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Leadership Awards Are Open All Year Round.

The Technology First Leadership Awards honor individuals and teams shaping the future of technology across Ohio:

Celebrating Exceptional Leadership in Technology

The Technology First Leadership Awards elevate the trailblazers, disruptors, and change makers who are redefining the tech industry across Ohio. These distinguished honors recognize individuals and teams whose bold thinking, breakthrough innovation, and purpose-driven leadership are accelerating progress and transforming organizations. It’s more than recognition. This event is a call to celebrate those leading the charge into what’s next for our region’s thriving technology ecosystem.

Join the Celebration at the 13th Annual Technology First Leadership Awards!

A night to honor innovation, connect with industry leaders, and celebrate the future of technology. This event brings together the brightest minds in technology to recognize achievements, share insights, and foster meaningful connections. Whether you're a tech professional, entrepreneur, or enthusiast, here’s what makes this gathering worthwhile:

Celebrate Excellence in Technology in Our Region

Stand with your peers as we spotlight the individuals and teams whose ideas, actions, and leadership are transforming technology across Southwest Ohio

Network & Collaborate

Forge new relationships with changemakers, innovators, and thought leaders. Whether you're seeking collaboration, mentorship, or momentum, the room will be filled with opportunity.

Experience the Energy

This is more than an event—it’s a movement. The celebration of leadership. The recognition of possibility. The heartbeat of a thriving tech community.

Be part of something bigger. Let’s come together to elevate the people and passion behind the technology driving our future.

Technology First is Proud to Recognize Our Legacy of Leaders!

Outstanding / Innovative Technology Team

2025: Dayton Children's Hospital
2024: Premier Health
2024: Premier Health
2023: CareSource
2022: WinSupply
2021: CareSource IT Team
2020: Sinclair College, Application Administration Team
2019: Midmark Corporation, Technical Integration Team
2018: Speedway – Team Insight
2017: University of Dayton – UDit – Safe Computing Project
2016: Speedway – Speedy Rewards Agile Project & Midmark Customer Tracking System Project
2015: Hobart Service
2015 Academic: University of Dayton Information Technologies
2015 Enterprise: Midmark
2014: Lion Protects

Best Technology Services Company
Previously Best IT Services Company

2025: ProStratus
2024: ATC
2023: Smart Data
2022: McCracken Group / TMG
2021: Cincinnati Bell
2020: TEKsystems
2019: Smart Data
2018: Expedient Technology Systems
2017: Netdemics
2016: Afidence
2015: Mafazo: Digital Solutions
2014: Lighthouse Technologies

Technology Executive of the Year
Previously IT Executive of the Year

2025: Alan Smith, CareSource
2024: Jon Rike, City of Dayton
2023: Jill Delaney-Shal
2022: Stephanie Singer, LexisNexis
2021: Christopher Kuhl, Dayton Children's
2020: David Goodwin, ATC
2019: Karl Konsdorf, Sinclair College
2018: Tina Bustillo, Pi-Tech, Inc. & James Alford, Montgomery County Data Processing
2017: Monique McGlinch, Midmark
2016: John Huelsman, Director of IT at Hobart Service
2015: Mark Human, Booze Allen
2014: Steve Hangen, Mikesell's
2014 Community Advocate: Tim Hull

Emerging Technology Leader

2025: Deana Northern, City of Dayton
2024: Searsa Johnson, CareSource
2023: Sudhir Kakulapati
2022: Cheryl Palafox-Stewart, Sinclair Community College
2021: Christina Sease, CareSource
2020: Nick Enger, ATC
2019: Nicole Robbins, Midmark Corporation
2018: Jon Scruggs, Hobart Service
2017: James Keating, DataYard

Technology Project of the Year

2025: Fortified Data
2024: The McCracken Group, TMG
2023: MinedXai
2022: CareSource
2021: Kettering Health
2020: Hobart Service

Most Promising Startup

2025: SCYBER
2024: AXE.AI
2022: MinedXai
2021: Mile Two
2020: Recless Tech
2019: Ascend Innovations
2018: Global Flyte, LLC

Unsung Hero

2025: Chance Fultz, Fortified Data
2024: Vanessa Moon, City of Dayton

Technology Educator of the Year

2024: Professor Amir Zadeh, Wright State University

Volunteer of the Year

2025: Anthony Peyton
2024: Bill Magnuson
2023: Britlynn Reiter
2022: Lisa Heckler
2021: Paul Moorman

Career Champion

2025: Brittani Farley, CareSource
2023: Dayton Children's Hospital
2022: CareSource
2021: Expedient Technology Solutions

Award of Excellence: College Student Project

2025: Dylan Swinford, Wright State University
2024: Brandon Hubley, Wright State University
2023: Matthew Cavender & Cameron Cross, WSU
2022: Ryan Murphy, Christopher Broach, & Madison Wills, WSU
2021: Pet Adoption Speed Prediction: A Data Mining Approach, WSU
2020: Timothy Haas, WSU
2019: IoT Laundry Monitoring System Team, Cedarville University
2018: Whirlpool Corporation Team, University of Dayton
2017: Bible Story Producer App, Cedarville University/SIL International
2016: MIS/Mikesell's Intranet Project, University of Dayton
2015: Clark State Community College
2014: Hanan Alkhafaji, PQ Systems

Award of Excellence: High School Student

2025: Anishika Ria Parmar, Springboro High School
2024: Rhea Pasupuleti, The Dayton Regional STEM School
2023: Kayla Payne, Bellbrook High School
2022: Sha'Maria Barton, Miami Valley CTC (Northmont H.S.)
2021: Qiancong Li (John), Miami Valley CTC

Legacy of Leadership Award

2025: Scott McCollum, Sinclair College
2024: Tom Skill, University of Dayton
2023: Donald Hopkins, Wright State University
2022: Steve Hangen, former CIO

MEET OUR PARTNERS

Our Partners share a common goal: to connect, strengthen, and champion the technology community in our region. A Technology First Partner is an elite member leading the support, development, and expansion of Technology First services. In return, Partners improve community visibility and increase their revenue. Make a difference in our region and your business.

CHAMPION PARTNER

"The McCracken Group (TMG) is proud to be a Champion Partner of Technology First. We share a commitment to education, collaboration, and empowering technology professionals across our tech region. Together, guided by our core values, Doing the Right Thing, Always Learning, Building Strong Relationships, and Giving Back, we’re helping advance innovation and continuous growth across our region’s tech community."
Seth Marsh
Vice President Sales & Marketing, The McCracken Group
The McCracken Group

CORNERSTONE PARTNERS