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.
2025 OUTLIER AWARD NOMINEES
Sherry Hunyadi is Chief Security Architect at Chevron, leading the Cybersecurity Engineering and Innovation team. She drives security-by-design strategies across IT and OT platforms and is part of Chevron’s CISO Leadership Team, focused on cybersecurity, resilience, and data privacy. Sherry brings over 20 years of experience in IT leadership, including serving as VP and CIO at Layne Christensen Company. She holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Texas A&M University and lives in Spring, Texas with her husband, a Warrant Officer in the Texas Army National Guard.
Jahid Khandaker is the CIO of GE HealthCare, where he leads enterprise technology strategy, core platform development, and secure IT operations. Previously, he was SVP and CIO at Western Digital, with prior leadership roles at IBM and Hitachi. With over 23 years of experience, he has led global IT, cloud transformations, and analytics initiatives. Jahid holds degrees in information systems, computer science, and mathematics from Hawaii Pacific University, and is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who also worked for the Department of Defense.
James Kluttz is Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Sutter Health, a role he has held since December 2022. With over 39 years in healthcare IT, including as SVP and CTO at Novant Health, he brings deep experience in supporting clinical and financial operations. James leads the development of secure, scalable, and innovative technology platforms, overseeing architecture, service operations, communications, and end-user support. Known for building trust-based relationships, he enables organizations to deliver high-quality care through technology. He holds a BS in Information Technology and an MS in Leadership from Walden University, and resides in Stanfield, NC with his wife and daughter.
Phil Malatras is a cybersecurity executive with over 30 years in the tech industry. Since 2016, he has served as CISO and CSO at Western Digital, leading global information security, risk management, and strategic collaboration. Previously, he managed information security at Broadcom and oversaw global IT infrastructure at Cisco. His earlier roles at Aimtech and M/A-COM added to his expertise in IT and software engineering. Malatras holds degrees in computer science and management from Rivier, Franklin Pierce, and Northeastern universities. He is known for aligning security strategies with business goals to strengthen organizational resilience.
An accomplished IT leader with 40+ years in healthcare technology, Ms. Mullins serves as Senior Vice President and CIO at U of L Health in Louisville, KY. She drives innovation and service excellence to support the organization’s mission and improve patient care. Ms. Mullins is passionate about technology that empowers clinicians and co-chairs the AI Governance Committee. She led a 2021 pathology digital transformation that enhanced cancer detection and introduced a generative AI solution using ambient listening to automate physician documentation, boosting both provider and patient experiences. She holds a Bachelor's in Healthcare Administration and an MBA. Committed to staff engagement, leadership development, and community service, she also cherishes time with her four grandchildren.
Nishit Sahay is the Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Marvell Technology. In this role, Nishit is responsible for driving the company's digital transformation strategy, enhancing its technological infrastructure, and ensuring the effective deployment of advanced AI solutions. He joined Marvell from Maxim Integrated, where he led significant digital transformation projects that streamlined operations and improved efficiency. Prior to Maxim, Nishit played a pivotal role in leading several digital transformation projects, further honing his expertise in business process optimization and technology integration. His extensive background in IT leadership is complemented by his technical acumen, making him a key player in Marvell's ongoing innovation and growth. Nishit holds a Master of Science in Data Science from UC Berkeley, a Master’s in Technology Management from The Wharton School/SEAS, University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics Engineering from Nagpur University.
Bradley J. Schaufenbuel is currently Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at Paychex. He has over 29 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 2024 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.
David Tyburski is Vice President of Information Security and CISO at Wynn Resorts, where he has led enterprise strategies in cybersecurity, governance, and incident response for over 15 years. His innovative approach has helped position Wynn as a global leader in cybersecurity excellence. With over 30 years in IT and security, David has held leadership roles across startups and multinational firms, and has architected global networks. He serves on multiple advisory boards, including Nevada’s State IT Advisory Board. David holds a BA in Business Administration from Francis Marion College and remains active on its Alumni Advisory Council.
2025 OUTLIER AWARD JUDGES
Paul Falor is an accomplished technology executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience in the information technology, information security, and consulting industries. As Chief Information Officer and Head of Technology Strategic Alliances for North Highland, Paul is passionate about transforming business strategies into actionable, value-driven technology solutions. Since joining North Highland in 2014, he has spearheaded numerous digital transformation initiatives, cloud migrations, and security programs that balance innovation, efficiency, and risk management.
Paul's leadership style is rooted in a business-first approach to technology. He specializes in building and leading high-performing, globally distributed teams across the U.S., U.K., South Africa, Ecuador, Romania, and Saudi Arabia—fostering cultures of innovation and consistently high employee engagement. His expertise spans practical governance frameworks aligned to standards such as ISO27001, HITRUST, HIPAA, and GDPR, helping organizations navigate complex regulatory landscapes while optimizing enterprise value.
A recognized leader in his field, Paul has earned accolades such as the Georgia CIO of the Year and was recently honored as one of the Top 50 Technology Professionals by the 2024 OnConference Icon Awards. This award, determined by peer voting, celebrates individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, drive impactful innovation, and contribute meaningfully to the professional community.
Beyond his professional achievements, Paul is deeply committed to community service. He serves on the Executive Advisory Board for Atlanta Technology Professionals (ATP) and participates on the Fulton County School Governance Council. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he leveraged his technical skills for the greater good by 3D-printing and delivering over 1,000 face shields and reusable masks to local medical facilities facing PPE shortages.
Paul’s philosophy is simple yet profound: technology should serve people, not the other way around. He continues to inspire those around him through his leadership, his dedication to innovation, and his unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Mohan Gurupackiam joined Steward Partners as Chief Information Officer in January 2023. He has over 25 years of technology experience gained across several financial services companies in the US and internationally. Mohan started his career with Tata Consultancy Services in India in 1995. Mohan joined E*TRADE Financial in 1998 and remained until 2014 in a variety of leadership roles. Most recently, he was the executive in charge of Technology for the wealth management division.
Most recently, Mohan was the Vice President of IT at Assetmark, where he was responsible for both Wealth Management and Data. Prior to Assetmark, Mohan was the Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for Cetera Financial Group, where he oversaw application and data engineering across the network of broker-dealers.
Mohan received his Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Madras, India. He also has an MBA from Saint Mary’s College of California and completed the Chief Technology Officer Program from the Wharton School of Business. Mohan lives in the Greater Los Angeles Area with his wife, two children, and a dog.
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.
Mike Jones is the Vice President of Cybersecurity Shared Services for Nationwide. He provides strategic direction and leadership for the Cyber Product Delivery organization, leading our Identity & Access Management, Data Security, and Cloud & Application Security teams.
Mike has more than 20 years of experience in Information Technology roles, most recently serving as AVP, Network Technology in Infrastructure & Operations, leading the Network Technology product teams Data Center and Cloud Connectivity, Network Observability and Automation, Security Core and Edge products as well as the 24 x 7 Network Technology Operations Center.
Mike is well respected in the industry and has received various industry accolades and awards. Prior to Nationwide, Mike's experience spans various industries, including Telecommunications and Retail where he gained extensive experience in infrastructure and security architecture supporting complex services and holding multiple leadership roles.
Mike is a graduate of Franklin University, and Cornell's Executive Leadership Program. He lives in Reynoldsburg with his daughters and wife, Stacy. He enjoys music, sports, travel, and the Arts, serving on the board of the Historic Lincoln Theater in Columbus.
Jim Perry is Senior Vice President (SVP) of Enterprise Technology Platforms at United Wholesale Mortgage, LLC. (UWM). He has 20+ years of experience in technology, specifically in the mortgage lending industry, spanning application development, data engineering & analytics, infrastructure, and operational process support.
As SVP of Enterprise Technology Platforms, Jim is responsible for UWM’s infrastructure teams and aligning their strategic partnerships with internal software development efforts to create industry leading and disruptive solutions to accelerate mortgage origination timelines.
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.
In 2018, Brian joined the Department of Technology, 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.
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.
Mike Ruehmkorff serves as system vice president and Chief Information Security Officer for City of Hope National Medical System. Mike has an extensive background in building and leading information security, corporate compliance, audit, and risk management teams. In his current role, his mandate is to reduce City of Hope’s technology risk through a comprehensive program to assess and manage both information security system architecture and processes, as well as new and existing business technology risk. He leads teams of tenured information security professionals that work proactively in the areas of system architecture, monitoring, and response as well as with business units to integrate solutions that safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the organization’s information and systems. This work also extends to protecting the sensitive information of City of Hope’s members, employees, and physicians.
Mike joined City of Hope as CISO in 2023. Previously he held the role of vice president, Technology Risk Management at Kaiser Permanente where he was responsible for monitoring and managing the enterprise technology risk portfolio, working directly with business units to proactively manage their risk. This work was performed through a team of over 120 risk professionals functioning in risk assessment (third-party, application and controls), risk reporting, risk quantification, and Business Information Security Officer roles. Prior, he served as the Information Security Officer and Sr. Director of IT Infrastructure at Caris Life Sciences, where he managed data privacy and security across the technology landscape. He assessed, designed, and directed the implementation of security monitoring and incident response across a wide variety of sensitive data for advanced-stage cancer diagnostics and research. Earlier in his career, Mike served as Information Security Officer for Dignity Health, a not-for-profit healthcare system with over 40 hospitals serving California, Nevada and Arizona. While at Dignity Health he was responsible for the revitalization of the information security and identity/access management programs including a team of over 75 professionals both on- and off-shore.
Mike served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army, where he led a cavalry scout platoon and served as the Movement Control Officer for the 4th Infantry Division at Ft. Carson, Colorado. He holds a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.
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.
