This month, we’re excited to spotlight 36 CIOs stepping into new roles across various industries. With their unique perspectives and impressive experience, these leaders are ready to tackle what’s next and guide their teams through new challenges.
Big things are ahead as they bring fresh energy and strategic vision to their organizations.
Minh Le – Chief Technology Officer at Denny’s
Denny’s Inc. has announced Minh Le as its new Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. In this capacity, Le will oversee and modernize the technology platforms across Denny’s and Keke’s Breakfast Café. Le, who brings more than 25 years of experience in digital transformations for leading restaurant chains, has held significant technology leadership roles at Checkers & Rally’s, CBC Restaurants, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, and Darden Restaurants. His efforts will focus on elevating guest experiences, improving efficiency, and reinforcing data security.
Dave Harris – Chief Technology Officer at Cooper’s Hawk
Dave Harris has been appointed Chief Technology Officer at Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants, marking a new chapter in his distinguished career in technology leadership. Prior to this, Harris served nearly six years as Chief Information Officer at Shake Shack, where he spearheaded the company’s global technology strategy, digital transformation, and development of omnichannel solutions. His extensive experience also includes roles at Newell Brands, where he led digital technology initiatives to drive eCommerce growth, and as CIO at The Yankee Candle Company, focusing on IT platforms and consumer experiences.
Mike Fero – Chief Information Officer at Twist Bioscience Corporation
Twist Bioscience Corporation, renowned for its silicon-based synthetic DNA platform, has named Mike Fero, Ph.D., as Chief Information Officer. Dr. Fero’s three-decade career encompasses leadership in startups, software development, and extensive research in biology and physics. His prior roles include co-founding TeselaGen Biotechnology, where he served as CEO, and developing enterprise software solutions for biotech firms. His academic tenure at Stanford University included advancing epifluorescence microscopy for genetic screening and directing the Stanford Functional Genomics facility.
Andrei Girenkov – Chief Technology Officer at CSC ServiceWorks, Inc.
CSC ServiceWorks, Inc., a leader in tech-enabled consumer services, has appointed Andrei Girenkov as its new Chief Technology Officer. Girenkov brings over 20 years of expertise in rental housing technology, including his prior role as CTO at Greystar, where he managed global tech operations, data strategy, and digital product ecosystems. At CSC, he will spearhead advancements in digital infrastructure, payment technologies, and the One Tap Away platform to enhance resident experiences. CEO Rod Castellanos highlighted Girenkov’s extensive industry knowledge as pivotal for driving innovation and reinforcing CSC’s technology leadership.
James Scobey – Chief Information Security Officer at Keeper Security
Keeper Security, a leader in zero-trust cybersecurity solutions, has appointed James Scobey as its first Chief Information Security Officer. Scobey joins from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), where he served as CISO since 2022. At the SEC, he spearheaded the adoption of zero-trust frameworks and led a shift toward identity-centric security. With nearly 30 years in cybersecurity and IT leadership, including roles at SigmaCyber and MITRE, Scobey’s expertise will bolster Keeper’s strategic expansion in enterprise and federal markets, reinforcing its robust cybersecurity and compliance efforts.
Stephen Miller – Chief Technology Officer for Washington, DC
Stephen Miller has been appointed as Washington DC’s seventh Chief Technology Officer, bringing 23 years of experience in government technology, including roles as deputy, interim, and acting CTO since joining in 2007. Known for leading large-scale IT projects, enhancing service delivery, and strengthening cybersecurity, Miller is committed to bridging the city’s digital divide and showcasing DC as a hub of tech innovation. He aims to improve digital equity, ensuring all residents can access and benefit from technology while strengthening cybersecurity to counter rising threats.
Dane Stuckey – Chief Information Security Officer at OpenAI
Dane Stuckey, former Chief Information Security Officer of Palantir Technologies, has joined OpenAI as its newest CISO. Stuckey, who served at Palantir for over a decade, including more than six years as CISO, will now lead security efforts at OpenAI, working alongside Matt Knight, OpenAI’s Head of Security. Stuckey announced his move on social media, emphasizing that security is central to OpenAI’s mission of developing safe artificial general intelligence (AGI) and maintaining high standards of compliance and trust. OpenAI has ramped up its security initiatives recently, appointing former NSA Director Paul Nakasone to its board and actively working on cybersecurity challenges, including collaborations with the U.S. Department of Defense. With Stuckey’s deep experience in digital forensics, incident response, and security program development, his appointment strengthens OpenAI’s focus on securing its AI technologies amidst constantly growing cyber threats.
Dan Hedstrom – Chief Information Officer at Modine
Modine has named Dan Hedstrom as Chief Information Officer to lead global IT operations and drive the company’s digital strategy, focusing on performance, productivity, and cybersecurity. With 12 years at Cubic Corporation, where he rose to Vice President and CIO, Hedstrom brings experience in scaling IT systems and enterprise infrastructure. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from California Polytechnic State University. Modine’s Executive Vice President and CFO, Mick Lucareli, highlighted Hedstrom’s strong leadership as essential for advancing global business strategies.
John Bell – Chief Technology Officer for HII’s Mission Technologies Division
HII has promoted John Bell to Chief Technology Officer of its Mission Technologies division. With nearly three decades at HII, Bell has significantly contributed to the development of advanced training and simulation systems, including the Navy Continuous Training Environment (NCTE) and the Joint Staff J7 Joint Training Synthetic. In his new role, Bell will align the division’s technological efforts with corporate strategies, emphasizing innovations in AI, Big Data, and robotics. This appointment underscores HII’s commitment to expanding its capabilities in “Industry 4.0” technologies and advancing its strategic growth in defense solutions.
Anirban Kundu – Chief Technology Officer at Instacart
Instacart has appointed Anirban Kundu, former Uber Vice President and Head of Engineering for Uber Delivery, as Chief Technology Officer. Kundu, who played a pivotal role in developing Uber Eats and Ad Solutions, brings a wealth of experience from leading engineering teams at Postmates, Evernote, GoDaddy, Shazam, and Yahoo. At Instacart, he will guide the technical vision to enhance grocery-based logistics, AI-driven personalization, and seamless omnichannel experiences. His appointment aligns with Instacart’s strategic efforts to expand product offerings, improve eCommerce capabilities, and strengthen its position in the grocery technology sector.
Randolph Barr – Chief Information Security Officer at Cequence Security
Cequence Security has appointed Randolph Barr as Chief Information Security Officer to enhance its API protection strategy. Bringing over 20 years of cybersecurity experience from leadership roles at Zoom, Qualys, Cisco-Webex, and InterVenn Biosciences, Barr is poised to strengthen Cequence’s security posture amid evolving API-related threats. His background includes risk management, compliance, and incident response, with a proven record of developing scalable security frameworks that align with organizational growth. Barr plans to build on Cequence’s internal security programs to boost client trust and ensure regulatory compliance. CTO Shreyans Mehta highlighted Barr’s strategic insight as invaluable for advancing Cequence’s capabilities in API security and bot management.
Jonathan Malek – Chief Technology Officer at Avodah
Avodah, a pioneer in AI solutions for healthcare and translation, has appointed Jonathan Malek as Chief Technology Officer. Malek, who co-founded Practice Fusion and led its technological growth until its acquisition by Allscripts, brings over 30 years of experience. At Allscripts, he unified five business units, driving an 8% revenue increase and overseeing 1,600 professionals. His career also includes strategic roles at The Associated Press and Capax Global. At Avodah, Malek will enhance AvodahMed and AvodahConnect, leveraging his expertise to create scalable, secure, and user-centric solutions.
Apurba Das – Chief Technology Officer at Heliogen Inc.
Heliogen, Inc., a leader in concentrating solar energy technology, has appointed Apurba Das as Chief Technology Officer. Das, who joined the company in 2021 as Vice President of Engineering for Process and Power Systems, now oversees plant design and engineering, including the R&D scope previously managed by former Chief Scientist Steve Schell. Reporting to CEO Christie Obiaya, Das will focus on advancing Heliogen’s CSP technology that integrates solar PV and thermal energy storage. With prior leadership roles at Kairos Power and GE Renewable Energy, Das holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and brings valuable expertise to drive full-scale technology deployments.
TJ Cradick – Chief Technology Officer at HuidaGene Therapeutics
HuidaGene Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology leader in CRISPR-based genome medicine, has named Dr. TJ Cradick as Chief Technology Officer. Dr. Cradick, a prominent figure in genome editing, will lead the development of innovative delivery vectors and gene editing tools, leveraging AI and computational biology. With a career spanning pivotal roles at Sangamo Therapeutics, CRISPR Therapeutics, and Excision BioTherapeutics, he notably led the development of the first in-vivo CRISPR treatment for latent HIV and contributed to Casgevy™, the first approved CRISPR therapy.
Rakesh Mohan – Chief Technology Officer at AZEK
The AZEK Company has named Rakesh Mohan as its Chief Digital & Technology Officer. Mohan, who joins AZEK’s leadership team, will spearhead the development and execution of a comprehensive digital and IT strategy, aiming to enhance the company’s technological capabilities. With over 25 years in digital transformation, Mohan has a distinguished background in optimizing manufacturing processes and customer experiences. Prior to AZEK, he was CIO and VP of IT at Home Comfort Solutions, where he led strategic technology overhauls including supply chain enhancements and standardized operating systems. CEO Jesse Singh lauded Mohan’s ability to drive innovation and business value.
Skylar Roebuck – Chief Technology Officer at Solvd Inc.
Solvd Inc., a global technology services and consulting firm, has appointed Skylar Roebuck as Chief Technology Officer to drive its AI-focused strategic initiatives. Roebuck, with over 15 years of experience in tech leadership and digital transformation, has a proven history of leveraging AI to foster business growth. Previously, he founded and scaled tech ventures such as Mobiquity, Rocket Wagon, and Outliant, enhancing various industries through technology. CEO Adam Gabrault expressed confidence in Roebuck’s capacity to elevate Solvd’s capabilities and spur client growth.
Beth Lindsay-Wood – Chief Technology Officer at Moffitt Cancer Center
Moffitt Cancer Center has named Beth Lindsay-Wood as its Senior Vice President and Chief Informatics and Technology Officer. In this role, Lindsay-Wood will lead the center’s technology strategy, aligning IT initiatives with business objectives to enhance patient care. Her responsibilities include managing IT infrastructure, clinical informatics, cybersecurity, and applications across the organization. With over 30 years of IT leadership experience at institutions such as Tampa General Hospital, Sentara Healthcare, and City of Hope, Lindsay-Wood also previously served as Moffitt’s CIO from 2020 to 2022.
Lynnette A. Clinton – Chief Information Officer at BayCare Health System
BayCare Health System has welcomed back Lynnette A. Clinton as Chief Information Officer and member of the CEO Cabinet. Clinton, who previously served as vice president of applications at BayCare until December 2023, returned on September 25. Shortly after resuming her role, she led the information services (IS) Incident Command through two major hurricanes, ensuring technology support for BayCare’s 16 hospitals. Clinton initially joined BayCare in 2016 and advanced from director to vice president while completing her MBA at the University of Tampa. Her career began in Pennsylvania, with extensive experience at Lehigh Valley Health Network.
Jennifer Charters – Chief Information Officer at Lincoln Financial Group
Lincoln Financial Group has appointed Jennifer Charters as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer. Charters, a technology leader with three decades of experience in financial services, will oversee the company’s enterprise-wide technology and digital strategy, reporting directly to Chairman, President, and CEO Ellen Cooper and joining the Senior Management Committee. Previously, Charters was CIO at Flagstar Bank and held the same role for Corporate Technology at Ally Financial. She began her career at Accenture focusing on systems development.
Steve Crowder – Chief Information Officer at InFirst Federal Credit Union
InFirst Federal Credit Union has announced Steve Crowder as its new Chief Information Officer, bringing over 25 years of experience in data analytics, lending, IT, and project management within the credit union industry. A Roanoke College graduate and Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE), Crowder previously led major projects such as mobile app and core system upgrades. President and CEO Mark Hudzik expressed enthusiasm for this strategic appointment, which supports the credit union’s growth and commitment to member service.
Jake Vizner – Chief Information Officer at The National Conference of Bar Examiners
The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) has appointed Jake Vizner as its new Chief Information Officer. Vizner will spearhead NCBE’s technology initiatives as it readies for the rollout of the NextGen bar exam in 2026. With a robust background in tech leadership, Vizner has held CIO and senior roles at EMS Management & Consultants, Premier, Transamerica Reinsurance, and LendingTree. He holds certifications such as AWS Cloud Practitioner and Certified Scrum Master, and a master’s from the Slovak University of Technology. Vizner’s responsibilities will encompass overseeing technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, and software development.
Tom Walch – Chief Information Security Officer at BDO USA
BDO USA has appointed Tom Walch as Principal and Chief Information Security Officer. Walch will oversee the firm’s cybersecurity strategy and operations, focusing on safeguarding its systems, data, and personnel against threats. His tenure has already seen significant achievements, including guiding BDO to ISO 27001 certification and completing multiple successful SOC2 audits, underscoring the firm’s dedication to information security. Walch’s leadership is pivotal to reinforcing BDO’s robust cybersecurity framework, enhancing trust and protection for its clients and stakeholders.
Tim McKnight – Chief Information Security Officer for UnitedHealth Group
Tim McKnight has joined UnitedHealth Group as Chief Information Security Officer, bringing three decades of cybersecurity expertise to one of the largest U.S. healthcare providers. His appointment comes during a critical time for UnitedHealth, as the company navigates a high-profile data breach that has impacted over 100 million U.S. residents, with costs expected to exceed $2.87 billion by year-end. McKnight’s career includes senior security roles at SAP, Thomson Reuters, and General Electric, followed by a recent position at SYN Ventures, where he advised cybersecurity startups. With his extensive experience and proactive approach to defining cybersecurity standards, McKnight is expected to be pivotal in fortifying UnitedHealth’s defenses as the company works to rebuild trust and meet regulatory expectations.
Christopher Higgins – Chief Information Officer at Flagstar Bank
Flagstar Bank, N.A., a subsidiary of Flagstar Financial, Inc., has appointed Christopher Higgins as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer. This appointment aims to strengthen the bank’s technological and credit oversight capabilities. Higgins, with nearly 40 years in banking leadership, brings extensive experience in technology transformations and integrations, notably overseeing 13 post-merger systems conversions at U.S. Bank, impacting 1.2 million customers. His previous roles include Chief Operations and Information Officer at MUFG Americas and positions at Bank of America and Shawmut National Bank.
Dr. Sunho Kang – Chief Technology Officer at Ionic Mineral Technologies
Ionic Mineral Technologies (Ionic MT) has appointed Dr. Sunho Kang as Chief Technology Officer, bringing over 25 years of experience in battery technology innovation. Dr. Kang, who studied under Nobel Laureate Dr. John B. Goodenough, has led pioneering work in Li-ion battery materials at institutions like Argonne National Laboratory and companies such as Samsung SDI, Apple, and Volkswagen. His expertise in advanced silicon anode development and successful commercialization will drive the scale-up of Ionic MT’s Ionisil™ products, positioning the company as a leader in high-performance, sustainable battery solutions for EVs and energy storage.
Glynn Stanton – Chief Information Officer at Yale School of Medicine
Glynn Stanton has been appointed Chief Information Officer for Yale New Haven Health System, Yale Medicine, and Yale Health, while continuing his role as Chief Information Security Officer. Stanton, who joined the health system over a decade ago, has been pivotal in enhancing its information security capabilities, including identity and access management and disaster recovery. A recognized leader in cybersecurity, he has collaborated with the American Hospital Association to reduce security costs for hospitals nationwide and aligned security policies with Yale University. As CIO and CISO, Stanton will oversee technical operations, infrastructure, and data management while collaborating with Dr. Lee Schwamm to advance digital transformation and explore emerging technologies like AI.
Mark Munsell – Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
Mark Munsell has been named Chief AI Officer at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), while continuing as Director of the Data and Digital Innovation Directorate. In this expanded role, Munsell will oversee the agency’s AI-driven geospatial intelligence initiatives, advising on the integration and ethical deployment of AI in operations. Additionally, he will serve on the U.S. intelligence community’s CAIO Council, contributing to strategic AI development, investment oversight, and risk management policies. Munsell, who began his career as an NGA software engineer in 1995, has held leadership roles including CTO and deputy director of IT. This appointment aligns with broader IC and Department of Defense efforts to enhance AI capabilities.
Jim Walsh – Chief Information Officer at Xcelerate Solutions
Xcelerate Solutions has named Jim Walsh as its new Chief Information Officer, bringing more than 25 years of experience in IT management. Walsh is set to lead innovation and enhance the company’s technology offerings, focusing on cloud computing, network security, data center management, and disaster recovery. Prior to joining Xcelerate, Walsh was the Chief Technology Officer at VMD, where he was pivotal in shaping tech ecosystems and delivering mission-critical solutions. His career also includes founding Advanced IT Services and serving as a senior systems architect at Catapult Technology. This move follows Xcelerate’s merger with VMD to broaden its services for federal clients.
Michael Kempe – Chief Information Officer at Grant Thornton
Grant Thornton has appointed Michael Kempe as its new Chief Information Officer to strengthen its technology operations and strategy, coinciding with its plan to merge advisory and tax operations with Grant Thornton Ireland. Kempe, who brings over 20 years of experience in digital transformation from roles such as regional and international CIO at KPMG, is expected to enhance the firm’s digital infrastructure using his expertise in cloud and AI technologies. Grant Thornton Advisors CEO Seth Siegel highlighted that Kempe’s leadership will align their technology with business objectives and deliver greater client value.
Joe Peacock – Chief Technology Officer at SelectFI
SelectFI, a provider of AI-powered customer financing solutions for automotive dealerships, has named Joe Peacock as Chief Technology Officer. Previously Vice President of Engineering at ACV Auctions, Peacock led a major expansion, growing the engineering team from a small startup to hundreds and overseeing a successful $4.8 billion IPO. He also held roles at Facebook, enhancing global storage infrastructure. Initially joining SelectFI as a consultant, his strategic insights made him a clear choice for CTO. CEO Drew Dorn expressed confidence in Peacock’s ability to lead SelectFI’s engineering team and advance its AI platform for national growth.
Jared Bartel – Chief Information Security Officer at Idaho State University
Jared Bartel has been appointed as Chief Information Security Officer for Idaho State University. In his prior role as Associate CIO, Bartel expanded the cybersecurity team, implemented critical technologies to reduce vulnerabilities, and established centralized logging processes to enhance compliance and expedite incident response. His leadership approach, focused on building strong relationships, positions him well for this inaugural CISO role at ISU, where he will oversee Security and Research Computing.
Trey Ford – Chief Information Security Officer at Bugcrowd
Bugcrowd, a leader in crowdsourced security solutions, has named Trey Ford as Chief Information Security Officer for the Americas. Ford, a seasoned security expert with 25 years in offensive and defensive strategies, has held significant roles at Deepwatch, Salesforce, Black Hat, and more. He has also advised Bugcrowd for over a decade. Ford’s leadership arrives during Bugcrowd’s 2024 business surge and he aims to advance Bugcrowd’s proactive cybersecurity initiatives and enhance customer connections.
Jennifer Frescaz – Chief Information Officer for the City of Lubbock
Jennifer Frescaz has been appointed Chief Information Officer for the City of Lubbock, bringing over 15 years of public sector technology leadership experience. Currently the CIO and Managing Director for the City of Midland, Frescaz has spearheaded major IT projects, enhanced cybersecurity frameworks, and promoted cross-departmental collaboration to align technology with organizational objectives. Frescaz aims to advance Lubbock’s technology strategy, fostering innovation and community collaboration.
Christopher Campise – Chief Information Officer at Five Star Bank
Five Star Bank, a subsidiary of Financial Institutions, Inc., has appointed Christopher Campise as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer. With over 25 years of technology leadership, Campise will oversee the development and execution of the bank’s IT strategies to align with long-term business objectives. Previously, he served as Senior Director of Enterprise Architecture at Delaware North Companies and held key positions at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and the University at Buffalo. Campise, who holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Canisius College, brings valuable experience from regulated industries and will report to CFO W. Jack Plants II.
John Arnott – Chief Technology Officer at Ad Astra Inc.
Ad Astra, Inc., a leader in cross-cultural communication services, has named John Arnott as Chief Technology Officer. With over 25 years of expertise in digital transformation and emerging technologies, Arnott will guide the development of Ad Astra’s proprietary AI platform, reinforcing its leadership in AI-driven solutions. Previously CEO of C1M.ai, Arnott specialized in leveraging AI for business growth and has founded multiple tech ventures. CEO Elena Petrova emphasized that Arnott’s background aligns perfectly with Ad Astra’s mission to advance ethical AI use.
Tony Murphy – Chief Information Officer at Newfold Digital
Newfold Digital has appointed Tony Murphy as its new Chief Information Officer. Murphy, who brings over 30 years of IT and strategic leadership experience, will guide Newfold’s IT initiatives and enhance corporate IT services and security operations. He previously served as CIO at Desktop Metal and held leadership roles at Progress Software. Known for leading diverse global teams and aligning technology with business strategies, Murphy holds an Economics degree from Maynooth University and an MBA in Leadership from Bentley University. CEO Sharon Rowlands highlighted Murphy’s expertise as pivotal for supporting brands like Web.com and Bluehost.
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