Did you ever wish you had a group of expert peers that you could tap into for their thoughts, ideas and guidance while you were defining the why & how of a big Cloud, AI, Hyperautomation, Data or Cybersecurity project? We did too, that is why we created the Acceleration Economy Practitioner Analyst Network, a group of real-world executives that have transformed and modernized mid-market and enterprise companies as CEOs, CIOs, CTOs, CMOs, CFOs, CDOs, CISOs, Automation Architects, Data Scientists and more.
Meet Our Acceleration Economy Tech Analysts
Co-Founder
Bob Evans
Founder, Cloud Wars
Co-Founder, Acceleration Economy
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Founder of Cloud Wars and Co-Founder of the Acceleration Economy, Bob leads the strategic direction of the global analyst network and actively covers the Cloud and Digital Business categories. Creator of Cloud Wars Top 10, a ranking and ongoing analysis world's most influential tech companies driving digital business and the digital economy. World-class strategic communicator focused on emerging business strategy, disruptive innovation, and forward-looking leadership.
Co-Founder
John Siefert
Co-Founder
Acceleration Economy
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John Siefert is the CEO of Dynamic Communities and Co-Founder of the Acceleration Economy Network, where he leads the strategic direction, business, and community-based focus of the organization by collaborating with colleagues, customers, partners, and friends. Prior to DCI, Siefert has worked in multiple leadership positions, including President roles at Questex and Informa, SVP at UBM, CMO at STYR Labs, and CEO at Virgo, LLC. Siefert’s passion for creating unique content, community, and event-based programming has helped to build some of the largest media brands in the B2B space serving the business technology and health/nutrition categories. In his personal life, Siefert is a father of two, married to the love of his life, and digs beaches, barbecues, boats, astrophysics, and road-tripping.
Analyst
Crystal Ahrens
Director, Systems Architecture
Heico Companies
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Crystal Ahrens is a seasoned force to be reckoned with in the realm of technology solutions. With a remarkable 18-year track record as a Solution Architect, Delivery Program Director, and Technical Project Manager, she consistently delivers exceptional results in every role she undertakes. Her accomplishments speak volumes, showcasing her expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence. With unrivaled expertise in ERP, CRM, AI, and Business Application Solutions, Crystal has revolutionized industries including manufacturing, retail pharmacy, oil & gas, banking, and construction. She excels at building strong relationships with users and partners from diverse backgrounds, fostering trust and collaboration. Driven by an unwavering commitment to progress and perfection, Crystal passionately optimizes businesses and revitalizes applications. Her relentless pursuit of excellence leaves a lasting impact on the industry. Crystal Ahrens is synonymous with innovation and triumph in the ever-evolving technology landscape.
Co-Founder
Aaron Back
Analyst-at-Large, Generative AI
Acceleration Economy
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Aaron Back (Bearded Analyst), Chief Content Officer for Acceleration Economy, focuses on empowering individuals and organizations with the information they need to make crucial decisions. He surfaces practical insights through podcasts, news desk interviews, analysis reports, and more to equip you with what you need to #competefast in the acceleration economy. | 🎧 Love listening to podcasts wherever you go? Then check out my "Back @ IT" podcast and listen wherever you get your podcasts delivered: https://back-at-it.simplecast.com #wdfa
Analyst
Kieron Allen
Cloud Apps and Innovation
Acceleration Economy Analyst
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Kieron Allen is an Acceleration Economy Analyst examining innovations in, and the future impact of, the latest AI/hyperautomation, cloud, cybersecurity, and data modernization technology developments. In his ongoing analyses and video reports, Allen focuses on the platforms, applications, people and ideas that will mold our digital future. After serving as the Online Editor for BBC Sky at Night Magazine and as the Editorial Assistant for BBC Focus Magazine, Kieron became a freelance journalist in 2015 where his focus on the business technology market became a key passion. Kieron partners with technology start-ups and organizations that share his interests in science, social affairs, non-profit work, fashion and the arts.
Analyst
Bill Doerrfeld
Tech Journalist
Editor-in-Chief
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Bill Doerrfeld, an Acceleration Economy Analyst focused on Low Code/No Code & Cybersecurity, is a tech journalist and API thought leader. Bill has been researching and covering SaaS and cloud IT trends since 2013, sharing insights through high-impact articles, interviews, and reports. Bill is the Editor in Chief for Nordic APIs, one the most well-known API blogs in the world. He is also a contributor to DevOps.com, Container Journal, Tech Beacon, ProgrammableWeb, and other presences. He's originally from Seattle, where he attended the University of Washington. He now lives and works in Portland, Maine. Bill loves connecting with new folks and forecasting the future of our digital world. If you have a PR, or would like to discuss how to work together, feel free to reach out at his personal website: www.doerrfeld.io.
Analyst
Frank Domizio
VP, CISO
momsmeals.com
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Frank Domizio is an Acceleration Economy Analyst focusing on Cybersecurity. As a retired Philadelphia Police Officer, Frank got his start in cybersecurity while he was detailed to the FBI as a digital forensic examiner. Since then, Frank has held many positions in and around the federal government specializing in Cyber Threat Intelligence and Incident Response. Now, as a Federal Civilian for an Executive Branch Agency, Frank is a student of the strategy and leadership that goes into making a successful cybersecurity program. He is also an adjunct professor of cybersecurity at the University of Maryland Global Campus. Frank holds a Bachelor of Science in Computing Security Technology from Drexel University and a Master of Science in Cyber and Information Security from Capitol College as well as many industry certifications. As a Federal Government Employee Frank’s views are his own, not representing that of the U.S. Government or any agency.
Analyst
Manny Korakis
CFO
Professional Services Industry
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Senior financial executive with broad global experience in finance, accounting, treasury, M&A, business partnering, tax, audit and operations. Direct experience with IT services, life sciences, travel, financial services, information providers, technology, publishing and healthcare. Specialties: Finance Function Optimization/Transformation, Spin-off Transaction, Mergers and Acquisitions, Financial Due Diligence, Acquisition Integration, Enterprise Risk Management, ERP and System Implementation, Accounting Policy, Budgeting and Forecasting, Accounting Operations, Control, Financial Reporting (internal and external), Global Business Services and Internal Control Environment.
Analyst
Chris Hughes
CISO & Co-Founder
Aquia
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Chris Hughes is an Acceleration Economy Analyst focusing on Cybersecurity. Chris currently serves as the Co-Founder and CISO of Aquia. Chris has nearly 20 years of IT/Cybersecurity experience. This ranges from active duty time with the U.S. Air Force, a Civil Servant with the U.S. Navy and General Services Administration (GSA)/FedRAMP as well as time as a consultant in the private sector. In addition, he also is an Adjunct Professor for M.S. Cybersecurity programs at Capitol Technology University and University of Maryland Global Campus. Chris also participates in industry Working Groups such as the Cloud Security Alliances Incident Response Working Group and serves as the Membership Chair for Cloud Security Alliance D.C. Chris also co-hosts the Resilient Cyber Podcast. Chris holds various industry certifications such as the CISSP/CCSP from ISC2 as holding both the AWS and Azure security certifications. He regularly consults with IT and Cybersecurity leaders from various industries to assist their organizations with their Cloud migration journeys while keeping Security a core component of that transformation.
Analyst
Leonard Lee
Managing Director & Founder
neXt Curve
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Leonard Lee is an Acceleration Economy Analyst focusing on Edge Computing for the enterprise market and founder/managing director of neXt Curve, a research advisory firm focused on cross-domain ICT technology and industry research. neXt Curve advises some of the leading technology companies, regulators and enterprises. Leonard has 30 years of experience as a management consultant and industry analyst, Mr. Lee is a former managing partner with Gartner Inc. and partner/principal with IBM and PwC who has advised and delivered emerging technology and digital business solutions to leading enterprises across a broad range of industries and has worked closely with numerous Global 500 companies in driving business innovation and value through digital technologies and reinvention.
Analyst
Joanna Martinez
Founder
Supply Chain Advisors
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Joanna Martinez is an Acceleration Economy Analyst focusing on Procurement and Supply Chain. As the founder of Supply Chain Advisors, LLC, she helps individuals and businesses achieve their transformational goals by better leveraging technology, engaging stakeholders, and improving processes. Joanna has led transformation initiatives for firms in different sectors, from consumer products and pharma to financial and professional services. She is an advisor for two technology startups, a professional services firm, and the School of Engineering at Rutgers University. For the last four years, she has been designated a Top Global Influencer and Thought Leader in multiple categories by Thinkers360 Her book, A Guide to Positive Disruption, draws on her experiences making positive changes at the organizations for which she has worked and provides a framework to follow for those who want to be successful in a business undergoing disruption.
Analyst
Ronak Mathur
Automation Architect, Mater Hospital
COO, QLD AI Labs
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Ronak Mathur is an Automation Architect, Microsoft MVP and Acceleration Economy Analyst who specializes in Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Automation. He focuses on empowering individuals and organizations in their journey of digital transformation through AI/ML and Automation. He believes that AI and automation can open new doors of opportunities for businesses, enabling them to innovate, automate, and scale with the appropriate application of AI tools.
Analyst
Pablo Moreno
Acceleration Economy en Espanol Host
Acceleration Economy
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Business Data Scientist and Project Manager (Waterfall & Agile) with experience in Business Intelligence, Robotics Process Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Analytics and Machine Learning in multiple business fields, gained within global business environment over the last 20 years. University Professor of ML and AI, International speaker and Author. Active supporter of Open-Source software development. Looking to grow with the next challenge.
Analyst
Kenny Mullican
CIO
Paragon Films
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Acceleration Economy Practitioner Analyst focused on cloud and hyperautomation strategy and the current CIO of Paragon Films, Kenny analyzes the impact of technology to drive business, process, and customer value for mid-market companies. His expertise in automation, enterprise information architecture, security, and more are covered through his contributions.
Analyst
Wayne Sadin
CIO PriceSmart
Acceleration Economy Advisory Board Member
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Wayne Sadin, an Acceleration Economy Analyst focused on Board Strategy, has had a 30-year IT career spanning Logistics, Financial Services, Energy, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Direct-Response Marketing, Construction, Consulting, and Technology. He’s been CIO, CTO, CDO, advisor to CEOs/Boards, Angel Investor, and Independent Director at firms ranging from start-ups to multinationals.
Analyst
Janet Schijns
CEO
JS Group
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Janet Schijns is an Acceleration Economy Analyst focusing on Partners Ecosystem and Women in Technology. She is the CEO and Co-Founder of JS Group, a go to market consultancy dedicated to achieving results. She was named Channel Influencer of the year in March 2019 beating out a slate of nominees from the top tech firms in the world, and she has been in the top 5 influencers every year for the past decade. She was formerly EVP and CMSO at Office Depot, where she led a major transformation to drive traction in IT services, generating recurring revenue from higher margin solutions.
Analyst
Tom Smith
Editor-in-Chief, Acceleration Economy
Cloud Wars Horizon Host
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Tom Smith analyzes cloud companies, cloud technology, and cloud customer strategies for Acceleration Economy. He has analyzed and worked in the tech industry for more than 20 years.
Analyst
Paul Swider
Chief Technology & AI Officer
RealActivity
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Paul Swider is an Acceleration Economy Analyst focused on healthcare technology and the Chief Technology & AI Officer for RealActivity, a Boston-based SaaS startup, focused on streamlining healthcare operations and improving the patient-provider experience. Paul is also the Founder and community engagement lead for the Boston Healthcare Technology User Group. Paul is passionate about speaking at international conferences in his spare time, and he occasionally gets to chase the tides and winds as an avid sailor with his family and friends in Puerto Rico. -`ღ´-
Analyst
Tony Uphoff
President, Pipeline360
Acceleration Economy Analyst
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Bringing his experiences a 4x CEO, Tony is the host of Acceleration Economy's Leadership Channel, and a Senior Advisor to the CEO and executive team at Xometry, a publicly traded, on-demand manufacturing marketplace. He most recently led the turnaround, growth, and successful sale of Thomasnet.com to Xometry in December of 2021 for $300m. Tony Uphoff is an award-winning technology, data, digital media and marketing services executive specializing in transformative leadership of companies, cultures, people and organizational performance. As an industry thought leader Tony is regularly quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Business Insider, and other top media brands, as an expert on the digital industrial economy. Tony also advises senior management and boards of media, marketing, and technology companies as the CEO & Founder of Uphoff Management Advisory, LLC. He also serves as a Trustee of Linfield University and a Mentor at MuckerLabs accelerator.
Analyst
Scott Vaughan
CMO/SaaS Executive
Growth Accelerator
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Scott Vaughan is an Acceleration Economy Analyst focusing on the Chief Marketing Officer and marketing's role and contribution to this massive business movement. Scott will be writing and sharing perspective, ideas and examples of what Marketing is and can do to drive the change and impact at a time when the pace of change is rampant and the stakes are so high for companies and employees, alike. Scott is a B2B CMO and go-to-market leader with a belief in collaboratively building businesses, expanding markets, accelerating growth, and developing impactful teams that create value. He continuously evolves his GTM playbook as the B2B buying-selling process is rapidly changing. Marketing (and all) must change with it. As a B2B CMO, Scott has learned creating scalable companies and revenue starts with impactful go-to-market strategies that exploit BIG market shifts like the Acceleration Economy movement, bullseye customer pains (realized or not), crafting and delivering high-impact programs, and being accountable to measurable goals and metrics. Drop him a note if you have ideas, a perspective to share or just want to share and compare notes!
Analyst
Toni Witt
Co-Founder, Sweet
AI Ecosystem Analyst
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Besides keeping up with the latest in AI and corporate innovation, Toni Witt co-founded Sweet, a startup redefining hospitality through zero-fee payments infrastructure. He also runs a nonprofit community of young entrepreneurs, influencers, and change-makers called GENESIS.
Guest Analyst
Robert Wood
CISO
Executive Branch Agency
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Robert Wood is an Acceleration Economy Analyst focusing on Cybersecurity. He has led the development of multiple cybersecurity programs from the ground up at startups across the healthcare, cyber security, and digital marketing industries. Between experience with startups and application security consulting he has both leadership and hands on experience across technical domains such as the cloud, containers, DevSecOps, quantitative risk assessments, and more. Robert has a deep interest in the soft skills side of cybersecurity leadership, workforce development, communication and budget and strategy alignment. He is currently a Federal Civilian for an Executive Branch Agency and his views are his own, not representing that of the U.S. Government or any agency.