Publisher's Section
Who’s Who in Emerging Tech
New York’s pioneering leaders who are shaping the future.
City & State presents Who's Who in Emerging Tech. Papajohn; Guidepost Solutions; MetroPlusHealth
The world has entered the age of artificial intelligence, and while the full implications of AI on everyday life have yet to be realized, it’s clear that the rapidly evolving technology is having a seismic impact. Of course, AI isn’t the only disruptive technology that’s revolutionizing entire industries. Health care systems, transportation startups and tech companies large and small are harnessing the immense power of big data. Next-generation broadband and wireless networks are making us more connected than ever. Energy innovations are paving the way for a cleaner, more efficient future. And educators are ensuring the next generation can ride the wave of technological progress – and creating a foundation that will spur further innovations. City & State’s inaugural Who’s Who in Emerging Tech, researched and written in partnership with journalist Lon Cohen, puts a spotlight on many of the game-changing players who stand out in New York’s tech scene.
Nadine Akinyemi
At Bridging Access to Care, Nadine Akinyemi is helping to redefine how community health care operates. With over three decades of experience, she’s championed trauma-informed care, integrating it into electronic health records to ensure data-driven, patient-centered treatment. Over the past year, she has strengthened cybersecurity, implemented software to track and improve outcomes, and spearheaded real-time data dashboards for informed decision-making. Under her leadership, Bridging Access to Care is poised to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic. As EngageWell IPA’s board chair, she’s advancing nonprofit growth while pushing for greater health care accessibility.
K.L. Allen
In February 2024, K.L. Allen was appointed Northeast regional vice president of the online nonprofit Western Governors University. Allen, who is a former member of the Army National Guard, has deep roots in education. His mother was a teacher for 30 years, and he previously served as chancellor of WGU Ohio. For Allen, online college education levels the playing field for people across socioeconomic classes, making higher education more affordable and more accessible than brick-and-mortar institutions. He also says that tech like artificial intelligence helps schools put even more focus on student outcomes.
T. Simeon Ananou
Prior to Stony Brook University, T. Simeon Ananou served as chief information officer at the University of Vermont and the University at Albany. At Stony Brook, he has developed a new strategic framework for information technology and conducted a listening tour of the flagship university. The framework includes upgrades to infrastructure, policies, processes and cybersecurity. After the university’s high-performance computing system, called SeaWulf, was upgraded, Ananou highlighted its transformative potential, enabling researchers to achieve new levels of computational excellence and drive discoveries. The university is also rolling out significant technology upgrades in the classroom.
Michael Badeski
Michael Badeski’s resume is filled with jobs at companies whose goal is to reduce carbon emissions or at venture capital funds investing in green technology. In April, Badeski segued his tech innovation and management experience into a job at Con Edison, driving electric vehicle strategy and scaling EV charging infrastructure to decarbonize transportation across New York City. Con Ed has installed 2,000 public EV charging stations citywide – seeing a 72% utilization rate – and put four electric school buses on the road last year, all with rooftop solar panels.
Tarika Barrett
Tarika Barrett is on a mission to close the gender gap in the tech sector and shape New York’s tech future. The Girls Who Code CEO has been focused on breaking barriers in tech from her days working for the New York City public school system. Gov. Kathy Hochul picked Barrett as co-chair of the state’s Emerging Technology Advisory Board, where Barrett is developing recommendations to grow artificial intelligence and tech workforce development. She also launched Girls Who Code’s Cyber Education Alliance, an initiative aimed at online safety for students and getting K-12 students interested in cybersecurity careers.
Mike Barsella
Barsella manages Amazon Web Services’ initiatives to improve services across New York City’s hospitals, schools, parks and subways. Previously, he managed account teams at Cisco for the nation’s top police and fire departments, bringing over 20 years of experience at companies like IBM, EDS and Sprint. A West Point graduate, Barsella also served for over five years mentoring underrepresented youth pursuing careers in technology at NPower's Technology Service Corps’ National Advisory Council, a nonprofit that trains veterans for careers in the sector.
Kiran Bhujle
Kiran Bhujle leads Long Island-based SVAM International’s Security Advisory Group, delivering cutting-edge cybersecurity and risk management solutions to clients. With over 25 years of experience driving innovation in cyber defense, digital identity and managed services, he previously led cybersecurity at accounting firm CohnReznick and served in similar roles at Deloitte & Touche and IBM. A Forbes Technology Council member and Columbia University lecturer, Bhujle shares industry insights while shaping future leaders. He also contributes to the Harvard Business Review’s Cybersecurity Advisory Board and serves on the board of the nonprofit Green Guerilla.
Adam Bouse
Adam Bouse brings over 15 years of experience in sales and management, including roles at insurance giants The Hanover Insurance Group and AIG, to Gigamon, one of the nation's leading cybersecurity companies. At Gigamon, he expanded the company’s state and local government and education programs, driving $100 million in annual business. He also led its work keeping the infrastructure at many city and state agencies secure, managing hybrid cloud infrastructure and reducing costs.
Rob Breakiron
Rob Breakiron has spent over a decade at KPMG helping clients navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape. As a managing director in the firm’s chief information officer advisory practice, he also focuses on helping government entities leverage emerging tech to deliver more efficient and effective public services. A frequent bylined contributor, he recently tackled the question of how state governments can integrate artificial intelligence without budgetary surprises. A U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Breakiron is also a well-known “Swiftie,” which he says helps foster connections with his younger colleagues.
Fatima Brown
Fatima Brown is redefining the future of artificial intelligence – not just by advancing technology but by reshaping who gets to build it. As CEO of Reclassify AI, she’s leading a data intelligence firm that prioritizes intellectual diversity and fairness in AI development. With a career spanning major financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase & Co. and BNY Mellon, she has pioneered enterprise data analysis and digital transformation initiatives. She’s also an inaugural adviser for The Women.NYC Network, an economic development program helping women break into high-growth industries, including tech, through mentorship and education.
Andrew Buck
If you are looking to help grow green urban planning, Andrew Buck at VHB should be one of your first calls. Buck and VHB focus on building smart developments that integrate ecologically friendly tech and universal broadband access into their designs. With over a decade of experience across the U.S. and Asia, his portfolio includes transformative projects like campus planning at West Point. Recently, he contributed to Urban Design Forum’s blueprint for environmentally friendly New York City neighborhoods.
Albert Fox Cahn
A technologist and lawyer, Albert Fox Cahn isn’t just keeping an eye on Big Brother – he’s holding it accountable. As the executive director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project – known as “STOP” – he has helped secure nearly $50 million for victims of unlawful tracking and pushed forward landmark privacy legislation, including a ban on blanket geofence warrants. A frequent commentator on tech and privacy issues, Cahn has called out AI-fueled policing, warned how digital data is weaponized against abortion seekers and questioned a New York City subway weapons detection system he called “high-tech hyperbole.” By dissecting policy hype, he works to ensure the public sees past the headlines – and the algorithms shaping them.
Michael Cassidy
Technology companies at all stages turn to lobbying powerhouse Brown & Weinraub for expert guidance on doing business in New York. Michael Cassidy specializes in helping clients navigate complex state regulations surrounding cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, developing strategic plans for success and advising firms working with the state. He also collaborates with government officials, educating them on emerging technologies. Cassidy previously served as former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s assistant director of state operations.
Annabel Chang
Annabel Chang wants to keep people on the move. Now head of state policy and government affairs at Waymo, the driverless taxi company, Chang previously held leadership roles at Alaska Airlines and Lyft, where she developed and executed strategies influencing local, state and national policies. A former prosecutor in San Francisco, Chang brings deep experience in helping tech companies in highly regulated industries navigate the compliance maze. She also helped found Chief, an organization whose mission is to drive more women into high-level positions of power.
Anshul Chaturvedi
With the growth of artificial intelligence, Anshul Chaturvedi is steering AI strategy and automation practices at World Wide Technology, crafting high-impact solutions for industries ranging from banking to heavy industry. With over 15 years in business innovation, his career highlights include tripling growth in telecom and digital media at Opera Solutions and pioneering AI-driven operational tools. A pragmatic voice in the sector, Chaturvedi said generative AI is “very new,” acknowledging its potential in the enterprise suite but warning of its steep costs and nascent capabilities.
Sammy Chu
Clean energy is a growth industry on Long Island and Sammy Chu is an islander helping to fuel that growth. With Edgewise Energy, he spearheaded a community solar farm project where power is distributed to subscribers who get a credit on their electric bill as an alternative to installing solar panels themselves. Chu was chief of staff to then-Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, served as Suffolk County’s labor commissioner and is a Metropolitan Transportation Authority board member.
Moshe Cohen
With the growth of electric vehicle use, fast-charging stations are in demand and Moshe Cohen and Gravity are working to deliver this to New Yorkers. The New York City-based EV infrastructure startup is revolutionizing urban energy with a sleek curbside charger capable of powering various EVs in as little as five minutes. He’s partnering with real estate giants and public agencies to expand his Google-backed company’s reach, turning New York City streets into a futuristic charging matrix.
Nick Colvin
Nick Colvin is the driving force behind LinkNYC, an initiative boosting New York City's connectivity. Under his leadership, 2,200 kiosks now dot the city, offering free public Wi-Fi, U.S. calls and device charging – all funded by advertising. With a career working with Apple, Google and the ACLU, Colvin balances tech innovation with accessibility, bridging the digital divide for underserved New Yorkers. Colvin has focused on ensuring 90% of Link5G smart poles are deployed above 96th Street in Manhattan and the outer boroughs to connect the entire city.
Stephanie Czaplicki
New York City never sleeps and is always on the move and Stephanie Czaplicki makes sure everyone is connected 24/7. She leads Boingo’s effort to implement and maintain long-term wireless solutions. This year, Czaplicki’s team brought 5G and Wi-Fi 6 to Grand Central Madison, spanning 10 miles of tunnels and 3 million square feet of underground infrastructure. Czaplicki also supports future talent through the New York Hall of Science and SEEDS, an organization that expands educational opportunities for students from low-income backgrounds.
Juan de Pablo
As New York University’s inaugural executive vice president for global science and technology and the executive dean of NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering, Juan de Pablo is positioning both the university and New York City as a premier innovation hub. He joined NYU in September with a mandate to hire 100 new faculty as he establishes NYU’s global science and technology initiative, including the development of a new technology incubator. He is focused on recruiting top scientists to NYU and acquired 1.1 million square feet of space in Greenwich Village.
John Dionisio
Steering health care forward with a tech-savvy compass, John Dionisio serves as the chief information officer for Somos Community Care, orchestrating complex information technology strategies and cutting-edge digital infrastructure. With over 15 years of expertise spanning health care tech, medical economics and value-based care, he has been instrumental in transforming the backend of physician practices. Dionisio’s achievements include creating a COVID-19 pandemic-era vaccination platform and advancing cybersecurity. His health care experience spans his entire career with top-level roles at both Wellcare Health Plans and Optimus Health Analytics.
Derek Doan
At T-Mobile, Derek Doan leads teams across 21 states, forging partnerships with governments and schools. A telecom veteran, he has worked for nearly every major player, including Verizon and AT&T, bringing decades of expertise to his role. Beyond telecom, he’s a champion for veterans having served nearly 10 years in the U.S. Army, chairing T-Mobile’s Veterans and Allies Network and sharing best practices for supporting military personnel. Doan helped launch a partnership with the Yonkers Housing Authority to provide free tablets and high-speed 4G LTE access to residents.
Melanie Donaldson
As a representative of America’s largest drone manufacturer, Melanie Donaldson is dealing with a region that includes one of the most complex and densely populated physical environments in the world in New York City. Skydio drones use advanced artificial intelligence to navigate those environs for the New York City Police Department, and in 2023 the two partnered on a program to conduct 24/7 remote operations citywide. When mysterious drones were spotted over New York skies last year, the NYPD said Skydio drones in their arsenal were being used to investigate the matter.
Amir Elichai
A former Israeli Army officer with intelligence and special forces experience, Amir Elichai is the force behind New York City-based Carbyne, a cloud-native emergency response technology and services company redefining how first responders connect with critical data. Carbyne provides data solutions for 911 call centers, delivering over 250 million data points annually through a unified platform, enabling secure, real-time connections between emergency contact centers, callers and connected devices. Elichai led the company to raise $128 million, backed by major investors like Cox Enterprises and Gen. David Petraeus.
Luke Entelis
As consumers use Snapchat to quickly share photos with friends, Luke Entelis is working to shape state-level public policies regarding social media. Entelis is based in New York, where the governor and state lawmakers have been imposing restrictions to protect minors on social media. Entelis had previous legal and public policy stints at the car rental app Getaround and Everytown for Gun Safety and in the U.S. Senate. Santa Monica, California-based Snap recently supported a partnership with Vote.org, empowering millions of Snapchatters to register to vote and create a voting plan in-app.
Eusebio Formoso
In 2019, when New York City’s former chief information officer was canned after a GPS glitch paralyzed vital systems, Formoso – who was the CIO of the city’s Finance Department at the time – was called up as acting CIO. In 2022, Formoso was tapped to replace CUNY’s retiring CIO, driving tech strategy across 25 campuses, serving over 240,000 students for the nation’s largest urban public university. Formoso comes to the job with more than 25 years experience at global giants such as IBM and Coca-Cola.
Kevin Fremont
From lasers to algorithms, Kevin Fremont’s career is all about precision. A data-driven problem-solver working out of the Capital Region for SAS Institute, Fremont helps city and state agencies harness the power of technology to combat fraud and improve outcomes. SAS provides analytics software that helps organizations capture, analyze and present data for smarter decision-making. Earlier in his career, Fremont spent almost 25 years at Laser Technology, advancing public safety through cutting-edge laser speed and distance measurement tools.
Hannah Frey
Through her role at IBM, Hannah Frey is helping to shape emerging tech in the public sector. As deputy senior location executive for New York City and co-chair of the 150-plus member Big Apple Committee, she’s also a driving force behind employee culture and community engagement at Big Blue. IBM contributed to a report released in December with recommendations for the state in its path to become an artificial intelligence leader. With past roles at Dell and New Classrooms, her career reflects a commitment to innovation in technology, health care and education.
Jeffrey Friedman
As CEO of Building Intelligence Inc., Jeffrey Friedman has spent almost 30 years securing some of New York City’s most iconic locations – from Hudson Yards to Yankee Stadium. His company’s cloud solutions streamline access for visitors, vehicles and vendors, as well as redefining safety protocols post-9/11, with the COVID-19 pandemic creating even more challenges for building owners. With a knack for adapting to new risks while respecting privacy, Friedman has solidified his place as a leader in enterprise security innovation.
Josh Gold
Josh Gold has been expertly navigating the intersection of government, labor and business his entire career. He honed his skills leading legislative and political campaigns, including stints as communications director for the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council and as a strategist for then-New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s pre-K initiative. Given his roots in the city’s legislative landscape, Gold has steered Uber through pivotal moments, including the push to legalize ride-hailing statewide and Manhattan’s congestion pricing, which Uber supported.
Jennifer Gutiérrez
Jennifer Gutiérrez is using her role as chair of the New York City Council Technology Committee to make New York City the innovation city. She is tackling the revival of the city’s Internet Master Plan to bring affordable web access to all, scrutinizing artificial intelligence use in schools – especially ChatGPT – and supporting bans on the use of biometric recognition technology. She got a stand-alone hearing on the city’s technology budget and is working on ways to review the city’s partnerships with technology vendors.
Will Hazelip
Will Hazelip is driving the ambitious Northeast Clean Energy Vision at National Grid Ventures, which combines initiatives like offshore wind farms in the New York Bight, battery energy storage systems, a green hydrogen blending project and a 23-megawatt solar center. Under the New York Transco joint venture, Hazelip is working on ways to carry clean energy statewide. National Grid Ventures is focused on accelerating the transmission of energy to New York City, developing more flexibility and resilience to the state’s grid and is working to link Long Island to the state’s grid through Proper NY Energy.
Mike Hughes
Mike Hughes has been a key voice for TikTok during some turbulent times, including its on-again, off-again relationship with the U.S. government, which hasn’t slowed the app’s growth to 170 million American users. The app is navigating a potential ban in the United States with a President Donald Trump executive order temporarily staving off a ban and the app returning to mobile app stores. Hughes noted the ban would cost $1.3 billion in user revenue. He previously led public affairs for Ikea and served as a chief of staff in the New Jersey Legislature.
Christopher Iannacchino
Rubrik is a data security and cyber threat protection company for large organizations, including global brands and government entities. Christopher Iannacchino is responsible for the New York metro region bringing Rubrik’s solutions to Manhattan-based Sesame Workshop, USA Today publisher Gannett and New Jersey Transit to protect against targeted online attacks that could take their systems down. Previously, Iannacchino worked at a number of tech companies providing digital and AI solutions to enterprise customers.
Ninve James
With a career spanning roles at major players like Trulia, where she was a founding member of the New York City team, and Realtor.com, Ninve James has honed in her expertise leveraging technology to simplify real estate transactions. At the Real Estate Board of New York, she led the launch of Citysnap with commercial real estate database CoStar, a game-changer in consumer search. She led the migration of REBNY’s Listing Service to the RESO Web API, which will create more efficient real-time data exchange. She also chaired RESO’s building subgroup to create a standard for multiple listings services worldwide.
Alon Kapen
A 24-year veteran of Farrell Fritz, Alon Kapen specializes in corporate law, advising entrepreneurs, emerging growth companies and early-stage investors. His experience includes representing a biotech founder through venture capital investments, being an issuer’s counsel in a rights offering and representing a virtual reality technology company in transactions. Kapen serves on the board of Accelerate Long Island and is a member of the Long Island Technology Hall of Fame, which recognizes influential figures impacting the region.
Christos Karmis
After gathering multiple business units under one umbrella as Boldyn – a portmanteau of bold and dynamic – in 2023, the communications company elevated Christos Karmis to CEO of the U.S. division. Karmis helps Boldyn provide complex connectivity to public transit, military bases, smart cities, campuses and entertainment venues across the country. As part of a $1 billion digital infrastructure project for New York City, Boldyn is bringing 5G connectivity to subway tunnels. Boldyn recently acquired Apogee Telecom Inc., the leading provider of on-campus connectivity infrastructure to institutions of higher education in the U.S.
Tazin Khan
Inspired by her experience as a Muslim Bangladeshi American, Tazin Khan founded Cyber Collective in 2019 to make cybersecurity accessible for often overlooked communities distributed through social platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Khan has launched Internet Street Smarts, a first-of-its kind cybersecurity initiative to integrate social impact and accessibility, which has been supported by Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. She is a noted thought leader on digital security and has interviewed former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Chin Kuo
Chin Kuo is shaping the future of emergency response technology as chief technology officer of First Due, a Long Island-based leader in fire and EMS software for agencies across North America. He helped to build and manage the company's SaaS, mobile and open data software development and support team. A veteran in enterprise software, Kuo previously held leadership roles at global companies specializing in data protection and cloud storage. With First Due recently landing on Fast Company’s “Next Big Thing in Tech” list, Kuo’s work is being recognized at the intersection of technology and emergency services.
Annmarie Lanesey
In 2016, Annmarie Lanesey founded the nonprofit Can Code Communities in Albany to train folks with the aptitude – but not the means – for a career in software development, enriching the hiring pool for local companies. She has since expanded the program throughout New York. She is focused on engaging more women in the tech field. Lanesey worked four years at Deutsche Bank before striking out on her own. She then founded a software development company based in the Capital Region called Greane Tree Technology.
Rich Leimsider
Rich Leimsider is making sure New York’s nonprofit sector doesn’t get left behind in the artificial intelligence revolution. As the driving force behind the AI for Nonprofits Sprint at the Fund for the City of New York, he has already helped train 1,500 nonprofit staff in practical, low-cost AI tools – part of an ambitious goal to reach 5,000 people by 2025. With past successes like spearheading PSLF.nyc, which secured $4.6 billion in student loan relief and expanded the Safe Passage Project, Leimsider has a track record of turning ideas into impact, ensuring nonprofits don’t miss out on the emerging tech boom.
Matthew Lick
Not even 40-years-old, Matthew Lick has already carved out a leadership role in Operational Technology cybersecurity at CDM Smith, safeguarding industrial control systems that power municipal and federal infrastructure. His expertise in automation has been instrumental in protecting water treatment facilities, energy grids and other critical systems. His problem-solving skills trace back to his college days where he helped build a tactical combat robot for the international RoboGames. In 2024 he played a key role in launching an OT Cybersecurity Hub in Boston.
Tristan Louis
Tristan Louis has been shaping the internet and technology landscape for decades – and he’s still at it. As the leader of Casebook PBC, he’s making human services software smarter for government agencies and nonprofits, ensuring technology serves those who need it most. A serial entrepreneur, he previously led fintech innovations at HSBC and Deutsche Bank, helping shape early digital finance. Louis is a longtime tech writer and commentator, recently examining how inclusivity in government agencies can improve public trust and engagement.
Kristin Malek
Kristin Malek isn’t just leading supplier diversity at CDW – she’s redefining it. Overseeing a $3 billion investment in diverse suppliers, she has positioned inclusion as a business strategy, strengthening CDW’s role as a leading provider of information technology solutions. Her leadership earned CDW a spot in the exclusive Billion Dollar Roundtable and Gartner’s Supplier Diversity Excellence title. A sought-after speaker, she challenges industries on equitable procurement, from TEDx stages to Columbia University lecture halls.
Rakesh Malhotra
EY acquired Troy-based Nuvalence in April 2024, bringing the AI-driven consulting firm that Rakesh Malhotra co-founded in 2018 into its expanding tech portfolio. At Nuvalence, Malhotra helped businesses modernize with platform engineering and AI solutions, tackling complex digital transformations. Now with EY, he continues that mission, drawing from his experience at Microsoft and venture-backed startups to develop AI platforms that reshape industries. His work includes building an AI-powered digital fleet management system for an automotive manufacturer and guiding organizations in AI adoption at scale.
Richard Marinaccio
Richard Marinaccio is shaping the future of artificial intelligence law at Phillips Lytle, leading the firm’s AI Practice Team, which was launched in March 2024. A seasoned technology attorney, he helps businesses navigate AI adoption, compliance and risk management, emphasizing that AI policies must be tailored, not templated. A well-known thought leader, he frequently speaks at industry events and publishes work on AI governance. With certifications from MIT Sloan Executive Education and the Berkeley Law AI Institute, he stays ahead of AI’s rapid evolution to better advise his clients.
Tristan Massalay-Ellis
Tristan Massalay-Ellis spent his career shaping policy and infrastructure – first in government, now in the private sector. After nearly three years at Kasirer LLC, he joined Verra Mobility in August to drive East Coast strategic partnerships. Verra Mobility provides technology to enhance transportation safety and connectivity for automotive fleets. Previously, he worked in the New York City comptroller’s office where he had a role in expanding the red-light camera program.
Ijeoma Mbamalu
Ijeoma Mbamalu is shaping the future of technology for social impact. At the American Civil Liberties Union, she drives the organization’s data and technology strategy, modernizing digital infrastructure to enhance advocacy, streamline fundraising and mobilize supporters in the fight for civil liberties. Previously, as assistant deputy commissioner at the New York City Department of Social Services, she led a $30 million digital transformation, modernizing homelessness services with award-winning innovations like the NYC HOPE app.
Corlan McDonald
Corlan McDonald is working to make driving safer across New York and nationally. Jenoptik’s AltaVia software is a cloud-based traffic enforcement processing software, which will assist with upgrading traffic management and traffic enforcement technology solutions for local governments. McDonald has been a key force in Jenoptik’s shift from hardware to full-service traffic enforcement; he led cloud-based innovations using Amazon Web Services and Azure. With past experience as a software engineer at Northrop Grumman, McDonald blends technical expertise with public safety impact, shaping the future of smart cities.
Preston Miller
When cyber threats escalate, Preston Miller is one of the experts organizations turn to. At Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42 – a reference to “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” – he helps businesses navigate high-stakes incident response and digital forensics, leveraging industry-leading threat intelligence. Miller spent six years at cybersecurity firm Stroz Friedberg, where he led forensic investigations, established a mobile device working group, and provided expert testimony on complex cyber cases. A recognized thought leader, he co-authored “The Python Digital Forensic Cookbook” and holds multiple forensic certifications.
Nilesh Mistry
Nilesh Mistry has nearly 30 years of experience in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence-driven solutions. He helps state and local governments secure AI workloads, managing API security, and traffic optimization. A frequent industry speaker, he recently presented on securing AI in the public sector, covering traffic management, secure model deployment and protecting AI-driven applications. At F5, he works with organizations to enhance cybersecurity strategies, ensuring AI applications remain resilient against evolving threats while optimizing performance in cloud and hybrid environments.
Alan Mitchell
Alan Mitchell leads HealthEfficient, a nonprofit using data analytics and health technology to help community health centers and safety net providers improve care. Under his leadership, HealthEfficient has grown into one of the nation’s largest federally funded health center networks. Recently, HealthEfficient launched an AI-driven tool to reduce missed appointments. By equipping providers with data-driven strategies, he helps drive the shift to value-based care, advancing efficiency and improving outcomes for underserved communities.
Rhonda Nesmith Crichlow
Rhonda Nesmith Crichlow has spent her career ensuring diversity is more than a corporate talking point. As senior vice president and chief diversity officer at Charter Communications since 2016, she oversees Charter’s community impact work, including major philanthropic programs like Spectrum Digital Education, which has awarded over $10 million in grants since 2017. Previously, she led diversity at Novartis, earning the recognition of DiversityInc as a leader in the field. Earlier in her career, she worked on landmark civil rights cases that secured over $2 billion restitution for Black farmers facing systemic discrimination.
Ruth Niermeyer
Rising through the ranks at Harris Computer, Ruth Niermeyer now serves as executive vice president of Harris Local Government, leading the county division with a focus on growth and strategic acquisitions. Over the past decade, she has played a key role in scaling Harris into a major municipal software provider, driving multiple acquisitions and leading teams across sales, marketing and operations. Before Harris, Niermeyer held key digital and sales leadership roles at Gannett, The Buffalo News and Advance Internet.
Mike Oates
Mike Oates sits at the center of Hudson Valley’s economic transformation. As leader of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp., he’s driving investment and job creation while shaping pro-growth policies. Over the past year, he launched a business education initiative exploring how quantum computing, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are reshaping the region’s economy. He also spearheaded a partnership with Yonkers to create a grant office securing funding. Appointed by Gov. Kathy Hochul to the state Tourism Advisory Council in June, Oates continues to be a key player in shaping New York’s economic future.
Vikram Oberoi
Vikram Oberoi is on a mission to make the New York City Council more accessible. As the founder of Citymeetings.nyc, he built an AI-powered platform that turns hours of council meeting footage into searchable, digestible chapters within 24 hours. Unlike raw transcripts, his tool prioritizes clarity, using AI as an assistive tool with human oversight to ensure accuracy. Journalists, lobbyists and government officials already rely on it. With plans to expand coverage to community boards and state agencies, Oberoi is quickly transforming how New Yorkers interact with government.
John Olsen
John Olsen is shaping the future of tech policy in New York, guiding innovation through the state’s shifting regulatory landscape. He co-leads Statewide Public Affairs’ Emerging Technologies and Innovation practice, helping clients navigate policy challenges. A seasoned advocate, he’s fought restrictive AI legislation and blocked problematic buy now, pay later regulations. Olsen’s recent NY State of AI report cements his status as a go-to expert in the evolving digital landscape. He previously served as the New York lead for the Blockchain Association.
Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens has spent over two decades at the intersection of technology and public service, guiding organizations through complex system transformations. As president of the New York State Technology Enterprise Corp., he has led large-scale tech implementations for agencies like the state Department of Health and New York City Housing Authority, ensuring public sector innovation keeps pace with demand. Owens also lends his expertise to the Community Hospice Foundation. Earlier in his career, he specialized in health information technology, helping NYSTEC clients navigate the evolving tech landscape.
Anand Padmanabhan
Anand Padmanabhan has built a career transforming information technology ecosystems into agile, future-ready infrastructures. As Fordham University’s chief information officer, he has led an initiative to shift 85% of operations to the cloud. His experience – from shaping IT strategies at Whittle School & Studios to leading transformation at The New School – makes him a top leader in education technology. His goal is to simplify technology for users, streamlining IT services, enhancing research capabilities and scaling resources efficiently.
Michelle Papajohn
Michelle Papajohn has spent over 25 years ensuring St. Joseph’s University stays ahead of the tech curve. As the institution’s first woman vice president for information technology and chief information officer, she has modernized infrastructure, reinforced cybersecurity and introduced data-driven strategies that enhance student engagement. In 2024, she spearheaded the launch of a mobile identification system, a cybersecurity lab in Brooklyn and tech integration for a new student center on Long Island.
Karen Pavlin
Karen Pavlin is shaping workplace equity at ServiceNow, leading global efforts to build an inclusive culture and expand access to tech careers. With over 30 years of experience – including 23 years at Xerox leading financial services accounts – she has driven large-scale transformation in tech. At ServiceNow, she spearheads initiatives like RiseUp, a movement training a million individuals for tech roles. In 2024, she helped launch a partnership with Black Girls Code to increase diversity in tech workforce training in New York City. Last year she joined the board of Girls Who Code, advocating for gender parity in computer science.
Albert Pulido
Albert Pulido is Gov. Kathy Hochul’s technology policy point person, overseeing key agencies and initiatives shaping the future of technology from artificial intelligence policy to broadband expansion. His leadership has driven policies like the AI Acceptable Use Policy, Empire AI and initiatives on AI safety and child data protection. He also plays a key role in digital equity efforts, expanding municipal infrastructure and deployment grants. Before Albany, he was director of citywide operations at the New York City mayor’s office. With a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, he brings a writer’s eye for detail to public policy, scripting a more connected and secure future for New Yorkers.
Ganesh Ramratan
Ganesh Ramratan has spent his career ensuring that New York City’s public institutions stay ahead of the curve in technology. At MetroPlusHealth, he leads efforts to enhance cybersecurity, streamline data systems and implement digital tools that improve access to care for over 500,000 members. Before joining MetroPlusHealth, he held key leadership roles across city agencies, including New York City’s Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications and the Department of Transportation as well as the New York City Transit Authority.
Andrew Rasiej
After a seven-year journey, Andrew Rasiej delivered Civic Hall, a hub for digital skills training and tech-driven civic innovation. The space, one of the buzziest mixed-use spaces in New York City, includes a 42,000-square-foot Digital Learning Center, flexible workspaces and the Craig Newmark Auditorium. Designed to support entrepreneurs, educators, civic leaders, and job-seekers – particularly from underserved communities – it connects people with opportunities in tech. Securing a $15 million gift for the project cemented his reputation as a persistent force for tech equity.
Oscar Romero Jr.
Oscar Romero is driving civic innovation as chief information officer of the New York City Civic Engagement Commission. He led The People’s Money, the city’s participatory budgeting program, which became the world’s largest municipal effort by engagement in its first year, collecting 208,000 ballots through in-person and digital outreach. Previously, Romero tackled digital equity at the Mayor’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer and built global partnerships addressing urban inequality. A Cornell Tech lecturer, he continues to shape participatory democracy through technology.
Henry Saltiel
Veteran technology leader Henry Saltiel oversees infrastructure, student information systems, instructional media and more at Hunter College. Under his leadership, Hunter’s technology team won two CUNY Excellence in Technology Awards in 2023 for outstanding service and student support. Previously, he spent 22 years as chief information officer at LaGuardia Community College, where his initiatives became standard across CUNY, and nearly two decades at Adelphi University. At Hunter, he leads strategic planning for technology adoption and digital transformation.
Julie Samuels
Julie Samuels has built her career bridging technology and policy, shaping the future of New York’s innovation economy. At Tech:NYC, she’s led the charge in advocating for the city’s growing tech sector, pushing forward initiatives like Empire AI, a consortium positioning New York as a leader in responsible artificial intelligence. In 2024, she joined the state’s Emerging Technology Advisory Board and helped launch Startup:NYC, supporting underrepresented founders. With a background in media, law and advocacy, Samuels continues to drive policy and innovation forward.
Bart Schwartz
One of New York City’s foremost change-makers, Bart Schwartz has helped private organizations and public institutions navigate high-stakes challenges by implementing sustainable compliance procedures and fostering a culture of ethical accountability. From overseeing New York City’s public housing reform, recently completing a five-year federal monitorship overseeing the agency, to compliance for blockchain companies, cryptocurrency and NFTs, under his leadership, Guidepost has expanded its Emerging Issues and Technology Practice to address a complex regulatory landscape.
Richard Schwartz
Richard Schwartz – the inventor of over 50 patents – has spent decades innovating the gambling industry, first as a pioneer at WMS Gaming and now at Rush Street Interactive. Since co-founding Rush Street in 2012, he has built it into a powerhouse, with the company reporting a 37% year-over-year revenue increase in the third quarter of 2024. RSI continues to expand its digital gambling footprint with social gambling, sportsbooks in multiple states using player-centric technology featuring a gamified promotional platform and a proprietary iGaming product that streamlines account management, risk analysis and compliance.
Jordan Schneidman
Jordan Schneidman’s work at Deloitte is reshaping how government technology serves communities, making public services more adaptive and user-focused. He leads large-scale digital modernization efforts, from revamping rental assistance platforms to integrating human-centered design into state systems. He currently heads Deloitte’s Housing and Rental Assistance Market Offering within the company’s Human Services Transformation Practice, working with states to streamline aid distribution and improve access for millions of Americans. In 2024, he joined the board of Tech:NYC, aligning with his mission to bridge technology, government and social impact.
Parth Shah
Parth Shah, co-founder and CEO of Polimorphic, is modernizing public sector communications for local and state agencies nationwide with tools driven by artificial intelligence. The company launched a complete AI suite – search, chatbot and phone tools – helping governments manage internal workflows and cut constituent service hours by tens of thousands. In Prospect Park, New Jersey, local officials saw lower call volume and foot traffic at its offices was reduced by 60%, while in Passaic County, New Jersey, it improved multilingual accessibility. The company earned a spot on the 2025 GovTech 100 list.
John Shegerian
John Shegerian commands the largest information technology asset disposition provider and electronics recycler in the U.S., processing more than a billion pounds of e-waste annually, using artificial intelligence and robotics to enhance efficiency while ensuring secure data destruction. Last year, ERI achieved ISO 27001:2022 certification, meaning it has systems in place to manage security risks for data that it handles, and launched an alkaline battery recycling system. Shegerian plays a critical role in the company’s cybersecurity work, providing certified hardware destruction services to prevent data breaches.
Eric Simon
As technology rapidly evolves, Eric Simon is helping government agencies and schools keep up with how they manage data. At Pure Storage, he leads efforts to integrate artificial intelligence, cloud computing and cybersecurity solutions that improve efficiency and reduce costs. His work has secured multimillion-dollar contracts while positioning Pure Storage as a trusted partner in digital transformation. Simon is a recognized industry thought leader, frequently speaking about optimizing data infrastructure and strengthening cybersecurity for public institutions.
Eric Soufer
Eric Soufer is the strategist tech companies call when the stakes are high. At lobbying firm Tusk Strategies, he has built a powerhouse practice guiding crypto, fintech and artificial intelligence companies through the maze of regulatory and political challenges. He launched Tusk’s first-of-its-kind Crypto + FinTech Practice in 2022, with major players like Coinbase, Plaid and Polymarket as clients. Beyond client work, his influence runs deep, helping shape financial policy and regulatory frameworks that impact entire industries. With a decade of experience in government – including senior roles for two state attorneys general – Soufer is a strategist you want in your corner.
Dennis Sutterfield
Health technology veteran Dennis Sutterfield leads information technology strategy and operations for Brooklyn’s only academic medical center, modernizing infrastructure, improving electronic health records and expanding patient engagement tools to support diverse health care needs. Joining during a leadership transition, Sutterfield focused on aligning IT with the medical center’s broader mission while improving governance and transparency. Previously, he managed IT strategy for Temple University Health System. His career began in medical imaging before shifting to health informatics, giving him a deep understanding of both clinical and digital systems.
Minerva Tantoco
Minerva Tantoco was a technology innovator for New York City as the city’s first chief technology officer, launching initiatives like LinkNYC and CSforAll. Now the interim CEO of City Strategies, she leads artificial intelligence strategy and technology consulting in a variety of industries, including government, finance and cybersecurity. She co-founded Grasshopper Bank, securing over $130 million in funding, and later spearheaded AI-driven solutions at NYU’s McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research. Tantoco serves on the board of the New York Hall of Science and is a key international technology thought leader.
Timothy Tapia
Shaping key policy initiatives while spearheading digital equity efforts, Timothy Tapia fosters relationships with local and state officials to advance AT&T’s objectives while also leading philanthropic projects that help close the digital divide. Over the past year, he has led the launch of three Connect Learning Labs in New York City, providing free digital literacy resources through nonprofit partnerships that ensure New York City gets its fair share. Tapia is rooted in New York City politics and policy, having managed government relations for state Attorney General Letitia James and for the New York City public advocate’s office.
Pennie Turgeon
Pennie Turgeon brings over 25 years in higher education technology to her role as technology chief at the New York Institute of Technology. She has led a digital transformation at NYIT, launching the Student Service HUB, expanding campuswide wireless access and redesigning the intranet for personalized engagement. She’s also driving AI integration and data analytics to improve student retention and decision-making. Previously, at Clark University, she developed data-driven admissions strategies that doubled applications and introduced high-performance computing initiatives with biotech partners.
Pawan Verma
Pawan Verma stepped into his role at Cencora last November, bringing deep expertise in digital transformation to the pharmaceutical solutions giant, helping the company deliver drugs and equipment worldwide. At Cencora, he’s leading efforts to modernize operations, harness data-driven insights, and equip customers with cutting-edge technology. Previously, he led MetLife’s $2 billion technology operation, driving AI, cybersecurity and customer experience advancements. A Forbes CIO Innovation Award winner, Verma is also a champion of diversity in STEM, serving on the board of Girls Who Code.
Katharyn White
Katharyn White leads marketing for Google Public Sector, focusing on artificial intelligence and security solutions for government agencies. Her work includes improving AI-powered search for federal workflows, such as streamlining the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s examination process. Previously, she led IBM’s federal ecosystem, fostering industry partnerships to enhance technology adoption. White also held leadership roles at Mitre Corp., a federally funded research organization, and T-Systems, a global IT services firm specializing in cloud and cybersecurity.
Nicole Yearwood
Nicole Yearwood has brought her deep background in government affairs and community relations to her role shaping micromobility policy across the Northeast at Lime, including leading its expansion into eastern Queens. In 2024, she managed community engagement and stakeholder relations as part of New York City’s e-scooter pilot program, addressing community concerns and advocating for responsible ridership. A veteran in government affairs, she previously worked with the U.S. Census Bureau and serves on the New York City Equal Employment Practices Commission.
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