The Trace3 Outlier Award is the industry’s greatest celebration of the CIO. It honors individuals who consistently deliver dynamic innovation and outstanding leadership in the field of information technology.
2027 OUTLIER AWARD NOMINEES
Alejandro Franco is Chief Information Officer and Vice President of Information Technology at the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), where he has led digital transformation since 2017. Alejandro believes technology should expand opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision to learn, work and live independently. His leadership supports innovations including the Monarch multiline braille display, accessible navigation applications and the eBRF digital braille standard. He has also championed accessible enterprise technology, including SAP S/4HANA Cloud, to help employees work independently. Alejandro leads by listening and empowering teams, guided by a simple question: Whose life will this improve?
Mike Gerhard is the Chief Data and AI Officer at BDO USA, where he leads the firm’s strategy for artificial intelligence, data governance, and digital transformation. With nearly 30 years of technology leadership experience and more than two decades at BDO, he is responsible for advancing AI adoption, ensuring data quality, leading enterprise innovation initiatives, and overseeing the development of AI-driven solutions that improve business operations and client outcomes. Mike holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Western Michigan University and has completed the Chief Data and AI Officer Program at the Michigan Ross School of Business.
Kevin Kealy is SVP and Global Chief Information Security Officer at Light & Wonder, where he leads a global team protecting the company, its people and its assets from cybercrime. A respected information security expert, Kevin holds a master’s degree in Information Security from the University of London and is a CISSP and IEEE and ISC2 member. His career spans more than 16 years at AT&T Labs, along with leadership roles as CIO and CISO across technology, financial services, distribution, fitness and retail. Kevin is also a co-author, inventor of two VoIP security patents and a sought-after speaker on cybersecurity and technology.
Paul Miller is a technology and cybersecurity executive with more than 30 years of experience leading enterprise security, IT, infrastructure, cloud and digital transformation programs. As Chief Information Security Officer and Vice President of Information Technology at Public Storage, the world’s largest self-storage company, he oversees cybersecurity, IT operations, technology strategy, risk management and compliance across thousands of locations. Paul has led major cloud transformations, cybersecurity modernization efforts and complex mergers and acquisitions, including Public Storage’s integration of National Storage Affiliates. He is a CISSP and GISP and an active leader in the cybersecurity community.
Vikrant Saxena is Chief Data & Analytics Officer at Wellabe and has more than 20 years of experience in the life insurance and annuity industry. He leads Wellabe’s enterprise data and analytics strategy, including data modernization, artificial intelligence, governance, architecture, and the deployment of data-driven solutions that support business growth and operational excellence. Under his leadership, Wellabe's data modernization efforts were recognized with the Technology Association of Iowa's 2025 Prometheus Award for Data Solution of the Year. He also serves on the Editorial Board of CDO Magazine and the Chicago CDAO Governing Body.
Bradley J. Schaufenbuel is currently Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at Paychex. He has almost 30 years of experience in the information security field at companies in the financial services and technology verticals, has written numerous books and professional journal articles, possesses an MBA, a JD, and an LLM, maintains over two dozen professional certifications, serves as an advisor to multiple venture capital firms and cybersecurity startups, and regularly speaks at industry conferences. Bradley was recognized as the Chicagoland CISO of the Year in 2018 as one of the Top 100 CISOs for 2025 by Cyber Defense Magazine.
Ivelisse Torres is a seasoned information security leader with over 17 years of experience. As Deputy CISO at Medtronic, the world’s largest medical device company, she focuses on optimizing security across the enterprise to protect patients and data. Known for navigating organizational change and managing complex projects under tight deadlines, Ivelisse communicates effectively at all levels. She holds degrees in International Business and Security Management from the University of Houston-Downtown. Passionate about mentorship and diversity, she actively supports career development and inclusive workplace culture.
2027 OUTLIER AWARD JUDGES
Sherry Hunyadi is the General Manager of Risk Management Operations for Chevron, a role she assumed in May 2026. Sherry’s team is responsible for cybersecurity governance, risk, and compliance management for the enterprise. She is a member of Chevron’s CISO Leadership Team, which is responsible for overall cybersecurity efforts to secure and protect Chevron’s information and assets while ensuring cyber resiliency.
Throughout her journey of more than 25 years in technology roles, she has led with a rare blend of strategic vision, technical excellence, and authentic purpose. Her contributions have earned industry-wide recognition, including the Houston CISO ORBIE Award and the Trace3 Outlier Award; honors that celebrate leaders who notonly drive innovation, but inspire others to reach higher and achieve more.
Sherry received her Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. She resides in Spring, Texas with her husband who is a retired Warrant Officer for the Texas Army National Guard.
Jason Johnson has a broad range of experience in enterprise network operations and software development. His primary role at Sweetwater is leading our in-house software development, cloud, and network infrastructure teams, who are responsible for continuous delivery and innovation of the IT services required to keep Sweetwater on the cutting edge.
Jason joined Sweetwater in early 2013 and spent three years as the IT Operations Manager leading a small team modernizing Sweetwater's network infrastructure before he was promoted to Senior Vice President and ultimately to Chief Information Officer. Previously, Jason spent eight years working for the Department of Defense, focused
primarily on network security, and 5 Years serving in the US Navy rated in Information Technology.
Jason holds 19 industry certifications and has a bachelor’s degree from Western Governors University in Network Design and Management. Jason loves spending time with his wife Kelsi and their two children.
James Kluttz serves as the vice president and chief technology officer for Sutter Health, a position held since December 2022.Prior to this role, James served as the senior vice president and chief technology officer for Novant Health. A senior Information Technology executive with over 39 years’ experience in the healthcare provider industry with extensive experience in supporting both clinical and financial operations. He provides thought leadership in the continued development of innovative, resilient, scalable, and secure technology platforms throughout the health system. His direct responsibilities include technical platform architecture, service operations, voice and data communications, and end user technology support. A technology champion and innovator who builds relationships that enable trust and confidence to empower the business to deliver the highest quality of care and service to its patients.
Mr. Kluttz earned a BS degree in Information Technology and his MS degree in Leadership from Walden University. He lives in Stanfield, NC with his wife and daughter.
Brian Pillar is a General Manager of IT for the State of Michigan, Department of Technology, Management and Budget with his teams providing support for the IT portfolios for the Michigan Department of Corrections, the Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
Brian is an alumnus of Michigan State University and beganhis professional career working for one of the university’s IT departments where he drove a major network operating system modernization project. He then pursued opportunities at a small, but global, software development company where he led the IT Operations teams in their journey to the public cloud. In 2018, Brian joined the Department ofTechnology, Management and Budget, accepting his present role in 2021. Since joining the State of Michigan, Brian has been passionate about driving portfolio modernization towards cloud friendly platforms and services while enabling reinvestment of IT budget savings into additional business system enhancements.
Tiffany Smith serves as the Chief Security Officer and Head of IT Operations for Farm Credit Mid-America, a $50+ billion financial services association whose purpose is to secure the future of rural communities and agriculture. In her current role, she leverages over 25 years of technology and cybersecurity experience to provide strategic leadership for IT Operations, including Information Security, Network and Workspace Delivery, Platform and Systems Infrastructure, Technology Operations Delivery, Business Applications, and Technology Support.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Tiffany enjoys international travel adventures and has a passion for competing in the Olympic Equestrian sport of Eventing.
Jack is the Vice President, Global Solutions Operations for Xylem Inc responsible for all systems of venture. In addition to previous role where responsible for the Sensus SaaS business Jack now provides our world class utility solutions to customers around the world. Jack has been with Sensus/Xylem for 18 years and resides in Boise, ID with his wife Erin and their children.
Barton Warner is Senior Vice President of Infrastructure at Capital Group, leading the Emerging Technology and Enterprise Technology Services organizations. Prior to joining Capital, Barton was a senior leader at JP Morgan Chase (formerly WaMu) responsible for Infrastructure Delivery, and worked in multiple consulting roles as a Technology Principal for Fortune 500 clients.
Barton has an MBA from the University of Washington and a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana. He guest-lectures at the USC Marshall School of Business and frequently speaks at industry events focused on Mobility, Collaboration, and Virtualization.
Genady Vishnevetsky serves as a global chief information security officer (CISO) for Stewart Information Services Corporation, a leading real estate and financial services provider. An established leader with experience building successful security programs and developing defenses against emerging threats, Vishnevetsky leads cybersecurity, governance, and compliance programs for global enterprises. He spent the last twenty-five years in Financial Services and Insurance, developing and leading defensible cybersecurity programs for global enterprises.
Genady holds various cybersecurity and risk management certifications – Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISK).
Barton Warner is Senior Vice President of Infrastructure at Capital Group, leading both the Enterprise Technology Services Organization and the strategic implementation of enterprise-wide Generative AI capabilities. Before joining Capital, Barton was a senior executive at JP Morgan Chase (formerly known as WaMu) responsible for technology strategy and delivery, and as a consultant he lead multiple engagements for Fortune 500 clients.
Barton has an MBA from the University of Washington and a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana. He guest-lectures at the USC Marshall School of Business and frequently speaks at industry events focused on Digital Workplace, Collaboration, and Generative AI.
Barton Warner is Senior Vice President of Infrastructure at Capital Group, leading the Emerging Technology and Enterprise Technology Services organizations. Prior to joining Capital, Barton was a senior leader at JP Morgan Chase (formerly WaMu) responsible for Infrastructure Delivery, and worked in multiple consulting roles as a Technology Principal for Fortune 500 clients.
Barton has an MBA from the University of Washington and a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana. He guest-lectures at the USC Marshall School of Business and frequently speaks at industry events focused on Mobility, Collaboration, and Virtualization.
