IBJ honors top technology execs
Technology leaders are instrumental in helping their organization advance and innovate.
IBJ and TechPoint’s sixth annual Tech Exec/Tech 25 of the Year program honors
37 men and women who excel at using technology to help their employers
achieve their strategic goals.
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Carl Ceresoli
Senior Vice President & Chief Technology and Security Officer,
Pacers Sports & Entertainment -
Hong Gao
Executive Director, Enterprise Data Management & Analytics,
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance -
Rebecca Ruselink
Chief Information Officer,
Penske Entertainment
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Darcy earned degrees in cognitive science and psychology from Indiana University. She is VP of strategic growth and partnerships at Six Feet Up, a long-time board member of Women & Hi Tech, a member of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability and Chair of the Diversity Committee for the Indiana CIO Network. Darcy’s focus at Six Feet Up is its impactful mission—making the world a better place by accelerating tech leaders’ impact in addressing issues such as climate change and food sustainability. She is an advocate for building strong communities and creating meaningful relationships.
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As a data science manager at Resultant, Alexa partners with clients to solve their most complex challenges and drive meaningful innovation within their communities. A fervent lifelong learner, she embraces diverse interests ranging from bouldering and puzzles to hiking and exploration. Her insatiable curiosity fuels a vibrant passion for trying new adventures. Upon completing an adventure or mastering a new skill, Alexa eagerly shares her experiences with those intrigued by the subjects, with a goal of enriching others’ learning journeys and providing invaluable guidance for their future endeavors.
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Jon Rogers is the director of strategic workforce planning for the Indiana Office of Technology (IOT)—the state’s enterprise provider of IT services and resources. Jon has served in a number of roles at the local, state, and federal levels. Of note, he launched the first agency-based State Earn and Learn (SEAL) IT program, which is a work-based learning adult reskilling effort. Jon earned his MBA and master’s in public affairs from the University of Texas at Austin, and he earned a BA in Government from the College of William & Mary.
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As Vice President of RADcube, Prasenjit’s expertise in AI, ML, NLP, and NLU has revolutionized operations, enhancing customer experiences with cutting-edge solutions. Through his pioneering work, Prasenjit bridges the gap between humans and technology, redefining the future of interactions. Beyond business, he advocates for inclusivity and digital literacy, empowering communities and fostering growth. A mentor and change agent, Prasenjit inspires innovation, leaving a profound impact on the tech landscape.
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Nate came to Indianapolis by way of the Orr Fellowship where he worked at Apex Benefits during his two-year fellowship. Now with Powderkeg, Nate is an active leader in the tech and startup community as well as pursuing his own entrepreneurial ventures. As the co-founder of Bat Hats, Nate and his team won pre-seed funding in Elevate Venture’s Nexus pitch competition. He is co-host of the Get IN. podcast, a platform that focuses on uncovering innovations in the Hoosier state. Nate is also building an emerging athletic program as the head wrestling coach at Bishop Chatard Highschool.
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After attending Indiana University Bloomington, Tony began his career in technical consulting with IBM where he delivered ERP solutions in the pharma, consumer goods and manufacturing industries. He joined the Bridgestone corporation in 2009 and led transformation of their ERP environments. In 2014, Tony began a role leading IT application strategy for Jarden Corp (now Newell Brands). He currently leads business solutioning at Delta Faucet Company in Indianapolis. The role includes aspects of digital transformation, innovation, and strategy
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Sarah Baron joined the Indianapolis tech community in 2008, and has been the Revenue Operations Manager at Casted since November 2021. Fueled by a knack for and interest in sales operations, she began pursuing projects and roles with that focus, which quickly evolved to all revenue teams and processes. Based in Whitestown, Indiana, she’s a dance enthusiast, live music lover, and theater aficionado. With her spirited goldendoodle Hazel by her side, she’s enjoying all her achievements in both her career and vibrant leisure pursuits.
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Kim is a program manager and operational excellence practitioner with Centric Consulting. A solution-driven collaborator, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Junior League of Indianapolis (JLI) and mentors junior PMs in project management. She holds certifications as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB). Kim was recognized as a “Becoming ATHENA Emerging Leader” (2021) and “Indy Pivotal Leader” (2019). She holds an MBA with a Project Management specialization from Jones International University and BA in International Studies from Miami University (OH).
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Chris is a senior project manager at the Engineered Innovation Group, a fastgrowing B2B SaaS company. He enjoys facilitating teamwork among colleagues and collaborating with valued client partners to deliver shared success. Over the years, he has contributed to Indiana’s growing tech landscape as CEO of Fastek, Senior VP of Engagement at Eleven Fifty Academy, and founder of two startups under Launch Fishers.
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A beacon of change in an industry longing for diversity, Susannah, a devoted mother of three, is rewriting success. Guided by her childhood kitchen sign, “a woman’s place is in the House and the Senate,” she’s forging a multifaceted career. Scaling the career ladder, she’s a leader at a tech company that mirrors her convictions. Addressing industry gaps, she’s assembling a team as diverse as her vision. Susannah empowers her team and clients, pushing limits and fostering lasting impact.
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Michelle Watts is a true catalyst for change, driving diversity in the tech industry for over a decade by attracting approximately 800 top-tier professionals to Indianapolis tech companies like Angie’s List, PERQ, and High Alpha. She leverages her background in social work to bring exceptional and often overlooked candidates to the forefront. In her current role at High Alpha, she sources, recruits, and retains employees for all of their portfolio companies. In addition, she’s developed and supported High Alpha’s partnership with Indy Pride and serves on their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) committee.
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Maggie was forged in fast-paced, complex, and at times, ambiguous environments throughout her professional career. She has proven adept at building relationships and creative problem-solving. She has project management, account management, customer experience, implementation and leadership experience in the marketing/ advertising and HR technology industries. She holds Bachelor’s Degrees in English Literature and Sociology from DePauw University. Outside of the office her interests include local cuisine, health and wellness, reading, hosting and friendly competition. The pursuit of these passions often results in Maggie’s ultimate prize: community.
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Rashmi Atre is a passionate engineer and a core team member of Ateios Systems. She graduated as the “Best Outgoing Student” in instrumentation and control engineering from CCOEW in India and subsequently completed her Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. Rashmi joined Ateios Systems in 2020 where she helped develop the company’s first product. She has also been a leader in developing the first prototype of Ateios’s software solution, Ateios Analytics.
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Andy is a software product strategist with SEP. He has a strong background in leading teams across design, software development and product innovation. Andy has extensive experience in creating user-centric software products that prioritize the needs of endusers. Formerly the creative director of Lilly’s Clinical Innovation Lab, and involved with several start-ups as a co-founder and CTO, Andy brings a diverse and valuable skill set to every project he undertakes.
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Justine is a dynamic product owner working to bring transformative digital payment solutions and, to date, she has successfully migrated over $36 million from legacy systems. She is a DePauw University alumna and she holds an MBA from the Quantic School of Business & Technology. Justine champions community initiatives, and is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, & inclusion. She served as the 2022 Scholarship chair for the National Society of Black Engineers – Boston Chapter and previously sat on the board for the local UNCF Indianapolis Council as technology chair.
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Allie Curtis is a senior software engineer with five years of experience in crafting usertargeted programs and company-based utilities. Specializing in iOS over the past two years, Allie has utilized creativity and ingenuity to bring Republic Airways two new applications as the sole developer. She has also served as the technical lead for one of the company’s most ambitious application projects over the past year.
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Joe Duca brings 30 years of nonprofit experience to his product management role at OneCause. Prior to joining OneCause, Joe used his passion for nonprofits & technology to build software solutions for organizations looking to expand their fundraising and grow their missions. Joe is inspired by co-workers who love what they do, come to work excited to make a difference, and feel like what they’re doing truly helps people who are changing the world.
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Julie Gallina is the Quality Assurance Lead at Authenticx. She is a socially and environmentally conscious resident of Indianapolis who engages with local organizations hoping to make the city a better place for all people. A graduate of Indiana University, Julie is an avid IU Hoosiers fan. In her spare time you can find Julie spending time outside gardening, learning a new board game, or playing corn hole. She resides in Indianapolis with her partner and their two cats.
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Ashley is a proud Indiana University alumna who joined Baker Hill in May of 2020 as the manager of the sales development team following a long-term engagement with Ledvance (Sylvania Lighting). Ashley considers herself “a connector” of people, data and processes, so when a need arose in the spring of 2021, she also took on responsibility for Sales Operations at Baker Hill. Ashley has enjoyed both the company culture and the innovative thinking that working for a technology company affords her.
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Tonya Wallace is known as a culture guru and Agile Jedi. She combines leadership coaching, lean thinking and agility to develop high performing individuals and teams. As a solutions delivery director for Cox Automotive, she supports one of the top revenue drivers that transforms the way cars are bought and sold within the automotive industry. As a technologist for over 20 years, she is the owner of Gideon VI, a M/WBE Indy based tech company. Tonya has six children and is blessed to have raised five D1 athletes, with one more left to go!
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As senior director, marketing and sales operations, Brad is responsible for optimizing Zylo’s go-to-market engine through process and technology. As a sales and marketing leader, he is passionate about helping emerging professionals grow their careers, and finding simple solutions to complex problems. Brad is a self-proclaimed life-long learner, eager to take on new challenges, including recently transitioning to a marketing role after 15+ years in sales leadership. Prior to Zylo, Brad served in leadership roles at PERQ, CORT, and Verizon.
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Maddie is a bold, empathetic, and energetic leader. Her unwavering dedication to helping her customers, her teammates, and the greater community is inspiring. From day one at DemandJump, Maddie has made a direct impact on the success of the company and on the companies she’s served. She not only advocates for herself and others at DemandJump, she has worked hard to advocate for other women throughout our community. Maddie is a natural born leader and continues to inspire those around her in and out of the office.
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Molly is a customer success leader focused on bringing operational excellence and customer focus to start-ups and scaleup companies. She began her marketing career in Chicago after graduating from DePauw University, but soon moved back to Indianapolis and started working for marketing agencies where she found her passion for client work and technology. She worked in customer success at Springbuk, growing to VP of services and support, followed by PandaDoc where she led their scaled CS team. She now leads the customer success and services teams at Your Money Line.
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As a product marketing leader and goto-market strategist, Kelsey makes it her mission to move business forward. In her role as the global head of product marketing for SAP Emarsys, Kelsey shares the real story of how marketers are using technology to drive business outcomes. She’s experienced and passionate about creating and implementing solutions, leading teams, and scaling key programs for growth.
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In addition to her day-to-day role as senior brand marketing manager, Mollie is an active member on High Alpha’s diversity, equity, and inclusion committee, a youth soccer coach at Zionsville Youth Soccer Association, and a member of the Indy Eleven women’s soccer team. Prior to joining High Alpha, Mollie was the marketing manager at Element Three and a content marketing specialist at One Click during her Orr Fellowship. Mollie was also the captain of the women’s soccer team at Purdue University.