I am excited to share my executive biography, which highlights my journey across military service, federal leadership, and private sector innovation in cybersecurity and governance. Over the years, I have had the privilege of leading diverse teams, shaping national policy, and guiding organizations through some of today’s most pressing security challenges. I remain committed to helping companies and communities build stronger, more resilient systems while giving back through board service.

After four decades of leadership across technology, service management, and strategic advisory roles, I’ve taken a moment to reflect on the journey, lessons learned, and the values that have guided me. From executive roles at Gartner and Freshworks to board experience and entrepreneurial ventures, I’ve consistently pursued simplicity, clarity, and transformation. Here is my biography.

In crisis zones where healthcare supply chains are pushed to the brink, resilience is not built on rigid plans but on adaptability, humility, and collaboration. Drawing from decades of disaster response experience, Craig Arnold underscores that no two emergencies are alike — success lies in asking the right questions, improvising under pressure, and forging cross-sector partnerships rooted in trust, not ego. From coordinating aid in post-earthquake Haiti to navigating impassable terrain in the Philippines, he illustrates how flexibility, shared purpose, and local inclusion turn chaos into coordinated relief. Disasters expose vulnerabilities, but they also offer a profound opportunity to lead with empathy and innovate for impact.

Deborah G. Jackson is a forward-thinking leader whose career spans global energy operations and grassroots community development. With a background in chemical engineering and over three decades of experience at Shell, she has led multi-billion-dollar procurement portfolios, advanced sustainability goals, and guided complex capital investments. Now focused on serving her Northwest Arkansas community, Deborah applies her strategic insight and operational discipline to disaster recovery, youth mentorship, and nonprofit leadership—bridging corporate expertise with a heart for service.

After three decades of leadership across the U.S. military and global engineering programs, I’m preparing for the next chapter of impact and service. I’m exploring board opportunities with organizations looking for strategic insight, project excellence, and values-driven leadership. Here is my biography.

With over 35 years of experience in cybersecurity, IT governance, and risk management, I am dedicated to helping organizations strengthen their security posture while balancing business operations. My background in oil/gas, finance, and global industries has shaped my ability to develop strategic solutions that mitigate risk and drive enterprise resilience. If you’re looking for a board advisor who understands the evolving cybersecurity landscape and its impact on business, I’d love to connect. Here is my biography.

Gvozden Dokic is a seasoned IT expert with a strong background in IT infrastructure, financial services technology, and strategic consulting. With over two decades of experience, he has successfully led technology implementations, optimized IT environments, and provided secure, cost-effective solutions for businesses of all sizes. As the owner of XOrca Inc., he specialized in tailoring IT strategies to meet the unique needs of small and medium-sized enterprises, ensuring flexibility and efficiency. His tenure at Morgan Stanley further solidified his expertise in financial technology support, project management, and disaster recovery planning. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, along with industry certifications, Gvozden continues to be a trusted leader in delivering innovative IT solutions that drive business success.

I’m excited to share my executive biography, detailing my journey in IT leadership, cybersecurity, and business technology strategy. With over 25 years of experience, I thrive on helping businesses align their IT operations with long-term success while mitigating risks and enhancing efficiency. If you’re interested in how I can bring value to your organization, let’s connect!

Ensuring system reliability in electronic trading is crucial for maintaining market efficiency, minimizing latency, and meeting regulatory requirements. Financial institutions must adopt robust observability strategies, including comprehensive logging, real-time metrics, and distributed tracing, to monitor and optimize system performance. Establishing clear service-level agreements (SLAs) and service-level indicators (SLIs) further ensures uptime, trade execution speed, and data integrity. To achieve low latency and high performance, firms should invest in ultra-low-latency networking, efficient algorithmic execution, and high-performance computing. Additionally, redundancy planning and disaster recovery mechanisms are essential for mitigating infrastructure failures and cybersecurity threats. By prioritizing system reliability, trading firms can enhance operational resilience and maintain a competitive edge in global financial markets.

Nancy Dragani is an accomplished executive with over 30 years of leadership in state and federal emergency management, known for her ability to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and lead high-performing teams. As Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 8, she has overseen disaster response, recovery, mitigation, and preparedness across six states and 29 tribal nations, implementing a “People First” approach that significantly improved organizational culture and performance. A champion of strategic initiatives, she launched the Readiness and Disaster Summit, established the Interagency Recovery Cell, and enhanced federal recovery programs, ensuring communities receive effective and equitable support. With a distinguished career that includes serving as Executive Director of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency and holding national leadership roles, Dragani continues to shape the future of emergency management through visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to resilience.

Christopher (Chris) O'Gwin is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of distinguished leadership in high-stakes environments. A West Point graduate and veteran Green Beret, Chris has excelled in roles requiring strategic planning, risk management, and organizational development. From overseeing U.S. Special Operations across 21 countries to leading recovery efforts during major natural disasters, his global expertise spans 33 nations. Fluent in Spanish and skilled in cross-cultural collaboration, Chris brings a unique blend of integrity, knowledge, and visionary leadership to every challenge he undertakes. His dedication to mentoring, problem-solving, and fostering innovation underscores his commitment to making a lasting impact.

I am excited to share my professional biography, highlighting my experience in cybersecurity, financial services, and operational leadership. With over 40 years of expertise, I am passionate about guiding organizations to growth and success.

Pete Atwater is a seasoned technology and operations executive with over 30 years of experience driving transformative initiatives across industries, including financial services, insurance, and energy. Known for his strategic vision, technical expertise, and operational leadership, Pete has consistently delivered innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, modernize infrastructure, and improve customer experiences. In leadership roles at Guardian Life Insurance, Genworth Financial, and GE Financial Assurance, he spearheaded digital transformation efforts, optimized IT operations, and built high-performing teams. Currently serving as Technology and Operations Executive at 9500 Consulting, LLC, Pete continues to leverage his extensive knowledge and strategic insight to deliver impactful technology solutions. Beyond his professional achievements, Pete exemplifies dedication and service as a Volunteer Firefighter with the Divide Fire Protection District, embodying a strong commitment to both organizational success and community well-being.

Managing risks in IT projects demands both technical expertise and strategic foresight, as modern technology landscapes grow increasingly complex and unpredictable. From scope creep to cybersecurity threats, IT projects are uniquely vulnerable to a wide range of risks. Successful project management hinges on identifying, assessing, and mitigating these risks proactively throughout the project lifecycle. This article explores best practices, such as integrating risk management into project planning, aligning strategies with stakeholder expectations, and leveraging emerging technologies like AI for predictive analytics. With insights drawn from real-world case studies, it highlights the importance of leadership support, continuous monitoring, and a culture of improvement to ensure IT projects deliver sustainable results despite unforeseen challenges.