professional educat

Ryan Kurtzman serves as the Interim Enterprise Information Services Bureau Manager and TechnologyPartnerships Officer for City of Long Beach Technology and Innovation Department.

Drew "Doctor Ew" Schillinger is a Zengineer and Human Capital Investor with his head in the clouds (AWS, Azure, GCP) and 25 years turning messy ideas into scalable software.

Duane Powell has served as Chief Information Officer for the City of Hilliard, Ohio, since 2019. In thisrole, he leads the Information Technology Department and plays a vital role in leveraging technology tosupport the City’s economic development.

Ron Synakowski is Director of Federal Strategy & Solutions at Stardog, where he helps commercial, Department of Defense, and Federal organizations push the boundaries of agentic AI and enterprise data. He brings 20+ years of technical program leadership, with deep expertise in data-driven decision-making, digital transformation, and grounding AI.

Before joining Stardog, Ron served as Director of Data Capabilities in the Department of the Air Force Chief Data Office, where he secured $282M to stand up the DAF's first enterprise data layer and shaped the logistics data strategy for the Air Force. He led the DAF's first data investment review across major data platforms, advised senior leaders on enterprise-wide modernization priorities, and oversaw analytic use cases that advanced operational readiness. His contributions earned him the prestigious Federal 100 Award in 2022.

Tim Tkacz is the founder and CEO of Blue Sky Innovators, a defense tech companyproviding high-end services to the defense and intelligence R&D and acquisitioncommunities and developing dual-use products for federal and commercial markets.

Michelle has served as the Chief Member Services Officer for the International City/CountyManagement Association (ICMA) since July 2025, leading a team that serves a membership of more than14,000 local government professionals.Michelle recently served as the City Manager for the City of Hilliard, Ohio, USA (population 40,000). Shebegan this position in January 2020 as Hilliard’s first ever City Manager, following a charter change in theCity’s form of government. Previously Michelle was with the City of Dublin, Ohio for more than 25 yearsin a variety of roles, including Assistant City Manager, Deputy City Manager and Director ofAdministrative Services.Under Michelle’s leadership, the City of Hilliard was named by Fast Company in 2025 as one of theWorld’s Most Innovative Companies in the category of Economic Development. In both 2023 and 2024,the City of Hilliard was named a Top7 Intelligent Community by the Intelligent Community Forum (ICF)and was named the Best Suburb to Do Business by Columbus CEO.In 2023, she was named among Columbus Business First’s inaugural class of “Women of Influence”,being honored as a “Trailblazer”. Additionally, in 2018 Michelle was the recipient of a Richard ChildsFellowship through the Kettering Foundation in partnership with the National Civic League and arecipient of a Japan Local Government Center CLAIR Fellowship.Michelle previously served as vice-chair for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), chairof Broadband Access Ohio (BAO), chair of the Central Ohio Mayors & Managers Association (COMMA).She also served on the International City and County Management Association (ICMA) Executive Boardas a Vice-President representing the Midwest region, and as a member of the Board of Directors for theAlliance for Innovation.She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Wittenberg University and a Master of Public Administrationfrom The Ohio State University. Additionally, she attended the University of Virginia, Weldon CooperCenter for Public Service Executive Leadership Development Program (LEAD) and the AmericanUniversity Washington Semester Program.

With over 12 years of hands-on leadership experience in enterprise architecture, IT strategy, governance, delivery, and management, I am a proven leader who can translate the organization's vision into action, delivering value through innovative and cost-effective technology solutions. I have led Architecture for Digital and AI Integrations, streamlining member digital experience for various plans and managing tasks such as discovery, solution definition, IT strategy, and technology roadmap.

With over 25 years in technology, I help organizations unlock the full potential of AI, GenAI, and enterprise architecture to drive measurable business outcomes. As Senior Principal Enterprise Architect and AI/GenAI Enablement Leader at Comcast Advertising, I lead strategic initiatives that accelerate innovation, modernize platforms, and enable data-driven decision-making across the enterprise.

Michael Arulfo is the Chief AI Officer and Field CTO at Cadre and a Founding Member of the AI Circle. Previously, Michael served as the Principal AI Enterprise Architect at Boston Scientific in the Office of the CIO, and the Chief Advisor to the CTO at Optum EverCare.

Mr. Brewster began his technical career in the USAF, focusing on electronic engineering and technology. In the military, Dave programmed, operated, maintained, and repaired microelectronics systems used for Command, Control, Communications, Computers (C4), Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). This led to deep involvement in engineering, usage, and maintenance of custom electronics and semiconductors. Dave held a TS /SCI with the Air Intelligence Agency as part of the Big Safari program.

After separating from the military, he moved into a role providing solution architecture, engineering, and integration forlarge-scale UNIX platforms, high-performance computers from IBM, Sun, and HP, mainframe systems, and enterprisedata storage networks for cloud computing infrastructure and data centers. He joined the professional services division of the global leader in enterprise data storage solutions. Dave delivered complex, large-scale technical projects across numerous business sectors and industries, with a focus on data storage solutions and compute virtualization. He later launched his own firm focused on developing tools and methodologies for migrating compute workloads and data stores between on-prem data centers and cloud platforms, as well as advanced IBM AIX self-healing software automation. The firm was granted access to IBM’s Global Entrepreneur program and supplied with numerous software assets and intellectual property. David’s firm developed and automated MLOps and agentic AI code for data centers. Moving into a role as a Technical Services Director for one of tech’s Top 5 infrastructure companies, Dave led a team of solutions architects and engineers across the Midwest region of the US during years of rapid data center expansion and digital transformation.

In late 2020, Dave joined the State of Ohio’s private, non-profit economic development corporation to boost innovation,drive job creation, and invite new capital investment to the State. Dave leads economic development opportunities andecosystem development targeting technology firms, including semiconductors and microelectronics, AI, cloudinfrastructure, cybersecurity, software development, and more. Dave leads Governor DeWine’s Silicon HeartlandSemiconductor Supplier Consortium. Dave is Chair of SEMI America’s Midwest Chapter.Dave holds a bachelor's degree in electronics engineering technology and a master’s in organizational effectiveness andleadership. He also holds numerous MIT certifications on quantum computing, quantum algorithms for cybersecurity, chemistry, optimization, and quantum computing strategies.

Technology leader with 20 years of experience in financial services, known for driving enterprise-scale strategy and execution across complex, multi-stakeholder environments. I’ve led the design and adoption of platforms, systems, and operating models that enable business growth, efficiency, and enhanced customer experience.

Jonathan Wise was appointed the Vice President of Technology of the Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII) in July of 2019, and currently serves as Chief Technology Architect. Mr. Wise boasts an impressive background, strongly aligned to CESMII’s vision and efforts, developed through roles with industry leaders. He is a key member of the senior leadership team, reporting to CESMII’s Chief Technology Officer.

Mr. Wise possesses a unique and very valuable combination of integrated OT/IT (Operations/Information Technology) experience. In a previous role, he led product development for automatic discovery of industrial devices and data, as well as embedded industrial analytics, both key elements of CESMII’s Smart Manufacturing Platform™ deliverables. He was a software development leader in Manufacturing Management Software businesses and a part of a Manufacturing Intelligence-pioneer software development corporation. Those leadership experiences were further sharpened through his roles in Cloud platform evangelism and digital device product development with hyper-scale Cloud vendors.

Commenting on the addition of Mr. Wise to the leadership team, CESMII’s Chief Technology Officer, Haresh Malkani commented, “The integration of Operations Technologies (OT) and Information Technologies (IT) is central to accomplishing CESMII’s mission to democratize Smart Manufacturing Technology through our collaborative platform. Jonathan brings a unique combination of technical expertise and leadership experience to our team where he will spearhead the development and execution of our platform strategy - a critical part of bringing value to our members and U.S. manufacturers of all sizes.”

As the Founder and CEO of ElevAI https://www.elevai360.com, I lead efforts to bridge the gap between organizations and accessible AI solutions. I focus on transforming complex data into intelligent ecosystems, enabling decision-makers to trust their data while fostering responsible AI-driven innovation.

Senior IT industry analyst, strategist, consultant, advisor, and mentor. Enterprise architecture, platform engineering, IT portfolio management, Agile methods and DevOps pipelines, application lifecycle management, IT service management, software engineering, data management & analytics, IT operations, and systems management.

I’m a digital, data, and technology executive who has built my career inside consumer brands across hospitality, travel, tourism, retail, restaurants, and entertainment, where customer experience, profitability, and operational excellence must all move together.

John Few is the CEO and Chief Architect of Fewinc Consulting, a clarity‑driven advisory firm specializing in Enterprise Architecture, digital transformation, and executive‑level technology strategy. With nearly 30 years of experience leading architecture, modernization, and organizational change across global enterprises, he is known for bringing structure, insight, and calm to complex environments.

An executive with a passion for building comprehensive technology solutions within the healthcare and life-science industries. My rich experience at large-scale organizations taught me to recognize that technology can never be delivered with a narrow focus. Cutting-edge transformation is best orchestrated when there is a balanced synergy with other areas of the business. Over the course of my career, I have partnered with diverse executives and teams; such as domestic & international blood product transplant centers, stem cell genetic research medical officers, and advanced technology business executives. I utilize a holistic approach to solving complex challenges, focused not just on technological change but also the wider business strategy.

As a seasoned Chief Architect with a deep passion for leveraging technology to drive business transformation, I have a proven track record of leading complex initiatives that bridge the gap between legacy systems and modern, scalable solutions. With extensive experience including the agentic ai space, I’ve helped organizations navigate the evolving technology landscape while ensuring seamless integration, scalability, and future-proofing.

Mason Clutter is a Partner and Privacy Lead at FBT Gibbons. Her work focuses on the intersection of data security, privacy, and technology. A pivotal member of the firm’s AI and AI Governance team, Mason offers nearly years’ experience as a lawyer and policy advocate in Washington, DC. She delivers actionable advice on privacy and data security, including legal compliance, policy and program development, and complex issues where privacy, security, and technology converge. Mason is a Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP/US, CIPP/E) with unique insight into policymaking, providing practical guidance that aligns with client objectives and is easily implemented.

Previously, Mason served as Chief Privacy Officer at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, advising senior leaders and the National Security Council on privacy implications for national security and law enforcement. She shaped and executed policies around emerging technologies and personal data, including AI, commercial data, and privacy-enhancing technologies, balancing innovation with federal privacy compliance. She managed data breach responses, cybersecurity incidents, and oversaw DHS’s FOIA program and training.

Mason also held key roles at the U.S. Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, serving as Attorney-Advisor, Counselor to Board Member Ed Felten, and Acting Executive Director, and was detailed to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence for FOIA and civil litigation. Her prior experience includes serving as National Security and Privacy Counsel for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Rule of Law Counsel at the Constitution Project, and research at Yale Law School’s Lowenstein International Human Rights Clinic.Mason’s deep expertise in privacy law and her experience advising government leaders empower her to deliver innovative strategies that help clients meet regulatory demands and mitigate privacy risks.

As a partner at RKCA, Brent has facilitated numerous successful transactions and led the firm to its current position as a leading, independently-held investment bank. Brent is deeply involved in sourcing and managing the firm’s portfolio of direct investments, with successful exits including dotloop (acquired in 2015 by Zillow) and TSC Apparel (acquired in 2017 by CenterGate Capital). Brent’s transaction leadership has driven client value across the firm’s service lines.

With RKCA, Brent has provided transaction advisory for an aggregate deal volume of over $500 million of enterprise value and manages holdings with an aggregate annual revenue of over $200 million. He also leads direct investments of over $20m of invested capital across 10 different companies focused in or around Cincinnati. His experience ranges across industries, including software, healthcare, manufacturing, and consumer products.

Prior to RKCA, Brent gained management experience with several businesses. This operational skill set continues to add value to the firm’s portfolio of direct investments and clients he works with to grow towards a sale.

Brent is passionate about civic service and is involved as a leader with Starfire Council, the Boy Scouts, and many other charitable organizations. Brent received his BS from Xavier University and is a Certified Mergers and Acquisition Advisor.

Eileen Vidrine is a national security executive, U.S. Army veteran, and former Chief Data andArtificial Intelligence Officer for the Department of the Air Force. She brings more than 35 yearsof experience leading transformative change initiatives across defense, intelligence, air, andspace.A visionary leader within the Federal Senior Executive Service, Ms. Vidrine was handpicked asthe first strategic advisor for data to the Federal Chief Information Officer, where shespearheaded data and emerging technology strategies. Throughout her career, she hasconsistently driven innovation by establishing programs that enhance workforce capabilities andpromote best practices in data management and AI. Known for disrupting outdated processes,she has built high-performance teams and cultivated collaborative cultures that value individualstrengths, inspire confidence, and foster professional growth.In 2024, Ms. Vidrine founded Vidrine Vantage, a boutique advisory firm through which sheadvises C-suite and executive leadership on emerging technologies. She is passionate aboutmentoring and developing the next generation of data and AI leaders.Ms. Vidrine serves on the board of Women in Data and as an advisory board member to the MarkCuban AI Foundation and the National AI Association. Her contributions to the AI and datacommunity have been recognized with prestigious honors, including the AIM AI 100 VisionaryLeader award, CDO Magazine Executive of the Year 2023, and the DataIQ 2024 LifetimeAchievement Award.

Mike J. Walker is an AI visionary, CEO of an AI startup, and Ex Microsoft and Gartner VP known for his visionary perspectives on the latest AI and emerging technology trends. His bold and actionable narratives helps executives see around corners, challenge conventional thinking, and understand how AI will reshape markets, operating models, and competitive advantage. Mike has presented at more than 120 conferences globally from conferences like Gartner Symposium to SXSW, regularly drawing standing-room-only crowds of up to 20,000 people. With Mike’s Gartner pedigree 150+ research notes, 4,000+ CxO briefings that powers keynotes that hit with TED-level storytelling.

Dennis Chornenky is the Founder & CEO of Domelabs AI, focused on AI governance, cybersecurity, and strategic intelligence solutions to the national security and healthcare sectors. He previously held senior roles at the White House, UnitedHealth Group, University of California, and Morgan Stanley.

As a Senior Advisor and Presidential Innovation Fellow at the White House he led AI policy and national security initiatives across two administrations and contributed to the Executive Order on Trustworthy AI. As the Founding Director of VALID AI, he convenes 50 major health systems to advance AI adoption in healthcare.

A sought-after speaker and advisor on AI governance and adoption, Dennis’s insights feature in outlets such as Forbes, Bloomberg, and Politico. He holds degrees from MIT, Harvard, Oxford, and UC Berkeley.

Ajit K Jha is a renowned AI strategist, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and technology leader serving as the Chief Product Partner at USAII® (United States Artificial Intelligence Institute). With more than 25 years of experience spanning Artificial Intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, digital transformation, product management, and enterprise technology, he has contributed significantly to advancing AI education and workforce transformation globally. Ajit has authored bestselling books on Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity, including Artificial Intelligence for Business Leaders and A Strategic Approach to AI Projects, both recognized for simplifying complex AI concepts for business and technology leaders. He has played a pivotal role in developing globally recognized AI certification programs and enterprise learning frameworks. Through his leadership contributions at EdTechDigit Innovations and extensive work with global enterprises, Ajit continues to drive innovation in AI strategy, technology enablement, and executive education.

Executive and research leader in quantum computing, AI/ML/QML and physics-informed scientific computing for Space Domain. VP of Quantum R&D at BQP, Fellow at UMD Q-Lab, author and educator in Quantum Computing. BSME Purdue, MSME KSU, MBA Duke.

Zachery Page is Head of Federal Programs at Dynamo AI, where he leads federal engagement and strategic programs focused on secure AI adoption. A former U.S. Army officer, West Point graduate, and Harvard Business School MBA, he works with government and enterprise leaders on AI assurance, evaluation, and runtime guardrails for GenAI and agentic systems.

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