Everything Channel Events

The Everything Channel Events Advisory Board consists of two boards separated by market; the End User Advisory Board and the Value Added Channel Advisory Board.  Consisting of some of the most prominent End Users/Solution Providers in the country.

Midsize Enterprise Summit Advisory Board

Ross Bagley | Henry Chace | Dr. Steve Chen | Ellen Christy | Tom Dunnigan  | James Fielder |
Andrew Madejczyk | Jim Murphy | Niel Nickolaisen | Randy Reed | Michael Skaff | Stephen Welker | 
Jim Williams 

Ross Bagley
Chief Information Officer
Consolidated Systems, Inc.

Ross Bagley joined CSi in June 2006 where he is responsible for all information technology strategy and business alignment.  Ross oversees all development, deployment and support of software and hardware as well as telecommunications infrastructure and security.

Ross has over 20 years of experience in the information technology field and has 14 years of professional services experience in many industries such as Manufacturing, Oil and Gas,Telecommunications,  Financial Services, Retail, Pharmaceuticals, and Insurance both in domestic and international based companies.

Ross received his MBA from the University of Texas and serves on the advisory council for the Salvation Army in Columbia as well as the advisory council for technical development at the University of South Carolina.
 

Henry Chace
Chief Information Officer
Burns & Levinson LLP

Henry Chace is the Chief Information Officer of the law firm of Burns & Levinson LLP in Boston, Massachusetts.  Henry joined Burns & Levinson in February of 2003 and is responsible for strategic planning for information technology for the firm. Burns & Levinson is a full service firm focused in business law, litigation, intellectual property, employment law and private client services with offices in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Previously, Henry was the Director of Information Technology at Hutchins, Wheeler & Dittmar in Boston, Massachusetts.   Henry had been with Hutchins since 1993 and was responsible for the planning, implementation and maintenance of automated systems for the firm.  Priorto coming to Hutchins, Henry was with Gaston & Snow for thirteen years.  Henry served for five years on the Board ofDirectors of the International Legal Technology Association (“ILTA), formerly known as LawNet, Inc.  He has served as Secretary, President and Executive Vice President. http://www.iltanet.org

Henry is also a regular contributor to Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly column “TechnoLAWgically Thinking” and has contributed articles to other publications.

Dr. Steve Chen
Chief Information Officer
HVCC

Dr. Steve Chen became the new CIO at HVCC, one of the biggest colleges within the State University of New York System in September 2010.  He served as CIO at University of Texas at Brownsville andTexas Southmost College for four years where he consolidated many isolated IT departments into a centralized IT Division. Partnering with VTX, he led, organized and received a significant BroadbandUSA grant to upgrade telecom-infrastructure for UTB/TSC, south Texas unversities and colleges as well as the surrounding communities.  

He has previously served as the first Vice President of Information Technology at South Texas College of Law, the first Chief Information Technology Officer and Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs at Utica College of Syracuse University; and the first campus-wide director for computing and educational technologies at CityCollege of New York.  He has been recognized and given a status as a Senior Fulbright Specialist (2003-2008). 

Committed to building strong communities, Dr. Chen formed the "Great Lakes Academic Computing Consortium" that facilitated communication among universities and colleges in the Chicago and northern Indiana areas in 1993.  In 1999, Dr. Chen founded an E-society Club in NY City to help many e-business dreamers, and served as vice president for Sino-American Association.  He worked with the Governor of Indiana to initiate and implement the Access Indiana state wide network project and was elected Vice President for the Access LaPorte CountyCouncil.  The Council was the first- grant recipient from the State to implement Internet connections throughout the County in 1994.  With support from NY State Congressmen, city officials and organizational leaders, he helped host the first Bridging the Digital Divide Conference in New York City, August 21, 2000.

Dr. Chen came to the US in 1985.  He received his MS and Ph.D.from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Dr.Chen’s doctoral research focused on information technology’s impact on human cognitive development, artificial intelligence in software design, human interaction with computers; and early web and portal development.  He was the First Place winner in the CBT Directions 1991 Screen Design Competition in Boston, and won the Doctoral Thesis/Project Grant Award from the UIUC.  His software titled “Linking Different Cultures by Computers” was used by the Indiana K-12 school system.  Currently, Dr. Chen served as a member of The University of Texas System IT StrategicLeadershipCommittee (SLC) and is the member of UTB Strategic PlanningCommittee member and the Provost Council.

Dr. Chen was named as Honorary Professor by Beijing Electric PowerCollege, China, 1994 and Honorary Professor by College of Computer Science, Xiamen University, China, 2001. He helped South Texas College of Law establish a new international legal educational center in ShanDong University, China, 2005.
 

Ellen Christy
Director of Information Technology
Harbour Vest Partners, LLC.

Ellen joined HarbourVest in June 2000 as Director of InformationTechnology and provides management and strategic oversightof information systems and technology for U.S. and non-U.S.operations.   Ellen has over 16 years of experience working within the information technology space. Prior to joining HarbourVest, Ellen was Assistant Director ofInformation Technology for a large Boston law firm.

In April 2001, Ellen founded the Private Equity CTO Network (PECTO), an international peer support group of 100+ members focused on the technological challenges that face private equity organizations today.  The PECTO Network is comprised exclusively of technology professionals on staff at venture capital, private equity,and leveraged buyout firms. The members manage their firm’s information technology,infrastructure, and telecommunications initiatives. Three chapters have been formed: Boston, the founding chapter; New York; and West Coast, represented by the Venture Capital Information Technology (VCIT) group, as well as additional members throughout the U.S. and Europe.
 

Tom Dunnigan
Chief Information Officer
South Carolina Student Loan Corporation

In April 2007, Tom Dunnigan joined South Carolina Student Loan as its Chief Information Officer. With over twenty years experience in software engineering, project management, operations, and executive management roles, Tom has assumed responsibilities for both business operations and information technology management.

Previously, Tom has performed in leadership roles with several companies and on large-scale development programs at Verizon, NCR, BlueCross BlueShield, HP/Knightsbridge, Amerada Hess, and MBNAInformation Services among others, where challenges involving data quality, system performance, time to market, business proces simprovement, and international business partnerships were effectively addressed.
 

James Fielder
Vice President of Information Systems
Farm Credit Services of Illinois

James Fielder is Vice President of Information Systems at Farm Credit Services of Illinois, in Mahomet, Illinois.  He is a dynamic technical professional who has more than 16 years of experience in the development of technical strategies and solutions, network administration, technical training and end-use support.  He also has expertise in the installation, upgrade, configuration, administration and maintenance of network systems.  He is highly experienced in analyzing IT/IS needs, evaluating end-user requirements, and custom designing solutions to complex data management infrastructures.  He was recently promoted to Vice President and has served in his organization for eight years.  He has utilized his proficiency in project management methodology to successfully lead various projects within the organization, to include the following:  conversion from Novell 6.1directory services, to Windows 2003 active directory and Exchange 2003, deployment of theassociation CRM system, MOSS 2007, Citrix 4.0, Cisco VoIPetc. He currently supervises six technicians and spearheads the analysis, design and evaluation of the association infrastructure.  Most recently, he supervised the move of the aassociation data center from Champaign, Illinois to Mahomet, Ilinois,with zero percent operational downtime.  He is a 12 year, highly decorated Marine Corp veteran, (two Navy Achievement Awards, numerous other commendations).  He is also a graduate of Parkland College (AAS Business), Illinois State University (BS Organizational Leadership/Business Information Systems).

 
Andrew Madejczyk
Vice President of Global Technology Operations
Sterling Testing Systems

Andrew T. Madejczyk is Vice President of Global Technology Operations for a New York-based firm with offices throughout the US, UK and India. Andrew is a 20-plus-year technology, security and engineering veteran whose prior engagements have traversed various industry sectors including financial services, aerospace/government and healthcare. His experience includes all IT domains as well as Six Sigma quality practices resulting from years spent as an industrial/systems engineer in the aerospace community and studies with Villanova University. Andrew has been a longtime member of ISACA, IEEE, ISSA and most recently, the New York CTO Club. You can reach Andrew through LinkedIn.

Jim Murphy
Director of Information Technology/Security
City of Quincy

Jim Murphy is the Director of Information Technology/Security for theCity of Quincy. He is responsible for managing all aspects of the City of Quincy's Information Systems, Telecommunications, city-wide Institutional Network, Access Control Systems and development of security polices and standards.

Jim has over 15 years experience in the Information Technology arena, serves on the State of Illinois Wireless Data Interoperability panel, and is a member of the International and Illinois GMIS. He attende dIllinois State University's Undergraduate and Master’s program in Applied Computer Science.

Niel Nickolaisen
Vice President of Strategy and Innovation
Energy Solutions, Inc.


Niel Nickolaisen is the Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at Energy Solutions, Inc.  He has held technology executive and operations executive positions; typically in turnaround roles. He has developed a strategic and tactical alignment model that significantly improves returns on technology and business initiatives (by both improving the benefits and reducing the costs and risks). He holds a MS in Engineering from MIT and a BS in Physics fromUtah State University.  He writes a monthly column for SearchCIO.  He is the author of "Stand Back and Deliver" published by Addison Wesley in 2009.  He is one ofthe founders of Accelinnova, a think tank focused on improving organizational and IT agility.

Randy Reed
Vice President, Application Development
Information Services

Randy Reed is a Vice President in Information Services at Securities America, Inc. one of the nation's largest broker/dealers located in Omaha, Nebraska. The firm supports over 1900 independent financial professionals across the nation with investment and advisory products. He has accumulated over 25 years of experience in the leadership, consulting and development of technical strategies and solutions. He is highly experienced in analyzing IT/IS needs, evaluating end-user requirements, and custom designing solutions to complex data management infrastructures.  His current responsibilities include the managed oversight of SOA, BI, CRM, BPM, Governance, Logical Security, Project Management, Vendor Management and the Transactional Processing for BTB-C. Prior to joining Securities America he was owner and founder of Paricom, Inc., an internet and data security firm. He served in the Air Force for 10 years where he did technology research and development and computer automated manufacturing/design.  Randy is a graduate from the Leadership Management Institute and the Community College of the Air Force.

Michael Skaff
CIO
San Francisco Symphony
 
With over 15 years of experience that ranges from the server room to the Board room, Michael has built a solid reputation as a leader and an expert in identifying and delivering cost effective and business-driven technology.  He has demonstrated success in developing and managing high-performing teams in strategy, operations, IT and consulting across a broad array of industries and environments.  By bringing together the best people and technology to fit each unique opportunity, he has established a track record of delivering successful strategic investments that drive quantifiable value.  Michael is currently the CIO of the San Francisco Symphony as well as a regular speaker, advisor and judge at technology industry events.

Steven Welker
Director of IT Operations
Questar Corporation

Steven Welker is the Director of Information Technology at Questar Corporation, a western US natural gas energy company with headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah and Denver, Colorado.  With 30 years of experience in roles where business demands for access to real-time IT applications are extremely high, Mr. Welker has earned a reputation for creating and maintaining highly available and reliable systems.  To provide the highest of service for real-time control, transportation, decision making and dispatch systems, Mr. Welker manages multiple data centers with remote back-up sites, large local and wide-area networks operating over multi-state microwave, and supports all applications along with desktop and mobile devices.  Steven has developed and sold several IT related companies and has used IT to create revolutionary change in an entire industry.  He has worked in several positions throughout the country as an IT spokesperson for the energy industry.  Mr. Welker is a co-founder of AIM Utah, currently serving on their board representing over 150 top IT leaders and is the Chairman of the advisory committee to the Department of Management Information Systems in the Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University.   Steve also assists in teaching and advisory roles at the school where he received his formal education, Weber State University.

Jim Williams
Director, Information Services
A&W Food Services of Canada Inc.

For the past 17 years, Jim has been directing the Information Services group for A&W Food Services of Canada Inc. A&W has been viewed by the Canadian Franchise community as a leader in the profitable use of technology. Prior to joining A&W, Jim directed the Information Systems group for a North American packaging and paperboard producer with over 25 facilities. 

In its day, the company was the largest folding carton manufacturer in Canada, supplying all major Canadian consumer good companies.  A founding Board member of the CIO Association of Vancouverin 1997, Jim was President from 2001 to 2005, guiding the association in membership growth, strategic alliances and establishing a positive financial position. A founding Board member of the CIO Association of Canada, Jim brings his experience to the task of building a national association of senior information technology executives.

Channel Advisory Board

George Pashardis
Vice President of Sales
ePlus Technology, Inc

George Pashardis is Regional Vice President of Sales for ePlus Technology, inc., ePlus, inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in selling, leasing, financing, and managing information technology (IT) and other assets in the United States. It offers direct marketing of IT equipment and third-party software; professional services; leasing and business process services; and proprietary software, including order-entry and order-management software, procurement, asset management, document management and distribution software, and electronic catalog content management software and services. The company sells its products using internal sales force and through vendor relationships to commercial customers; federal, state, and local governments; K-12 schools; and higher education institutions. It also leases and finances equipment, as well as supplies software and services directly and through relationships with vendors and equipment manufacturers. The company was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. ePlus went public in 1996 and is trading on NASDAQ under PLUS. With over 30 locations nationwide ePlus has over 650 employees and total revenues are $849 million. In 2008, ePlus was Ranked #74 within the VARBusiness 500 and also received the Unified Communications Partner of the Year.

Peter Illari
Principal
Accelbus Systems

Founding partner in Accelbus Systems, Pete’s primary responsibility is Sales, Sales Management and product strategies including vendor relationships. Accelbus sells, implements and supports SAP ERP software and all software and hardware to facilitate the successful implementation of  business management software. Accelbus is located in Philadelphia and has offices in Washington DC and Orlando.

Robert Nitrio
CEO
Ranvest Associates

Robert A. Nitrio is the owner of Ranvest Associates, a business technology consulting firm that he founded in 1992 in the Sacramento, California area. Mr. Nitrio specializes in working with small and medium sized companies as their business technology adviser. By becoming intimately familiar with each company’s operations, he guides them through an analytical process designed to streamline and enhance their operations. Appropriate technology solutions are introduced to achieve the twin goals of increased efficiency/productivity and increased profitability. The ultimate goal is to create an organizational culture focused on business continuity – keeping the client in business profitably today, tomorrow and until they want to execute their exit strategy. These processes are also adapted to clients in the K-12 school market and state and local government markets.

Jane Cage
COO
Heartland Technologies

From 1985 to 2003 Jane was the owner of Connecting Point Computer Center of Joplin, MO. HTS was formed through the merger of SCCI in Iowa and Connecting Point in January of 2003. Jane became the COO of HTS.  In June of 2006 we merged Business Computer Centers of Kansas with their four locations into HTS. Jane was part of the Ingram Micro Venturetech Network Advisory Council from 1995 to 1999 and 2001 to 2006. She received to VentureTech Partnering Award in 1997. She is actively involved with her community, serving as the past President Chamber of Commerce, Past President of Rotary Club, Past President of Joplin Family Y, Past President of Joplin Humane Society, Current Chairman of Board of St. John’s Regional Medical Center.  She received her B.A. in Economics and B.A. in Spanish at Wake Forest University. She is also a member of Phi Beta Kappa.

Josh Smith
CEO
Biohazard Computer Systems

A life-long gaming enthusiast with a passion for system building, Josh Smith founded Biohazard Computer Systems Inc. in 2003 with the mission of becoming the most elite system builder in the gaming/enthusiast market.  With an eye for product potential Josh’s focus has been centered on product advancement through innovation and customization.  Biohazard has received industry-wide praise through numerous system reviews.  A proponent of early adoption, Josh routinely oversees the internal testing and feasibility studies of a myriad of prototype and pre-launch hardware and as such, Biohazard has been a launch partner for numerous enthusiast-class products.  In order to maintain innovation Josh has developed a network of key industry contacts creating an invaluable direct information pipeline with all of the industry’s major players.

Peter Valters
General Manager
Empowered Networks

Mr. Valters is the General Manager of Professional Services for Empowered Networks, is responsible for the definition of all of Empowered Network’s services, and brings extensive expertise in the Outsourcing, ASP and ebusiness areas.  In over twenty-five years with several of world’s leading consulting companies, Mr. Valters has successfully demonstrated his ability to deliver business value to private and public sector clients. Several of the approaches and methodologies developed on by Mr. Valters have been featured in articles in the Financial Post, CIO Magazine, Technology in Government, and Computing Canada. In addition, Mr. Valters is a member of the Gerson Lehrman Group Technology Council of Advisors with the standing of Leader, participates as a member of the Advisory Board for the IT Channel, is a Technology advisor for Business Week and also member of the IDC Technology Panel.

Stan Duda
Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Alpine Consulting, Inc

Stan co-founded Alpine Consulting in 1996 and has been involved in the Information Technology consulting industry for nearly 20 years.  His focus within Alpine is sales, marketing and finance.  Stan is actively engaged in driving new business, maintaining several key relationships, guiding direction for the branding and marketing, establishing key alliances and overseeing the financials.  Prior to Alpine, Stan was an independent consultant serving as a project manager on many high profile projects.  His responsibilities included overseeing financial controls, managing resources and providing strategy recommendations for projects in the food distribution, insurance and medical industries.  Mr. Duda received a Bachelor of Science degree from Rockford College.

Rick Jordan
Director, Sales & Strategic Alliances
(North America)
Tenet Computer Group Inc.

Rick Jordan is the North American Director, Sales & Strategic Alliances for Tenet Computer Group Inc. celebrating its 25th Anniversary of committed sales and services as a Solution Provider.

Rick is in charge overseeing all operations of Tenet’s newly developed North American Mobility Division geared at Disaster Recovery, Continuity Planning and Emergency Management.
Rick has over 20 years experience with various technology firms, where he has held various senior management positions in sales, marketing, and procurement, focusing on market expansion in Canada, U.S.A and Europe. With his entrepreneurial vision and company dedication, Rick has built profitable sales and marketing channels within multiple sectors, while collaborating with various technology manufacturers and distribution partners. 

Rick has been on numerous Technology Advisory Committees throughout the years and has also been honored with multiple awards during his career, as well as keeping active in the community by being sworn-in Aux. Police Constable with the Toronto Police Service (Class Valedictorian) and an active coach his child’s hockey and soccer teams.  Rick enjoys most sports including hockey, soccer, and golf, to name a few (with the bragging rights of getting a hole-in-one back in 2002)

Sonia St. Charles
Chief Executive Officer and Founder
Davenport Group

Sonia St. Charles, co-founder and CEO of Davenport Group, brings more than 25 years of business experience in corporate management and external consulting to the St. Paul, Minn.-based company she helped develop. Using her operational expertise in private, public and non-profit sectors, along with her extensive knowledge in human resources, she partnered with fellow entrepreneur Paul Clifford in 2001 to create one of the country’s fastest-growing data protection solutions vendors.

Today, St. Charles focuses on leading the strategic vision and direction of the rapidly growing company. Under her guidance, Davenport Group has achieved double-digit growth every year. The company was ranked 29 on the 2009 CRN Fast Growth 100 list and named a “Business Builder” by Upsize magazine in 2008.