This month, we’re spotlighting 40 forward-thinking CIOs, CTOs, and CISOs taking new positions in enterprise technology and security leadership across industries.
From accelerating enterprise modernization and pioneering AI innovation to fortifying digital resilience, these leaders are shaping a more connected future. Join us in honoring their accomplishments as they guide their teams into the next era of technological advancement.
Jacob Pat – Chief Technology and Digital Transformation Officer at The Lovesac Company
The Lovesac Company has appointed Jacob Pat as Chief Technology and Digital Transformation Officer. Pat will lead enterprise technology and digital strategy, reporting to President Mary Fox and joining the Executive Leadership Team. A seasoned tech executive, Pat most recently served as VP of Product at Salesforce and previously held CIO and CTO roles at DECIEM, Champion Petfoods, and Canada Goose. He brings over 25 years of experience scaling digital platforms, driving transformation, and delivering growth in retail and consumer industries.
Andrea Gwynn – Chief Information Officer at Forward Edge-AI
Forward Edge-AI has named Andrea Gwynn as its new Chief Information Officer, advancing the company’s mission to deliver secure and responsible AI and post-quantum cybersecurity solutions. A U.S. Army veteran with over 20 years of military and federal IT leadership, Gwynn most recently served as Deputy CIO at Army Futures Command. At Forward Edge-AI, she will oversee information systems strategy, digital transformation, and operational resilience across global defense and AI initiatives.
Ilona Logvinova – Chief AI Officer at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has appointed Ilona Logvinova as its global Chief AI Officer. Based in New York, Logvinova brings deep expertise in legal innovation and digital transformation, having previously served as Global Head of Innovation for McKinsey Legal and Senior Counsel at Mastercard. Most recently, she led legal innovation at Cleary Gottlieb. In this newly created role, she will lead HSF Kramer’s global AI strategy, working closely with practice groups to embed cutting-edge technologies into service.
Peter Gaffney – Chief Information & Security Officer at Sovos
Sovos has named Peter Gaffney as Chief Information & Security Officer, bringing over two decades of leadership in systems, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Most recently SVP and CISO at Magnit, Gaffney led global IT and achieved multiple ISO certifications. His previous roles include senior positions at Oracle, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Condé Nast, and Guidance Software. At Sovos, he will drive technology strategy, security excellence, and innovation across its global tax compliance operations.
Jarrod Bell – Chief Information Officer at Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald House Charities has appointed Jarrod Bell as Chief Information Officer to lead its global technology strategy. Bell brings over 25 years of experience across nonprofit and corporate sectors, including leadership roles at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and San Francisco Opera. He will oversee RMHC’s digital transformation, cybersecurity, and enterprise systems to scale impact and better support families and global Chapters.
Surya Chikkala – Chief Digital and Technology Officer at LeadingResponse
LeadingResponse has appointed Surya Chikkala as Chief Digital & Technology Officer to drive its long-term digital strategy and accelerate AI-powered transformation. Chikkala brings over 20 years of experience leading Fortune 100 companies through digital innovation across logistics, healthcare, and finance. At Publicis Sapient, he led UPS’s digital modernization and supported global vaccine distribution. Known for building scalable, AI-driven platforms and mobilizing global tech teams, Chikkala will now spearhead LeadingResponse’s evolution into a technology-driven marketing services leader.
Brian Sterns – Chief Information Officer at Froedtert ThedaCare Health, Inc.
Froedtert ThedaCare Health, Inc. has named Brian Sterns as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer. Sterns will lead the organization’s IT strategy to advance digital transformation, enhance patient outcomes, and support care teams through innovative technology. Previously Chief Digital Health Officer for the North Region, he also held interim IT leadership for the South Region. Since joining ThedaCare in 2017, Sterns has led corporate administration, operational services, and COVID-19 response efforts. His background includes IT and finance roles in Midwest health systems, as well as public accounting and teaching.
Ron White – Chief Information Officer at Guidehouse
Guidehouse has appointed Ron White as Chief Information Officer, bringing over 35 years of experience in enterprise technology, digital transformation, and AI enablement. Most recently Global CIO at Avanade, White has also held senior leadership roles at O-I and Accenture. At Guidehouse, he will oversee IT operations, cybersecurity, and cloud-first initiatives while advancing the firm’s AI-led strategy to accelerate innovation and business transformation across its global operations.
Siddharth ‘Sid’ Sharma – Chief Digital & Information Officer at Columbia Grain International
Columbia Grain International (CGI) has appointed Siddharth ‘Sid’ Sharma as Chief Digital and Information Officer. In this role, Sharma will oversee technology strategy, digital transformation, IT operations, and cybersecurity. He brings over 20 years of experience driving innovation in industrial sectors, including leadership roles at NTT Data and Hitachi Vantara. At CGI, Sharma will lead AI, data analytics, and digital initiatives to enhance efficiency and deliver greater value across the agri-food supply chain.
Nikhil Bobde – Chief Technology Officer at AXS
AXS has named Nikhil Bobde as Chief Technology Officer to lead its global technology organization and accelerate innovation across its platform. Bobde brings over 20 years of experience scaling complex systems, most recently as CTO at Thumbtack, where he led engineering, AI, and cybersecurity while advancing GenAI initiatives. He previously spent a decade at Meta, driving engineering for Facebook Video, Messenger, and real-time systems at Instagram and WhatsApp.
Chet Bhat – Global Chief Information Officer at PXGEO
PXGEO has appointed Chet Bhat as its first Chief Information Officer to lead the company’s global digital strategy. Bhat will continue serving as Global CIO at EnerMech, with both companies overseen by CEO Charles Davison and supported by a shared governance model. Based in Houston, Bhat brings over 30 years of IT leadership experience across the energy and industrial sectors, including previous CIO roles at GE Oil & Gas, Maverick Natural Resources, and Roper Technologies. He will focus on securing PXGEO’s technology infrastructure, streamlining operations, and driving innovation through integrated systems and cloud-based initiatives.
Greg Glawson – Chief Information Officer at Westerra Credit Union
Westerra Credit Union has named Greg Glawson as Chief Information Officer. Glawson brings nearly 20 years of IT leadership in the credit union industry, most recently serving as EVP and CIO at UNIFY Financial Credit Union. His experience spans IT infrastructure, cloud services, digital payments, and core banking modernization. At Westerra, Glawson will drive technology strategy and digital transformation to enhance member experience and operational efficiency.
Daniel Laakso – Chief Information Officer for Edison Works at GE Aerospace
GE Aerospace has appointed Daniel Laakso as Chief Information Officer for Edison Works, the company’s advanced military technology and national defense division. Laakso brings over 20 years of U.S. Army experience, including leadership roles in IT, operations, and communications. Most recently, he served as Professor of Military Science at the University of Cincinnati. At GE, he will lead secure digital innovation and ensure compliance with defense-grade data and system standards.
Matt Longmeyer – Chief Information Officer at Bank First
Bank First has promoted Matt Longmeyer to Chief Information Officer, recognizing over a decade of steady leadership and technical innovation. Longmeyer began his career at the bank in 2013 as an IT intern and was most recently SVP, Technology Director. He has been instrumental in shaping the bank’s technology strategy, enhancing product and project management, and strengthening cybersecurity. As CIO, Longmeyer will oversee Information Technology, Business Systems, Digital Transformation, and Project Management. His promotion reflects a continued commitment to operational excellence and strategic technology alignment.
Gauthaman Krishnamurthy – Chief Information Officer at Slide
Slide has appointed Gauthaman Krishnamurthy as Chief Information Officer, bringing over two decades of technology leadership in the insurance industry. He joins from PURE Insurance, where he served as SVP and Chief Applications Officer, and previously held senior IT roles at Deloitte, Cognizant, and Larsen & Toubro Infotech. At Slide, Krishnamurthy will lead technology strategy and innovation across the insurance value chain, advancing digital services and AI-driven transformation.
Carl Steffen – Chief Information Officer for Lincoln and Lancaster County, NE
The Lincoln City Council has approved Carl Steffen as Chief Information Officer for Lincoln and Lancaster County, following his service as interim CIO since February 2025. Previously Enterprise System Administrator for the city’s Information Services Department, he also held leadership roles at Cornhusker Bank and Don’t Panic Labs. A U.S. Army National Guard veteran.
Tarak Patel – Chief Information Officer at Saia, Inc.
Saia, Inc. has appointed Tarak Patel as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, succeeding Rohit Lal following his announced retirement. Patel brings over two decades of experience leading enterprise IT strategy and digital transformation across manufacturing, logistics, and consumer goods sectors. Most recently CIO of the Consumer Packaging & Machinery Division at Smurfit WestRock, Patel led a global overhaul of business systems and operations, delivering significant gains in efficiency and performance. He has also held senior technology leadership roles at E. & J. Gallo Winery and Henkel, where he spearheaded large-scale ERP, AI, and supply chain initiatives. Based in Houston, Patel will lead Saia’s technology strategy, infrastructure modernization, and digital innovation efforts.
Mike Angelakos – Chief Information Officer at Piedmont Healthcare
Piedmont Healthcare has appointed Dr. Mike Angelakos as Chief Information Officer, bringing over 30 years of IT leadership in healthcare. He most recently served as CIO at Geisinger, where he led enterprise IT, cloud migration, AI initiatives, and infrastructure modernization. Previously, Angelakos spent 17 years at Trinity Health in roles including CTO and Regional CIO. At Piedmont, he will lead technology strategy to support patient-centered care and digital transformation.
Curtis Rebelein – Chief Information Security Officer at DCM Services
DCM Services has named Curtis Rebelein as Chief Information Security Officer, bringing nearly 30 years of IT and cybersecurity experience to the estate and specialty account recovery firm. Rebelein previously served as CISO for the Metropolitan Airports Commission and held senior security roles at Provation Medical, UnitedHealth Group, Target, and Medtronic. He holds multiple industry certifications and a master’s in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western Governors University. At DCM Services, Rebelein will lead security strategy, compliance, and risk management initiatives.
Alberto Serrano – Chief Information Officer at Johnson Law Group
Alberto Serrano has been appointed Chief Information Officer at Johnson Law Group, expanding his leadership role after serving as the firm’s Chief Technology Officer since 2020. He previously served as Director of IT at both Johnson Law Group and Pulaski Law Firm, and held senior engineering roles supporting network systems across the Houston and Miami regions.
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Bob Toupin – Chief Information Officer at Impact Climate Technologies, Inc.
Impact Climate Technologies has named Bob Toupin as Chief Information Officer. Toupin has led multiple enterprise-wide digital initiatives, including the standardization of ERP, CRM, and HRIS platforms, implementation of a unified cybersecurity framework, and the launch of a large-scale AI program to automate blueprint-to-BOM conversions. A seasoned CIO with prior leadership roles at Tompkins Solutions, Jackson Healthcare, and BlueLinx Corporation, Toupin brings deep expertise in scaling IT systems, enabling growth through M&A, and building high-performing, innovation-driven teams.
Gene Fichtenholz – Chief Technology Officer at Meriwest Credit Union
Meriwest Credit Union has promoted Gene Fichtenholz to Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, following the retirement of Lina Hess. A 30-year veteran of Meriwest, Fichtenholz most recently served as VP of Digital Innovations, where he led the credit union’s digital banking transformation, introduced AI/ML-driven services, and enhanced online member onboarding. Known for his deep institutional knowledge and forward-thinking leadership, Fichtenholz will now oversee both IT and digital innovation, advancing Meriwest’s technology strategy with a focus on AI-powered experiences and operational excellence.
Josh Fecteau – Chief Data and AI Officer at Teradata
Teradata has named Josh Fecteau as Chief Data and AI Officer, expanding his leadership in advancing the company’s enterprise data and AI strategy. Since joining Teradata in 2019, Fecteau has modernized its internal data ecosystem and pioneered scalable agentic AI capabilities through the “Teradata on Teradata” initiative.
Richard Jacik – Chief Technology Officer at the American Institutes for Research
The American Institutes for Research has named Richard Jacik as Chief Technology Officer, bringing more than 25 years of experience in systems architecture and digital transformation. Jacik most recently served as Chief Digital Officer at Brillient Corporation, where he led large-scale modernization efforts for federal agencies including the VA, CMS, and CDC. At AIR, he will oversee internal IT systems and client-facing technologies, supporting the organization’s mission through innovation, AI adoption, and scalable infrastructure.
Martin “Marty” Gang – Chief Information Officer at Polk State College
Polk State College has appointed Martin “Marty” Gang as Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer. Gang brings over 25 years of higher education IT leadership, most recently serving as CIO at Empire State University, with prior roles at Lewis-Clark State College, Maine Community College System, and others. He aims to enhance user experience, bolster cybersecurity, and implement analytics frameworks to drive student success and operational efficiency across the college.
Erik Wille – Chief Technology Officer at Cabinetworks Group
Cabinetworks Group has appointed Erik Wille as Chief Technology Officer after serving in the role on an interim basis. Wille joined the company in 2023 as SVP and CISO, where he led major security and IT strategy initiatives, including rebuilding the Information Security Management System and launching a company-wide awareness program. With prior leadership roles at American Axle & Manufacturing and Penske Automotive Group, Wille now oversees Cabinetworks’ IT operations and technology strategy to drive business enablement and digital transformation.
Rohit Kapoor – Chief Digital and Technology Transformation Officer at Whataburger
Whataburger has named Rohit Kapoor as Executive Vice President and Chief Digital and Technology Transformation Officer to lead its next phase of digital innovation. Kapoor brings over 30 years of global experience in restaurant and retail technology, having previously served as EVP and CIO at Claire’s and held senior roles at Starbucks and YUM! Brands. He will focus on enhancing customer and employee experiences through future-ready digital capabilities.
Hitesh Patel – Chief Technology and Cybersecurity Officer at Valvoline
Valvoline Inc. has appointed Hitesh Patel as Senior Vice President, Chief Technology and Cybersecurity Officer. Patel brings decades of retail IT and cybersecurity experience, including CIO roles at Sleep Number and technology leadership at Advance Auto Parts and Best Buy. At Valvoline, he will lead enterprise technology, digital transformation, and cybersecurity strategy to support the company’s growth and customer experience goals.
Vishal Gupta – Global Chief Technology and Product Officer at GoGuardian
GoGuardian has named Vishal Gupta as Chief Technology and Product Officer to lead its technology strategy, innovation, and AI-driven development for K–12 education. Gupta brings over 20 years of global experience in technology, cybersecurity, and AI, most recently serving as CIO and CTO at Lexmark, where he advanced connected, cloud-based solutions. He previously held executive roles at Unisys, Symantec, and Cisco, driving large-scale transformation and secure platform delivery. At GoGuardian, Gupta will oversee engineering, IT, data, AI, and product teams to scale personalized and secure learning tools for over 25 million students nationwide.
Rick Lockton – Chief Digital, Product, and Tech Officer at Bed Bath & Beyond
Bed Bath & Beyond has appointed Rick Lockton as Executive Vice President and Chief Digital, Product, and Technology Officer. Lockton brings more than 20 years of digital leadership experience, including senior roles at Walmart, Tractor Supply Co., and Ashley Furniture, where he drove multi-billion-dollar growth through AI innovation, e-commerce strategy, and omnichannel transformation. He will lead Bed Bath & Beyond’s digital, product, and technology efforts.
Tony Sauerhoff – Chief AI and Innovation Officer at Texas Department of Information Resources
The Texas Department of Information Resources has appointed Tony Sauerhoff as its first Chief AI and Innovation Officer, leading the agency’s new AI Division. Previously the state’s Chief Information Security Officer, Sauerhoff brings over 25 years of public sector IT and cybersecurity leadership, including roles at the U.S. Courts and Marine Forces Reserve. At DIR, he will guide AI strategy, proof-of-concept testing, and innovation support for agencies statewide as Texas ramps up efforts in emerging technologies and responsible AI adoption.
Noël Vestal – Chief Information Officer at Aethon Security
Aethon Security has appointed Noël Vestal as Chief Information Officer, bringing over 20 years of experience in IT leadership, cybersecurity, and compliance across government and defense contracting environments. Most recently Chief Compliance Officer at PreVeil, Vestal has led CMMC implementations, advised on mission-aligned security strategies, and helped the first cloud service provider reach FedRAMP equivalency. Her track record includes senior roles at General Dynamics IT and the DC Government. At Aethon, she will lead technology strategy and strengthen cybersecurity solutions for the defense industrial base.
Tim Brown – Chief Information Officer at First Financial Bankshares
Tim Brown has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of First Financial Bank and CEO of its subsidiary, First Technology Services, Inc. Brown brings more than 35 years of IT leadership, most recently serving as CIO at Johnson Financial Group and previously holding executive roles at USAA, where he led innovation, R&D, and enterprise project delivery. He will drive First Financial’s technology strategy, digital innovation, and operational efficiency as the company scales.
Rajendra Umadas – Chief Information Security Officer at RAD Security
RAD Security has named Rajendra “Raj” Umadas as its first Chief Information Security Officer to lead internal security, risk, and trust functions and shape AI-native product strategy. Umadas brings over a decade of experience scaling security programs at Spotify, Squarespace, Etsy, and ActBlue. Previously an advisor to RAD since 2022, he joins as the company accelerates growth following its Series A. His appointment strengthens RAD’s position in cloud and AI protection amid growing demand for scalable, intelligent security solutions.
Douglas Merrill – Chief Information Security Officer at Equinix, Inc.
Equinix has appointed Douglas Merrill as Chief Information Security Officer, following six months in the role on an interim basis. A former Google CIO and McKinsey partner, Merrill brings more than 30 years of experience leading global technology and security initiatives across tech, finance, and government. He will lead Equinix’s global security organization, overseeing cybersecurity risk management and engineering resilient platforms. Merrill is known for driving innovation in AI, cloud security, and digital infrastructure at scale.
Brian Ellis – Chief Information Technology Officer at Village Farms International
Village Farms International has appointed Brian Ellis as its first Chief Information and Technology Officer (CITO), strengthening its executive team. In this newly created role, Ellis will lead enterprise architecture and IT strategy across the company’s operations in North America and Europe. A U.S. Navy veteran, Ellis brings more than 25 years of technology leadership experience, including senior roles at Nike, Topgolf Callaway, and Booking.com. He is recognized for leading complex digital transformations across industries such as consumer goods, e-commerce, and travel.
Todd Glanton – Chief Information Officer at NYSERNet
NYSERNet has named Todd Glanton as its new Chief Information Officer, bringing over 15 years of IT leadership experience spanning infrastructure, cybersecurity, and analytics. Glanton most recently served as SVP of Technology and Analytics at Monroe Plan for Medical Care, where he led enterprise digital transformation and developed AI-powered solutions to improve care delivery. He previously held senior roles in enterprise architecture and systems management across healthcare organizations in New York. As CIO, Glanton will lead NYSERNet’s technology strategy and operations to support the research and education community with secure, reliable, and scalable digital infrastructure.
Aaron Bradford – Chief Technology Officer at Grow Capital, Inc.
Grow Capital, Inc. has appointed Aaron Bradford as Chief Technology Officer to lead the company’s technology strategy and product innovation across its growing fintech and retirement-tech portfolio. Bradford brings over two decades of financial technology leadership, including CTO roles at IPX Retirement and LeafHouse, and senior positions at Vertical Management Systems, Prudential Financial, Union Bank, and CNA Insurance. He will drive platform development and cloud-native solutions to support Grow Capital’s next phase of expansion.
Michael Montoya – Chief Technology Operations Officer at F5
F5 has named Michael Montoya as Chief Technology Operations Officer, transitioning from his role on the company’s Board of Directors, where he served since 2021. In this new position, he will lead enterprise-wide strategy and execution to embed security into all aspects of F5’s operations. Michael brings extensive cybersecurity leadership experience from executive roles at Equinix, Digital Realty, and Microsoft.
Daniel Parsons – Chief Information Security Officer at The E.W. Scripps Company
The E.W. Scripps Company has named Daniel Parsons as Chief Information Security Officer. Parsons will lead the company’s enterprise cybersecurity strategy, safeguarding digital content, newsroom systems, intellectual property, and consumer data. He previously served as VP of Cyber Defense at NBCUniversal and held key cybersecurity roles at U.S. Bank, GE, and Walmart. Parsons is also an industry collaborator and board member at NPower, supporting tech career access for veterans and young adults.
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