As a seasoned IT professional with over 20 years of experience in IT operations, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital transformation, I thrive on solving complex technology challenges and aligning IT strategies with business objectives. My expertise spans multiple industries, from healthcare to financial services, and I am passionate about leveraging technology to drive innovation and efficiency. I am actively seeking board opportunities to contribute my IT leadership and strategic insights to organizations looking to enhance their technological capabilities. 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.

As businesses increasingly rely on IT systems to drive operations and growth, the risks associated with these systems—such as cyberattacks, system failures, and compliance challenges—become more significant. Mastering risk management in IT is essential for safeguarding operations, ensuring data security, and maintaining business continuity. This article explores key strategies for managing risks, including proactive risk identification, cybersecurity measures, and building system resilience through redundancy. Drawing on lessons from industries like manufacturing and supply chain management, it provides practical insights into how IT leaders can align risk management with business objectives and adapt to emerging risks in a digital-first future.

I'm excited to share my executive biography, which highlights my journey in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and strategic leadership. With over 25 years in the tech industry, I've had the privilege of driving innovation, optimizing business processes, and enhancing security solutions on a global scale. I look forward to new opportunities to apply my expertise and collaborate with forward-thinking leaders.

Matt Tarzwell is a seasoned project manager and technology leader specializing in government IT modernization, with a proven track record of implementing large-scale digital transformation initiatives across multiple state agencies. With expertise in regulatory compliance, cloud computing, and data integration, he has successfully led high-impact projects that streamline operations, enhance digital services, and improve efficiency for millions of constituents. His leadership in initiatives such as Maryland’s Customer Connect project and Idaho’s statewide licensing system consolidation has set new benchmarks for innovation and effectiveness in public-sector technology. A strategic thinker with strong technical acumen, Matt excels in driving complex projects from concept to completion, ensuring seamless collaboration between stakeholders, executive leadership, and development teams.

Ben Renz is a seasoned cybersecurity leader with a proven track record of strengthening digital security frameworks, mitigating risks, and driving strategic innovation in information security. As the Chief Information Security Officer at BroadStreet Partners, he leads enterprise-wide security initiatives, ensuring robust protection against evolving cyber threats. With extensive experience in network engineering, software development, and risk management, Ben has held key leadership roles at North Risk Partners and UnitedHealth Group, where he implemented advanced security strategies and operational efficiencies. His technical expertise, strategic mindset, and ability to communicate complex security solutions make him a trusted leader in safeguarding organizations in today’s digital landscape.

Spiro Floropoulos is a highly accomplished Senior Programmer and Software Architect with a relentless passion for technology and innovation. With a career spanning over a decade, he has played a pivotal role in designing and implementing scalable, high-performance software solutions across startups and enterprise environments. His expertise in PHP, Laravel, MySQL, JavaScript, HTMX, and cloud-based technologies has enabled him to lead teams, optimize complex architectures, and drive business growth through strategic technical decisions. A hands-on leader and problem-solver, Spiro has not only built mission-critical systems but also streamlined development processes, reduced operational costs, and fostered cross-functional collaboration. His ability to seamlessly translate business needs into robust technical solutions makes him an invaluable asset in the ever-evolving landscape of software development.

Patrick C. Thompson is a seasoned IT and telecommunications executive with over four decades of experience driving innovation, efficiency, and cost-effective solutions in higher education. Throughout his tenure at Columbia University, he played a pivotal role in managing enterprise-wide IT services, implementing advanced telecommunications systems, and optimizing billing operations. With expertise in VoIP deployment, financial oversight, and strategic vendor management, Patrick has been instrumental in aligning technology resources with institutional needs. Holding an M.P.A. from Columbia University and a B.B.A. from Baruch College, his career reflects a deep commitment to technological advancement and operational excellence.

In an era of rapid technological change, integrating legacy systems with modern infrastructure is both a challenge and a necessity for organizations seeking efficiency and competitiveness. This article explores the complexities of legacy system integration within industrial specialty chemical manufacturing plants and religious organizations, where outdated systems often play a critical role in daily operations. Successful integration requires a strategic approach—balancing continuity with modernization, mitigating risks of downtime and data loss, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. Through practical insights, real-world case studies, and future trends such as cloud adoption, APIs, and automation, this guide offers actionable strategies to help organizations bridge the gap between legacy and modern systems seamlessly.

Ben Abrams, a seasoned Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) based in Las Vegas, NV, is a dynamic leader known for his extensive expertise in cybersecurity, security engineering, and team development. With a proven track record of protecting company assets and reducing security risks, Ben specializes in building secure IT infrastructures and developing agile solutions to safeguard proprietary data. As the Owner & Principal Consultant of his tech consulting firm since 2003, and through his impactful roles at industry-leading companies like Doximity and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Ben has saved millions in security costs, enhanced operational efficiency, and established best-in-class security protocols. A thought leader in the tech space, Ben is also a sought-after speaker on topics ranging from DevOps culture transformation to the evolution of cloud management, continually bridging the gap between technology and business strategies.