SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES

Tom Drez, Former CIO, Christian Brothers Services

Tom Drez retired from Christian Brothers Services (CBS) in February 2024 after almost 37 years as Chief Information Officer, Chief Security Officer, Chief Privacy Officer, and Managing Director of the Information & Technology Services (ITS) division. CBS is a Lasallian enterprise which serves Catholic institutions and organizations by administering and managing employee health benefit and retirement plans, religious health trusts and institutional risk management services. Tom joined CBS in 1987 to lead the ITS division, which included all business and technology operations, software design and development, and education and proficiency.

Post retirement, Tom volunteers his time as a business and technology advisor, member, and ambassador for various groups, organizations and individuals. He is also a member of the Lemont Lions Club, part of Lions International – the largest volunteer world-wide provider of community and humanitarian services to those in need. Tom has held various roles at the club, district and state levels and is currently serving as First Vice District Governor of District 1-BK Lions in Illinois. The Lions Motto is WE SERVE!

Tom holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in computer science from Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois. He holds the designation of Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP), was Chairman of the Church Benefits Association’s Information Technology Group, and was a member of the Diocesan Information Systems Conference (DISC).

Ben Fuller, Field Technical Director, Nasuni

With dedication to empowering enterprises in adopting, architecting, and seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technologies, I have honed my expertise over two decades in the field. Throughout my career, I have been privileged to collaborate with a diverse array of clients, spanning industries and encompassing a myriad of infrastructure technologies and architectures.

With this extensive experience and an ability to distill complex technology, I take pride in assuming the role of a trusted guide for clients confronted with multifaceted technology and business challenges.

Presently, I am situated in the greater Cleveland, OH area, where I support our Americas Presales Engineering teams, lending my expertise and insights to fortify their endeavors. I strive to offer tailored solutions that resonate with each client’s unique needs and business challenges.

While my professional life is an embodiment of my love of technology, my personal time finds enrichment through spending time with my family. As a devoted parent, I relish the cherished moments spent with my children, witnessing their growth, and guiding them towards their own aspirations. I find fulfillment coaching my kids sports team, engaging in meaningful volunteer work that positively impacts and uplifts the communities we serve.

Luca Graglia, Director of Software and Infrastructure Services, University of Chicago

Luca Graglia is a seasoned technology leader with a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago and Polytechnic University of Turin, Italy. Currently serving as the Director of Software and Infrastructure Services at Data for the Common Good, University of Chicago, Luca leads the expansion of infrastructure to host rare diseases data and has developed innovative solutions like GEARBOx, a clinical trial matching tool. His commitment to leveraging technology for social good is reinforced by his dedication to ongoing learning, which complements his experience in startups and highlights a unique combination of entrepreneurial spirit and technical expertise.

Jared Holley, Infrastructure Support Specialist, Ryder

Jared is an Infrastructure Support Specialist for Ryder Systems with more than 15 years of IT experience. Jared has been a contractor for the past 8 years in various industries such as, retail, healthcare, warehousing, education, & manufacturing. In his time in all those industries his driving focus has been to bridge the gap between IT and User. Jared has instructed classes, one-on-ones, made KBAs & and walk-throughs all to help close that gap. Currently Jared is an integral part of a project migrating 12+ warehouses to a new network. At the same time easing the associates’ minds on the process and educating them on the new changes to come. Jared’s favorite users quotes are…

“I wish more IT people could be as help as you are!”

“I wish we had more IT people like you!”

“Can’t you stay longer to help with this Tech stuff!”

Josh Hastings, Infrastructure Services Manager, Rural Mutual

Joshua Hastings is a highly experienced IT and project management executive with over two decades of leadership and infrastructure expertise across various sectors, including insurance, finance, technology, and audit. Recognized for his ability to enhance IT systems efficiency, security, and performance, Joshua has excelled in roles demanding expertise in network administration, project management, process improvements, security, auditing, and infrastructure management. Currently serving as the Infrastructure Services Manager at Rural Mutual Insurance Company, he oversees all aspects of technical infrastructure services and projects. Joshua is praised for his progressive, analytical approach, consistently delivering profitable solutions on time and under budget. His career also includes significant roles at IDEXX Computer Systems and the United States Marine Corps, showcasing a diverse skill set and a commitment to excellence.

Patrick Kinard, Sr. Server Operations Manager, CPS

Patrick Kinard is a Senior Server Enterprise Operations Manager at the Chicago Public Schools. He has more than 30 years of information technology management experience in the private and public sectors. Today, Patrick has a senior role in managing the data service centers for one of the world’s third-largest school districts. He is responsible for all central data center, cloud, and on-premise school-based server operations.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University and has earned multiple information technology management certifications.

Matt Kohn, VP Cloud Operations & DevOps Engineering, Lakeside Software

Matt Kohn is an accomplished cloud automation expert, specializing in delivering IaC and multi-cloud solutions to meet strategic objectives. As Vice President of Cloud and DevOps at Lakeside Software, Matt brings nearly two decades of experience in the B2B space to lead the design, deployment, and migration of large-scale, enterprise cloud-based infrastructures. He also co-hosts The Cloud Pod, a weekly podcast that covers the latest in cloud news, AWS, Azure and Google Cloud. He earned his B.S. in Information Science from Northeastern University and holds several AWS cloud, DevOps, and security certifications.

Marc Kreppel, Account Manager, Ctera

Marc is a creative sales executive with over 20 years of experience helping companies best leverage technology to achieve measurable business outcomes. Since starting a consulting business while in college, Marc developed passion for enabling client success and growth through adoption of technical solutions. He gained manufacturer and integrator solution selling expertise in the New York metro enterprise sales and financial services accounts. Marc’s focus on performance and cost optimization of technical solutions has fostered his success with excellent communication, relationships, and sales execution to support clients’ needs.

Jeff Kreutzer, VP Infrastructure & Operations, Ingersoll Rand

Jeff Kreutzer is a seasoned technology executive with a remarkable career marked by visionary leadership and transformative impact. With a relentless commitment to driving organizational excellence, Jeff has consistently exceeded expectations in shaping IT strategy to propel business growth and operational efficiency.

As the Vice President of Infrastructure & Operations at Ingersoll Rand, Jeff orchestrates global initiatives to revolutionize infrastructure and operations, leveraging best practices and cloud services to unlock innovative capabilities. Under his stewardship, the organization will achieve unprecedented levels of agility, scalability, and employee productivity while effectively mitigating risk across the organizational landscape.

With over a decade of experience in executive roles, Jeff has played pivotal roles in leading mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, seamlessly integrating IT systems, and driving synergy targets to deliver substantial cost savings. His hands-on approach and exceptional team-building skills have fostered a culture of collaboration, learning, and diversity, ensuring the retention of top talent and the cultivation of high-performing teams.

Prior to his role at Ingersoll Rand, Jeff held key positions at Johnson Controls and Generac Power Systems, where he spearheaded strategic initiatives, directed global IT programs, and mentored teams to achieve operational excellence. Jeff’s expertise spans across IT management, project portfolio governance, cybersecurity, and business intelligence, earning him industry recognition as a trusted leader and strategic partner.

Jeff holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Marquette University, complemented by advanced degrees in Project Management and Business Administration. He is a highly regarded adjunct instructor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he imparts his wealth of knowledge in project and portfolio management to the next generation of leaders. 

Jeremy Kubik, Director of Managed IT Security Operations, STI Group LTD.

Jeremy Kubik brings over 30 years of invaluable experience in the IT industry, specializing in network security, cyber security, and IT operations. Known for my collaborative and highly engaging leadership approach, I take pride in mentoring and coaching teams for career advancement, consistently prioritizing the creation of positive workplace cultures. My commitment to addressing customer concerns with well-thought-out and comprehensive solutions has earned appreciation from clients. 

Raymond Parpart, Director Data Center Strategy & Operations, The University of Chicago 

BA technology Leader with over 25 years’ experience with expertise in IT design, implementation, operations, program office, and business development for Global organizations. I understand technology and how it should be applied to solve and meet business requirements. I am credited as a creative, solution provider, with ability to build strong teams resulting in successful, global project development and implementation leveraging executive level and vendor relationships.

Professional accomplishments include:
• Designed, built, manage Data Centers in the US, Canada, and Europe. Most recently completed HIPPA and
FISMA Moderate compliance for two mission critical spaces. Developed “Hot site” and Disaster recovery
facilities as well served as technical consultant to World Wide Facilities development group to prepare and
plan for known and unforeseen IT requirements
• Developed outsource supplier relationships including RFP, bidding, evaluation, final selection, and vendor
management.
• Successfully managed five company, including international, acquisition and divestiture efforts completing
each on time and budget.
• Developed and successfully implemented multiple, global projects providing integration of systems and user access with full disaster recovery.
• Developed and successfully implemented global computing platform standard for desktop computing, back office server environment, application development, and networking environments.
• Developed Program office resulting in a more rapid projected delivery process, increase in business
satisfaction, and projects being delivered within time and budget limits.

Gerry Plaza, VP of Technology Transformation, Netskope

Gerry Plaza is the Field CTO at Netskope’s Chief Strategy Office, specializing in Network and Security Transformation via Secure Access Services Edge (SASE). He champions the adoption of zero-trust frameworks, directly linking cloud computing services to the source of connection, thereby enhancing business flexibility, scalability, and adaptability.

Boasting over 25 years in the IT industry, Gerry has navigated roles across every functional area of Infrastructure and Operations. His broad expertise ranges from Enterprise Architecture to Virtualization, Networking, and Cyber Security, making him a valuable asset in both design and operational environments.

Prior to Netskope, he served as the Director of Systems Engineering at Dell Technologies. Leading a team of elite Data Center and Cloud solution specialists, Gerry and his team helped companies across all industries formulate vision and strategic roadmaps, integrating disruptive technologies such as Modern Data Center architectures, multi-Cloud and as-a-service platforms to achieve their transformation goals.

Annur Sumar, Chief Technology Officer, Cloud Unity

Annur Sumar is a Microsoft Cloud and Datacenter MVP and technology consultant in the areas of Infrastructure Design, Enterprise Content Management, CRM, Microsoft Azure, System Center and Cloud Technologies. Annur is an industry recognized leader and independent speaker around strategic service automation, technology driven process improvements, IT service alignment, engineering best practices and operations management. All of which are targeted in his presentations to helping businesses with complex IT environments lower Total Cost of Ownership and raising Return On Investments.

Prior to joining a Microsoft Partner Consulting firm, Annur served as a Vice President of Technology for Duff & Phelps. One of the world’s leading independent financial advisory firms serving client needs in the areas of valuation, investment banking, transaction advice, and dispute consulting. During his tenure at Duff & Phelps, Annur worked closely with Microsoft product teams and case study managers in providing invaluable feedback around how businesses such as his were able to benefit from cloud technologies that were molded into business solutions. As a Microsoft MVP and industry expert, Annur brings 10 years of experience to work actively with other MVPs and Microsoft Partners to provide industry insight and strategic direction.