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.
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 IT Project Delivery Officer at 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.
