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The 12th Annual Leadership Awards is January 14, 2026.

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 12th 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.

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

2025: 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: 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: 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: 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

IT Project of the Year

2025: The McCracken Group, TMG

2023: MinedXai

2022: CareSource

2021: Kettering Health

2020: Hobart Service

Most Promising Startup

2025: AXE.AI, Brett Ewing

2022: MinedXai

2021: Mile Two

2020: Recless Tech

2019: Ascend Innovations

2018: Global Flyte, LLC

Unsung Hero

2025: Vanessa Moon, City of Dayton

Technology Educator of the Year

2025: Professor Amir Zadeh, Wright State University

Volunteer of the Year

2024: Bill Magnuson

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: College Student Project

2025: 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: 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

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