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Atlanta Tech Leaders

women in technology

WIT Atlanta Features Jeffery Tobias Halter with YWomen and Serena E. Sacks with Fulton County Schools and 2015 WIT Women Of The Year Award Winner

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The work of Women in Technology has an incredible impact.

Since 1992, Women in Technology has had a mission dedicated to promoting the advancement of women in Georgia’s technology community. Through the WIT COMMUNITY, WIT Also educates and encourages girls and young women to pursue careers in STEM.

Jeffrey Tobias Halter and Serena Sacks

Jeffrey Tobias Halter and Serena Sacks

 

 

Jeffrey Tobias Halter/Gender Strategist
Founder

jeff-halter-aboutJeffery Tobias Halter is the country’s leading male expert on advancing women and engaging men. Jeffery is a consultant and the President of YWomen, a strategic consulting company focused on engaging men in women’s leadership issues. YWomen focuses on driving actionable business plans and strategies to help organizations create Integrated Women’s Leadership Strategies. Jeffery is the former Director of Diversity Strategy for The Coca-Cola Company. He has extensive knowledge of the consumer package goods, retail, food service and hospitality industries and is sought after speaker at industry forums and corporate programs.

Jeffery is the author of two books, WHY WOMEN, The Leadership Imperative to Advancing Women and Engaging Men(April, 2015) and Selling to Men, Selling to Women. He was a Panelist at the World Diversity Leadership Summit at Harvard University and led workshops at the Global Summit of Women in Athens Greece. His current clients include two Catalyst Award winning companies, The Coca-Cola Company and Kimberly-Clark. He has led best practice work with companies such as McDonald’s, Deloitte, Publicis Groupe, GE and Clorox. He recently keynoted the opening session for Walmart’s International Women’s Day celebration.

Combining 30+ years in corporate America – from the sales front line to the corporate headquarters and his passion for integrated leadership strategies, Jeffery connects with leaders at all-levels of the organization to create sustainable change and impact to the bottom line. His dynamic and engaging presentations garner positive reviews from stakeholders and attendees. He is available for keynotes, workshops, conference breakout sessions, panel moderation and long-term consulting opportunities.

Twitter     LinkedIn     YouTube

 

 

 

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Serena Sacks/ 2015 WIT Women of the Year Award Winner 
Chief Information Officer | Fulton County Schools

Serena-SacksSerena Sacks has been a transformational business and Information Technology leader for more than 25 years across corporate, non-profit, and government sectors. She has gained a comprehensive perspective through a variety of executive leadership positions and C-level consulting roles, working for organizations such as IBM, Walt Disney World, Harcourt, Wyndham, Florida Virtual School, and, now, Fulton County School District in Atlanta. Ms. Sacks earned her B.A. and M.S. in an accelerated program at SUNY Stony Brook, graduating Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa and had the honor of being selected as a Presidential Management Intern. She holds certifications in Enterprise IT Governance from ISACA, Six Sigma/LEAN Process Excellence, and Professional Project Management (PMI) and has extensive training in Strategic Execution through the Balanced Scorecard Collaborative. Appreciated for her strategic vision, excellence in operational delivery, and strong relationship skills, Ms. Sacks has effectively driven top line growth, customer satisfaction, and cost savings programs – depending on the needs of the organization.

Twitter     LinkedIn     

 

 

 

Sandy Welfare / WIT

sandy welfare

Sandy D. Welfare is the Executive Director of Women In Technology (WIT). Prior to that, she was the Executive Director of Cool Girls Inc, an award-winning early intervention after-school program dedicated to the empowerment of girls (2009-2015).

Sandy’s career began in 1989 in Greenwich, Connecticut where she joined Rand Insurance as the Controller. Six years later, she accepted a position with Lucent Technologies, an international telecommunications leader, holding a number of positions including serving as Accounting and Treasury Manager in Singapore (1999-2000) and then as Senior Manager in Australia and New Zealand (2000-2002). Sandy returned to Atlanta in 2002 as Senior Manager of Global Financial Services.

In 2003, Sandy accepted a position as Director of Operations for Xchanging, a business processing outsourcing company. In 2006, her career took her to London, England as Managing Director for professional services, where she managed global business processing services for bank financial transactions, insurance and retail.

Sandy received her undergraduate degree from St. John’s University in New York, and a Master of Business Administration from Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. She serves on the board of several non-profits, including Kiwanis Club of Atlanta. Sandy resides in Marietta, Georgia with her husband, Cliff and son, Soloman.

Twitter     Twitter(Sandy)      LinkedIn

 

 

WIT Women of the Year Awards 2015

WIT Women of the Year Awards 2015

 

WIT Atlanta Features James Dallas on Atlanta Technology Leaders Special Episode

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James Dallas is The 2015 Georgia CIO Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient 

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WIT Executive Director Sandy Welfare

 

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Sandy Welfare and James Dallas

H-James-DallasH. James Dallas/Author Management Consultant

 Mr. Dallas is an accomplished senior executive with extensive experience as an agent of change in large domestic and international corporate settings. He has successfully implemented over 10 transformational and turnaround initiatives, 15 acquisition integrations, and 5 operations/quality shared services centers of excellence. Mr. Dallas has over 30 years’ experience in General Management/business operations roles as well as Chief Information Officer positions. He recently retired in September 2013 as Senior Vice President of Quality, Operations and IT at Medtronic, Inc., a global medical technology company that employs approximately 45,000 people and does business in more than 120 countries. Mr. Dallas also served as a member of Medtronic’s executive management team. Prior to joining Medtronic in 2006, Mr. Dallas was Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Georgia-Pacific Corporation, a global forest products company that employed over 55,000 people. In his 22 years at Georgia Pacific, Mr. Dallas held a series of progressively more responsible information technology and operating roles. He also served as a member of Georgia Pacific’s executive management team. The majority of Mr. Dallas’s career has been focused on bridging the gap between strategy and execution, using IT for competitive advantage, and leadership development. Mr. Dallas serves on the boards of for-profit and non-profit organizations. He has been named one of the most powerful black men in corporate America several times in his career by Black Enterprise and Savoy magazines. Mr. Dallas is a native of Atlanta, GA. He and his wife Celest have been married for 33 years and have three daughters.

James Dallas & Associates      Mastering The Challenges of Leading Change the Book     Twitter

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sandy welfareSandy Welfare / WIT
Executive Director

Sandy D. Welfare was recently appointed as the Interim Executive Director for Women In Technology (WIT), a non-profit organization that supports women at every stage of their STEM careers, from the classroom to the boardroom. Prior to joining WIT, she was the Executive Director of Cool Girls Inc, an award-winning early intervention after school program dedicated to the empowerment of low-income girls.

Sandy’s career began in 1989 in Greenwich, Connecticut where she joined Rand Insurance as the operations controller. Six years later, she accepted a position with Lucent Technologies, an international telecommunications leader, holding a number of positions including from 1999-2000 serving as accounting and treasury manager in Singapore and then from 2000-2002 as senior operations manager in Australia and New Zealand. Sandy returned to Atlanta in 2002 as senior manager global financial services.

In 2003, Sandy accepted a position as director of operations for Xchanging, a business processing outsourcing company. In 2006, her career took her to London, England as managing director for professional services, where she managed global business processing services for bank financial transactions, insurance and retail. Two years later, Sandy returned to the Atlanta area and was asked to chair the Cool Girls’ Board of Directors. In 2009, Sandy was offered the Executive Director position which she accepted and led the organization until stepping down in October 2014.

Sandy received her undergraduate degree from St. John’s University in New York, and a Master of Business Administration from Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Sandy resides in Marietta, Georgia with her husband Cliff and son Soloman.

 

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In Studio and On The Air

Women In Technology (WIT) Special Episode

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The work of Women in Technology has an incredible impact.

Since 1992, Women in Technology has had a mission dedicated to promoting the advancement of women in Georgia’s technology community. Through the WIT COMMUNITY, WIT Also educates and encourages girls and young women to pursue careers in STEM.

Sandy Welfare, Janet Barnard, Jackie Breiter

Sandy Welfare, Janet Barnard, Jackie Breiter

 

 

 

Sandy Welfare / WIT

sandy welfareWomen in Technology (WIT) today announced the appointment of Sandy Welfare as its Interim Executive Director.  Sandy will lead WIT, the Atlanta-based non-profit organization dedicated to supporting women and girls in STEM careers – through a transition from an association management firm to a more independent model.

“Given Sandy’s international business and systems background, as well as her multiple years’ experience leading a non-profit, she was an excellent choice for WIT as we assimilate our operations back in-house,” said Tricia Dempsey, WIT Inc. Board President.

Prior to joining WIT, Sandy was the Executive Director of Cool Girls, Inc., an award-winning early intervention after-school program dedicated to the empowerment of low-income girls.  “Sandy has a clear passion for the empowerment of girls, a valuable contribution to our continued growth,” added Denise Reese, WIT Foundation Board President.

Sandy’s career began in 1989 in Greenwich, Connecticut where she joined Rand Insurance as the operations controller.  Six years later, she accepted a position with Lucent Technologies, an international telecommunications leader, holding a number of positions from 1994-2000, including serving as accounting and treasury manager in Singapore and then as senior operations manager in Australia and New Zealand. Sandy returned to Atlanta in 2002 as senior manager of global financial services.

In 2003, Sandy accepted a position as director of operations for Xchanging, a business processing outsourcing company. In 2006, her career took her to London, England, as managing director for professional services, where she managed global business processing services for bank financial transactions, insurance and retail.  Two years later, Sandy returned to the Atlanta area and was asked to chair the Cool Girls’ Board of Directors. In 2009, Sandy was offered the Executive Director position, which she accepted and led the organization until stepping down in October 2014.

Sandy received her undergraduate degree from St. John’s University in New York, and a Master of Business Administration from Sacred Heart University in Connecticut.

Welfare will be based at the new WIT Executive Offices, effective December 2014.

 

Janet Barnard/Manheim North America Cox Automotive
President

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Janet Barnard is president of Manheim North America. In this role, she acts as a member of Cox Automotive’s leadership team and directs several groups at Manheim engaged in transforming the company’s core auction business with its 79 operating locations into one that incorporates an expanding digital and mobile strategy. Groups that report to Barnard include Sales, Inventory Services and Customer Experience. Barnard most recently served as executive vice president and chief operating officer at Manheim. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Cox Enterprises.

Prior to joining Manheim, Barnard served as senior vice president and general manager for Cox Communications’ (CCI) Central Region. Her responsibilities included growing the $1.2 billion region’s voice, data and video services across its residential and commercial base of more than 700,000 customers. Prior to that role, Barnard was senior vice president and general manager for other Cox Communications regional business areas including Northern Virginia, Middle America and Omaha.

Recognized by Women in Technology (WIT) as one of Georgia’s top women leaders, she was the winner of the 2014 Woman of the Year in Technology Award in the Large/Enterprise Organization category. In 2010, Barnard was named as a Betsy Magness Leadership Institute Fellow, which honors the most successful female leaders in the cable and telecommunications industry. She was also selected by CableFAX as a Top 25 Regional Player and as one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Cable.

Barnard gives back to her community by representing Cox Enterprises on the Board of Governors of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and through her role as the Executive Sponsor for Cox Automotive’s Go Green Council which implements best practices designed to reduce the company’s environmental footprint. In addition, she supports and participates in the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America (KPCRAA) to raise funds and awareness for Victory Junction and other charities supporting chronically ill children.

She resides in Atlanta with her husband Bryan, and has two children and three grandchildren. She enjoys golf, travel and motorcycling.

 

 

Jackie Breiter/Emory Goizueta Business School
COO and CIO

Jackie BreiterJackie Breiter drives the strategic direction and management for all aspects of technology relating to teaching, faculty research, students,
and administration for the Goizueta Business School at Emory University. She is a recognized leader that combines technological knowledge with strong strategy and communication skills. Her particular expertise is in aligning organizational objectives with real-world solutions and a “get it done” approach.

Prior to joining Goizueta, Jackie built and led teams in various industries including telecommunications, software, and health care. Jackie served for nearly four years as vice president of global customer success for CA Technologies, an IT management software and solutions company. At CA she led a global team responsible for increasing customer loyalty among the firm’s top CIO clients. She previously served for nearly three years as vice president of technical services at PharMerica Inc., where she was responsible for setting the technical vision and managing the operations of PharMerica’s IT services. Jackie started her career at AT&T, where she worked for 12 years in logistics management and automation, as well as in almost every functional area within IT. It was at AT&T where she built the foundation for her leadership and technology expertise.

 

 

 

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Special Edition: Women in Technology

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Monica Glass Thornton / Women in Technology (WIT)

Monica Glass Thornton serves as President and CEO of Women in Technology (WIT), the Atlanta-based association known for championing women and girls in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.

Prior to joining WIT, Monica was Senior Vice President/Chief Marketing and Development Officer at Piedmont Park Conservancy. While there, she led the organization’s Marketing and Development initiatives, a $42 Million capital campaign, logo and website redesign, the creation of a pace-setting corporate giving program, sponsorship sales, media buys and many other efforts — all while directing its frontline communications effort. Monica also held leadership positions at United Way of Metro Atlanta, Fox 5 Atlanta, CBS Atlanta, WSB-TV and Georgia Public Broadcasting, where she continues to volunteer as a spokesperson during live telethons.

In addition to her work responsibilities, Monica serves as a member of the Georgia Robotics Board, Million Women Mentors Steering Committee, Southeast Museum for Women Planning Committee and the Georgia Conservancy Board. She is also a member of several professional organizations, including Public Relations Society of America, National Society of Fundraising Professionals, National Association for Women and Women In Film.

A native of Atlanta, Monica holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgia State University in TV/Film and an associate’s degree in Marketing.

 

 

Special Edition: Women In Technology

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This special edition of Atlanta Technology Leaders focuses on The Women In Technology Foundation (WIT).

Vicki Wright Hamilton, Business Technology Consultant & Founder, The Wright Answer and WIT Vice President of the WIT Foundation Board of Directors

www.linkedin.com/in/vhamilton

With over 20 years of technology experience (15 years at executive and senior level), Vicki is currently utilizing her vast skillset and resources to work as a consultant with smaller businesses in a CTO and COO capacities- assisting them with technology roadmaps, strategy, operational challenges across their organization – as well as guiding them on resource management and capability alignment. Prior to venturing out on her own in this consulting capacity, Vicki served as Senior Vice President at Turner Broadcasting Systems where her role in Turner's Technology, Strategy and Operations Group provided leadership and business insights in the areas of technology, operational efficiencies and business prioritization.She is an active board member of several organizations including Global Leaders, Global EXEC Women, BEEP, – the National Urban League’s Black Executive Exchange Program with Historically Black Colleges & Universities and the Board Director for Women in Technology (WIT) Foundation, where in addition to her board responsibilities she has provided leadership in many areas including: Executive Liasons to Girls Scouts of America, Executive Advisor for Career in Actions Program, Committee Member Nominating & Governance, and Liaison for Girls Get IT.

 Asia Rahman, 2014 WIT on Campus Scholarship Recipient and Former EdgeSolutions Intern

www.linkedin.com/in/asiarahman

Asia Rahman was born in New York City and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She studied Computer Information Systems at Georgia State University graduating summa cum laude in 2014. While there, Asia spent many hours working in the Computer Forensics Lab researching and establishing the fundamental materials for testing the viability, accessibility, and scalability of multiple software additions to the CIS program at GSU. In addition, she designed and created the next generation of IT security modules and in-class workshops that will be integrated into the CIS department’s graduate and undergraduate programs. Prior to her work with the CIS department, Asia worked for Edge Solutions, as a client development specialist, where she gained valuable hands-on-experience and learned the inner workings of the Atlanta business community.

During her undergraduate career, Asia participated in a variety of student and volunteer organizations where she exhibited exemplary clinical acumen in a team environment and displayed her propensity to leadership. She has participated as a Board of Directors member of the Student Alumni Association. Asia has also served as a member of the Association of Information Systems student chapter and as a Student Ambassador for WIT On Campus initiatives. Furthermore, Asia has taught entry level computer technology courses to middle and high school students, from her alma mater, as a means to introduce them to various STEM fields.

Asia also received many awards during her educational career. While earning an A.A. in Marketing, Asia won first place for an advertising campaign in the Delta Epsilon Chi state and international competitions. At GSU, Asia was awarded the Bergeron Scholarship for Women in Technology and the GSU Merit Scholarship, among others. After spending a semester abroad in Seoul, South Korea, she hopes to pursue her interests in cyber security and IT project management.

Tracy Zucco, Director, Human Resources, IT and Program Manager of WIT on Campus

www.linkedin.com/pub/tracy-zucco-sphr/6/a79/484

Tracy Zucco joined the CHEP team as Director, Human Resources, IT, reporting to Jean Holley directly. Tracy is a member of the global IT leadership team. She will support the Information Technology strategy by developing, leading and enabling the IT people and change agenda, thereby playing a key role in influencing operational performance and delivery. Her responsibilities include advising on and supporting all aspects of HR to ensure IT people, processes and systems are working effectively.

Prior to joining Brambles, Tracy has led a distinguished career spanning more than 20 years with increasing responsibility as an HR professional, including organizational design and transformation, talent acquisition and retention, employee development, performance management and employee and labor relations. Most recently, she served as Director, Human Resource Business Partner, Global Information Technology for the Coca-Cola Company, supporting an IT organization of 2,000 employees in more than 15 countries.

In her Atlanta-based role, Tracy will serve as a consultant and advisor to the Chief Information Officer and the IT leadership team in implementing employee strategies. In addition, she will work closely with all levels of IT management by focusing on performance and talent management, employee engagement and the planning of Brambles Employee Survey follow-up actions. She will also ensure alignment to HR employee relations practices.

In addition to several HR certifications, Tracy holds a Bachelor of Arts, Psychology degree from the University of South Florida, and she is a 2014 candidate for the Master of Science, Human Resources Development degree at Villanova University, USA.

 

Special Edition: Women In Technology

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ABR

This special edition of Atlanta Technology Leaders focuses on The Women In Technology Foundation (WIT) and their upcoming signature event: The 20th Annual  WIT Connect Presented by Dell. Featuring guest interviews with WIT Foundation’s Board President, Denise Reese and WIT Connect Co-Chairs, Jay Ferro and Lisa McVey.

WIT Connect presented by Dell brings together hundreds of Georgia’s leading technology executives and up-and-coming professionals for an entertaining evening of networking and competitive bidding at the Georgia Aquarium. Executives from Aaron’s, Cox Communications, NCR, Novelis, SunTrust, the Weather Company and many more have donated their time to be auctioned off to the highest bidder.

Proceeds from this unique executive auction benefit the WIT Foundation’s free career programs, Girls Get IT and WIT on Campus, aimed at encouraging middle, high school and college aged women to continue pursuing their interests in STEM education and careers. Since 2008, WIT Connect has raised more than $1.5 million to support WIT’s mission to serve as passionate advocates for advancing women in Georgia’s STEM industries.

Thursday, June 12th marks the 20th anniversary of WIT Connect led by Co-Chairs, Lisa McVey and Jay Ferro.

For more information on WIT Connect, visit www.mywit.org.

Denise Reese / WIT Foundation Board President Linkedin  

Denise Reese is Director, Business Development with Endava US LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Endava UK Limited, a leading IT Services and Consulting firm with operations in London, Germany The US and Central Eastern Europe. In her role, Denise leads all Business Development activities for Endava in the Atlanta market.

Denise has spent more than a decade in Sales and Strategic Alliances for several major IT Services and Software organizations and has held positions both in The United States and Europe. Her experience spans multiple disciplines including Identity and Access Management, IT Security and Regulatory Compliance Management.

Denise has built a brand rooted in developing trusted advisor relationships with her clients. This, coupled with a keen ability to build repeatable and sustainable revenue generating opportunities, has afforded Denise with the opportunity to achieve significant milestones for the firms she’s worked with. During her tenure with Wipro Technologies, a leading IT Services, Consulting and Business Process Outsourcing Organization headquartered in Bangalore, India, she secured Wipro’s 1st and largest Hospitality Client in the US and was a multi -million dollar contributor to the RCTG (Retail, CPG, Transportation and Government) Business Unit.

Denise holds an MBA in Strategic Management from The Henley Business School in The United Kingdom. Her dissertation research focused on the importance of businesses adapting a sound IT Security and Risk policy. During her MBA Program, she completed her International Business Experience in Hong Kong. This allowed her the opportunity to analyze and provide strategic direction to Asia-Pacific companies in multiple industries including Manufacturing, Retail, and Public Sector.

Denise is passionate about serving in the community and embodies the qualities of a true Servant Leader. She served as Board Chair of the University Community Academy Board of Directors from 2009-2012. She is currently President of The Women in Technology (WIT) Foundation Board, the philanthropic arm of Women In Technology, Inc. Additionally, she serves as Executive Advisor to WIT’s “WIT on Campus “ Program and is also responsible for developing Strategic Relationships for The WIT Foundation. Denise also had the honor of being a contributing author to WIT’s leadership book CLIMB: Leading Women in Technology Share Their Journey’s to Success. Denise also serves on the Board of Directors for Cool Girls, Inc. where she has held positions as both Board Development and Resource Development Chair. She was also Event Chair for Cool Girls’ signature fundraiser, Hot Pink Party 2013. She had the privilege of being a 2012 Girls, Inc. “Strong Smart and Bold” Award Nominee and was recently bestowed the honor of serving on the Judges Panel for Distinguished Young Women’s (formerly Junior Miss) 2013 National Finals. Denise was a Founding Board Member and Director of Development for the Greater Atlanta Professional Chapter of Women MBA’s International, formerly known as NAWMBA – National Association of Women MBA’s. Recently, Denise was inducted into the Financial Times/European Business School’s Women on Board Initiative, “Global Board Ready Women.” This groundbreaking program is a global database of 8000 high achieving women in business and supports greater gender diversity on publicly quoted company boards in Europe. Denise is also a member of the National MS Society of Georgia’s MS Leadership 2014 Class.

Jay Ferro / WIT Connect Co-Chair Linkedin

Jay Ferro, CIO for the American Cancer Society, is responsible for the people, strategy and operations of the global information technology of the organization. Ferro joined the Society’s executive staff in 2012, bringing a deep personal connection to the fight against cancer. In 2007, he founded the nonprofit group Priscilla’s Promise, in honor of his late wife, who died from cancer. Priscilla’s Promise raises funds for cervical cancer education and research; Ferro currently serves as the group’s executive director. Ferro was selected as Georgia CIO of the Year in 2011, and is currently serving as chair for the Georgia CIO Leadership Association. His commitment and dedication to community involvement is evidenced by the time and energy he contributes. In addition to his work with Priscilla’s Promise, in 2011, he was elected to the board of directors for TechBridge, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization that helps other nonprofits use technology to improve their capability to serve the community.