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The Leadership Awards recognize individuals and teams who exemplify the values of Technology First:
Creating a Community to Share Knowledge, Grow Business, and Build for the Future.

Shining a spotlight on the contributions of information technology students and professionals, the Leadership Awards honors individuals and teams who connect, strengthen, and champion the best-connected network in the Dayton region. The Technology First Leadership Awards promote a vibrant Southwest Ohio technology community. The annual event is sponsored by many local organizations, including SOCHE, Dayton Development Coalition, Montgomery County Business Solution Center, and Project Management Institute – Dayton/Miami Valley Ohio.



The 11th Annual Leadership Awards is April 3rd, 2025 at The Engineers Club from 4-6pm.

Register today

We Are Accepting Nominations!

The nomination portal closes on February 7th. Click here to submit a nomination.

NEW Categories Available This Year

For the full list of categories available for nominations, click here.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

Sponsorship opportunities are available, click here for options. Contact sponsorships@technologyfirst.org if you have questions.

Technology First is Proud to Recognize Our Legacy of Leaders!

Outstanding / Innovative Technology Team

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 IT Services Company

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

IT Executive of the Year

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

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

IT Project of the Year

2023: MinedXai

2022: CareSource

2021: Kettering Health

2020: Hobart Service

Most Promising Startup

2022: MinedXai

2021: Mile Two

2020: Recless Tech

2019: Ascend Innovations

2018: Global Flyte, LLC

Volunteer of the Year

2023: Britlynn Reiter

2022: Lisa Heckler

2021: Paul Moorman

Career Champion

2023: Dayton Children's Hospital

2022: CareSource

2021: Expedient Technology Solutions

Award of Excellence: Student Project

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

2023: Kayla Payne, Bellbrook High School

2022: Sha'Maria Barton, Miami Valley CTC (Northmont H.S.)

2021: Qiancong Li (John), Miami Valley CTC


Meet Our Partners

Our Cornerstone 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. 

Become A Partner

Cornerstone Partners



1435 Cincinnati St, Ste 300, Dayton Ohio 45417

Info@TechnologyFirst.org
937-229-0054

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