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Top-Tech-Awards-2026

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PRESENTED BY

P L AT I N U M S P O N S O R

I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H


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LETTERS FROM OUR SPONSORS

Dear Friends, Thank you for joining us for the 16th Annual Top Tech Awards. It was an incredible evening celebrating the technology leaders, innovators and visionaries who continue to drive progress across Southern Nevada. Together, we recognized individuals whose leadership, creativity and dedication are shaping the future of our businesses, communities and region. Spectrum Business was proud to serve as the Presenting Sponsor and to celebrate the remarkable achievements of this year’s nominees and award recipients. Their accomplishments remind us that innovation is powered not only by technology, but by the people who bring bold ideas to life. We are grateful to our partners at Vegas Inc, our event sponsors and everyone who helped make this year’s event a success. Most importantly, thank you to the technology community for your continued leadership, ingenuity and impact. Congratulations once again to all of our honorees. We were honored to celebrate with you and look forward to the innovations and achievements still to come.

Dear honored guests, nominees, and technology leaders of Southern Nevada, At Verkada, our pride in supporting this year’s Top Tech Awards as a Platinum Sponsor stems not just from our belief in technology, but from our deep appreciation for the people who bring it to life. In my role leading Verkada’s efforts across the Southwest to support our largest public sector organizations, I see firsthand how vital dedicated leadership is to the safety, resilience and connectivity of our communities. The honorees recognized this year are problem-solvers, mentors and builders of the future. They prove daily that true innovation is about more than deploying new tools—it is about the commitment to apply them in ways that strengthen infrastructure, safeguard public resources and improve lives. For 16 years, the Top Tech Awards have highlighted leaders whose work often takes place far from public view but whose influence is unmistakable. Over that time, this program has become a cornerstone for recognizing technology leadership in Southern Nevada, shining a light on contributions that move this region forward. The professionals honored tonight embody the resilience, creativity and foresight required to turn modern challenges into lasting opportunities. Progress in technology is always driven by people. The leaders we celebrate tonight do not just address today’s immediate operational needs; they anticipate what lies ahead, preparing our public and private institutions for the future. In Southern Nevada, our technology community is defined by collaboration and shared purpose. These awards matter because they honor the individuals whose vision strengthens businesses, empowers public services, inspires colleagues and elevates the entire region. On behalf of our entire team at Verkada, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s nominees and award recipients. Your dedication inspires us, your achievements raise the bar for what is possible, and your leadership sets the stage for the next era of innovation. Thank you for allowing us to celebrate alongside you. We look forward to continuing our partnership and building a safer, smarter future together. Sincerely,

Warm regards,

Pat Nevins Enterprise Public Sector – Southwest | Verkada

Steve Westerman Spectrum Business

PRESENTED BY

P L AT I N U M S P O N S O R

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

®

I N PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H

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2 0 2 6 T O P T E C H J U D G E S A N D A D V I S O R Y

C O U N C I L

C H A I R JENNIFER AGUILAR Director of Application Services

J U D G E S

RON ARAYATA Director, Global Cyber Security US SOC Las Vegas Sands Corporation

COLIN LOVELESS

Systems Engineer, IT Operations Foley Entertainment Group

HCA Healthcare

VICTOR BLANCO Chief Technology Officer Light & Wonder

CARAMI OLSEN Founder Pilula

A D V I S O R Y

SNEHAL BHAKTA

Innovation Officer NCWIT Nevada

ANGIE COSCA

Chief Information Officer Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging

JUANNY ROMERO

Owner Mothership Coffee

SHEENA DELEONGUERRERO

Software Engineering Manager Nevada National Security Sites

MARK STUTZMAN

Chief Technology Officer AREA15

JOY HOOVER

Inventor, Founder & CEO Esōes Cosmetics

JESSE TAYLOR

Interim Executive Director of Information Security and Chief Information Security Officer University of Nevada, Las Vegas

JIMMY JACOBSON

KEVIN KEALY

MUNGUNTH VAITHYLINGHAM

BRANDON WARD

GARY SHARP

BOB LEEK

Chief Technology Officer Codingscape

Chief Information Officer Clark County School District

Chief Information Security Officer Light & Wonder

Founder The WE Mentality

C O U N C I L

HARVIN CHAVEZ Manager, Information Technology, Athletics

RACHEL PAPKA

Chief Innovation Officer Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging

JOSHUA BELLENDIR

Founder & Principal Advisor JS Advisory Services

WONDA RINER

Chief Information and Marketing Officer Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV

Director of Operations HCA Healthcare, Far West Division

CIO

Clark County


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Frank Abbott LED Light & Power Jason Agudo Southern Nevada Health District Ethan Aldrich Budget Rent A Car of Las Vegas

Joshua Burns CommonSpirit Health Cameron Call Blue Paladin Luke Campbell Intellatek

Randy Allen Lithion Battery Inc

Jon Castro Diversified Restaurant Group

Sachin Amin Foley Family Wines & Spirits

Ken Catron Sahara Las Vegas

Garrett Andolino BioWound Solutions

Hamza Cengiz Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas

Michael Aquino Acesso Biologics

Jesse Chappell HCA HealthCare

J.P. Ayache Wynn Resorts

Aaron Cheng Cox Business

Stacey Azevedo Nevada National Security Site

Dan Ciccarelli IGT

Cyndi Backstrom UNLV School of Medicine Brenton Baker Crawford Trust Company Matt Bambach CAE Rebecca Barker PK Delp Structural Engineering Don Barnwell University Medical Center of Southern Nevada Alodie Barrone Lotus Living Homes Brent Benedict Archdiocese of Las Vegas Lee Beresford Walker Digital Kelly Bieterman Regus Leo Bletnitsky Healthy Technology Solutions Brandon Braunlich T-Mobile Jeramie Brown Nevada Department of Transportation Luke Buford Vegas Brothers Garage Door Repair LLC

Felisha Collins Designs for Health Richard Cook Stimulus Technologies Brad Cunningham Paysign Jester Dantes OnTechServices LLC Mike Del Prado Executive Option Troy Poff Motional Sorin Dorneanu Freeman Gordy Driver DISCOVERY Children's Museum Bill Driver Boyd Gaming Nicholas Ellis Advanced Management Group Omar Espino Richard Harris Law Firm

T O P

Mari Galloway A & M Strategies Joseph Garay Friendly Ford

Gunnar Kim Las Vegas Clark County Library District

Asal Gibson CyRoot Academy Wesley Gregg Gaudin Technical Institute

Tiffany Litchfield Desert Endocrinology

Joseph Guenot De Castroverde Law Group

Adam Lopez CMIT Solutions Las Vegas

Zachary Gunier St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic School

Richard Martes Planet 13

Tim Gunter Allegiant Airlines Howard Haile Intermountain Healthcare Donald Hampt Flooring Solututions of Nevada Inc. Michael Hanna-Butros Meyering Governor's Technology Office, State of Nevada

Bill McArthur Resorts World Nick McCormick Tesla Curtis McGowan Marnell Companies Christopher Mitchell Airplate LLC Chris Moran Las Vegas Eye Docs John Moss Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Michael Reardon HCA Healthcare Far West Division

Douglas Stowers Green Valley Networks

Scot Reed Guide Technologies

Ann Sum Pervasive Gaming

Rob Reyes Plus Credit Union

Chad Survis Mesquite Entertainment

Vito Rocco UNLV Lawrence Roney Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Eric Russell Bergman Walls & Associates Lorena Salcido Nuvo Health Art Sanoja Reliable Technology Administration Group, Inc. Mynor Santillana Ault Alliance, Inc Michael Scofield Ahern Rentals D Sharma WellnessCoach

Allen Tag HostPepper Monica Taher CleverSlot Rex Thomas Community Ambulance Daniel Torres Elevate Health Technologies Roman Troyano Krome IT David Tyburski Wynn Resorts Gene Vinyard Zarminali Pediatrics Garret Walti Diversified Restaurant Group

Dustin Myhaver Truscaler

Jordon Sheahan Battle Born

Jonathan Washburn Advantage IT Services

Jonathan Nelson J.K. Nelson Law

Kayne Siler Harris Associates

Scott Wessel Las Vegas Aviators

Jasmine Hicks Light & Wonder

Tiffany Nguyen Dirt Dog

Carissa Simao Storyville RD

Oumar Willane CineMetrics, LLC

David Hines Cleveland Clinic

Timothy O’Connor Athena Cosmetics

Evgeny Siskov Sales Bott LLC

Rahim Hirji USA 11 Automotive Inc

Bryan O'Reilly Evenplay

Lamar Smith Beasley Media Group

Heather Williams Las Vegas Rescue Mission

Kimberli Helaire-Smith LiftCore Technologies

Brian Hyde Global Data Systems

Bill Oliver Silverton Casino Lodge

Morris Jackson Valhallan Esports Training

Mike Olsen Clean Nutra

Rohan Jani Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Pete Floyd Marquis Aurbach Amy Fousek Poway Unified School District

Brad Jones Arrow International

Bryan Galdamez Hope Christian Health Center

N O M I N E E S

John Kompare MGM Resorts International

Chase Jensen WBF Management Inc

William Franzi Sustain Vegas

T E C H

Rafael Kartaszynski Diagnomatic Rob Kay Netflix

Jessica Parker CyRoot Academy Dan Parks The Venetian Resort Las Vegas Steven Petty Forman Automotive Andrew Phan Treasure Island Kamal Punjabi E2E Tech Solutions

Chris Smith De Castroverde Law Group

Ryan Wilson Blind Center of Nevada Adam Winer Ovation Co

Michael Solomon OSA International

Timothy Woodward Huddle Gaming

Alan Soto KnowIT Inc.

Alan Woratschek Valley Health System

Robert Speciale Clark County School District

Robin Young Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Josh Staples Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging

Rody Yousif Platinum Management

Jonathan Sterritt Social Alignment

Philippe Ziade Otonomus Hotel

David Stillwell Nevada Heart & Vascular

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E D U C A T I O N

Luke Campbell Chief Technology Officer Intellatek Technology plays an essential role in today’s classrooms, but Luke Campbell’s work is most successful when educators can focus on teaching and not the technology itself. As chief technology officer of Intellatek, he leads technology strategy and execution across dozens of schools in Southern Nevada. Campbell oversees projects from initial planning through deployment and long-term support, including network upgrades, device rollouts and infrastructure improvements. His hands-on approach and attention to detail help ensure systems are implemented properly and that projects are completed without disruption to school operations. Reliability extends beyond individual projects. Through proactive maintenance and lifecycle management, Campbell helps schools reduce downtime, improve performance and make better use of their technology investments. He also leads a responsive support team that provides onsite and remote assistance, helping resolve technical issues quickly when they arise. Through his work, students and educators across Southern Nevada gain access to the infrastructure and technical support that are necessary for classroom instruction and school operations. Through ongoing partnerships with administrators, faculty and staff, Campbell also contributes to knowledge-sharing and technology best practices across the schools Intellatek supports.

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PHOTOGRAPHS

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CHRISTOPHER

D E VA R G A S


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N O N P R O F I T B U S I N E S S

Ryan Wilson Director of Operations Blind Center of Nevada Ryan Wilson has turned discarded technology into a source of employment, training and revenue for the Blind Center of Nevada. He leads an electronics recycling and refurbishing operation that processes approximately 4 million pounds of e-waste annually while creating technical jobs for Blind Center members. Under Wilson’s leadership, the operation earned R2 (Responsible Recycling) certification, a globally recognized standard for responsible electronics recycling. The certification allows the Blind Center to process electronics and sensitive data from corporate and government partners. Blind staff members test, repair and list refurbished hardware for sale through the organization’s eBay for Charity store, helping generate approximately 80% of the revenue reinvested into Blind Center programs. Wilson adapts the operation to employees’ individual needs, creating opportunities to build technical skills and transition into the broader workforce. Wilson also serves as a leader in eBay’s Small Business Ambassador Network, a select group of sellers who lead advocacy efforts on issues affecting online commerce. His work has taken him to Washington, D.C., to meet with policymakers on cross-border trade, tax reporting and postal policies, bringing the perspective of organizations that use online marketplaces to support social missions.

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G O V E R N M E N T

Jeramie Brown Chief Information Officer

Nevada Department of Transportation Whether leading technology for a major state agency or rebuilding a dormant professional organization, Jeramie Brown has shown a willingness to take on complicated work. Brown has spent the last decade with the Nevada Department of Transportation, where he now serves as chief information officer. In that role, he drives technology strategy for one of Nevada’s largest state agencies, overseeing infrastructure, cybersecurity and digital transformation while managing staff and stakeholder relationships across a complex public-sector environment. One of Brown’s challenges outside of NDOT has been rebuilding the Association of Information Technology Professionals Las Vegas chapter after nearly seven years of inactivity. As president, he has worked through tax delinquencies, nonprofit compliance issues and administrative backlogs to revive the organization and reconnect technology professionals across the valley. A military veteran, Brown has also focused on creating opportunities for people entering technology careers. At NDOT, he champions the Department of Defense SkillBridge program, which gives transitioning service members hands-on job training during their final months of military service. He also volunteers with Tech Impact, where he mentors a student pursuing a career in technology.


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E N T E R T A I N M E N T

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Dan Ciccarelli Chief Information Officer

IGT

While integrating hundreds of systems across a newly combined global enterprise, Dan Ciccarelli has had to accomplish something equally important: keep the business running without interruption. As chief information officer at IGT, he oversees technology operations across more than 20 countries and leads more than 1,000 technology professionals. Following the merger of IGT and Everi, Ciccarelli has led the integration of hundreds of systems. The work includes Microsoft tenant unification, global network re-IP and identity consolidation affecting more than 10,000 users. His efforts to reduce vendor complexity, simplify infrastructure and redesign operating models have generated tens of millions of dollars in cost savings. Ciccarelli has also helped advance cashless gaming and digital payments across hundreds of casino properties, supporting millions of player transactions annually. Under his leadership, legacy platforms have been modernized to improve scalability and enable real-time payments, AI-driven personalization and deeper player engagement. That ability to operate at scale predates IGT. As CIO of Everi, Ciccarelli led technology for an enterprise serving more than 600 casino clients and processing billions of dollars in transactions annually, implementing cloud-based systems, strengthening real-time fraud detection and helping prepare the organization for its merger with IGT.

C A T E G O R Y

Winner Name Position, Name

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H E A L T H C A R E & B I O T E C H

Rafael Kartaszynski CEO and Owner Diagnomatic LLC Rafael Kartaszynski is using automation to make quality control for diagnostic imaging equipment faster and more efficient. As CEO of Diagnomatic, he leads the development of technology that helps healthcare providers ensure equipment such as CT, MRI, mammography and ultrasound systems are operating accurately and safely. By combining cloud-based software with physical testing tools, Diagnomatic allows healthcare providers to monitor, manage and validate imaging equipment across multiple locations. The platform reduces quality assurance procedures that once required days and specialized teams to less than an hour with a single operator. Kartaszynski has also taken the technology into international markets. Diagnomatic partnered with GE HealthCare on Indonesia’s SIHREN national program, supplying 320 CT phantoms used to test imaging equipment and support the modernization of diagnostic infrastructure across public hospitals. Kartaszynski has also developed partnerships with organizations including Fluke Biomedical and RaySafe, helping position Diagnomatic as a trusted provider in developed and emerging markets. Beyond Diagnomatic, Kartaszynski extends his work through several other ventures. Through TechEdge Dynamics, he helps nontechnical founders build and scale technology-driven companies using AI and digital tools, while VisionariesNV helps international companies enter the U.S. market and connect with networks, partnerships and growth opportunities.


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C Y B E R S E C U R I T Y

Vito Rocco Chief Information Security Officer University of Nevada, Las Vegas Rather than treating cybersecurity as a barrier to new technology, Vito Rocco focuses on creating guardrails that allow an organization to move forward safely. At UNLV, he put that philosophy into practice by establishing clear security processes and shared responsibilities across a complex, decentralized environment. Rocco modernized UNLV’s security operations with AI-driven tools that improve threat detection, triage and response. Combined with more efficient processes, the technology reduced noise, streamlined workflows and allowed his team to spend more time on high-impact threats rather than getting buried in volume. Business continuity has been another priority. Rocco established and expanded UNLV’s business continuity and disaster recovery program, which improved readiness and coordination so the university can continue teaching, researching and serving students during disruptions. He also worked with university leadership to translate complex cybersecurity risks into decisions leaders can act on. Beyond UNLV, Rocco helped secure grant funding for a statewide security operations center effort that uses student talent, strengthening operational coverage while building Nevada’s cybersecurity workforce. The effort creates real-world pathways for emerging cybersecurity professionals while strengthening the state’s broader cyber resilience.

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C O M M U N I T Y E X E M P L A R Y

Mike Del Prado CEO and Owner

Executive Option When organizations face complex technology decisions, Mike Del Prado helps them find a way forward. As CEO and owner of Executive Option, he draws on 28 years of experience to guide public- and private-sector clients through technology transformations and project recovery. Del Prado guides clients through major technology projects, from selecting and purchasing systems to implementation and improvement. His clients have included the Clark County School District, Station Casinos, Sony, Skillz, D.R. Horton and Dole. Across those engagements, he focuses on improving operations, strengthening accountability and reducing risk while helping organizations make technology decisions built for long-term success. That emphasis on guidance also extends to Del Prado’s work with fellow veterans. A military veteran himself, he founded the Charlie-Mike Foundation to help veterans identify their next mission and navigate the transition to civilian careers through mentorship, career guidance, professional connections and entrepreneurship support. Del Prado also serves as board chair of Trails End Warriors, an organization supporting veterans, first responders and their families. His commitment to mentorship has also been recognized with Community Connect’s Community Mentor Award.


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S P E C T R U M I N N O V A T I O N

Oumar Willane Chief Technology Officer

CineMetrics, LLC

For years, reporting and revenue settlement between theaters, distributors and producers relied on emailed spreadsheets, hand-entered attendance reports, PDF invoices and manual royalty calculations. Oumar Willane built a better way. As co-founder and chief technology officer of CineMetrics, he designed a cloud-based platform for the industry’s complex financial processes. Willane built the system to manage attendance, film leases, royalty calculations, invoices and revenue settlements. Calculations that previously required days or weeks of back-andforth can now be reconciled in minutes, with every number traceable to the underlying attendance record, contract term and calculation rule. The platform is used by more than 100 theaters and venues and about a dozen distributor and producer organizations. As CineMetrics has grown, Willane has continued developing technology for the industry and is the inventor or co-inventor of three patent-pending technologies related to revenue settlement, lease calculation and financial reconciliation. Willane also works with the Giant Screen Cinema Association, participating in webinars and technical meetings that support its member organizations. In March, the association named CineMetrics an official partner in an effort to encourage standardized attendance and box-office reporting across the industry.


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S T A R T U P

Bryan O’Reilly CEO and Co-Founder

Evenplay Bryan O’Reilly has a talent for seeing possibilities and turning them into something real. As co-founder of Evenplay, he helped transform an ambitious idea into a patented sports technology platform designed to reshape how players compete. With Evenplay, O’Reilly developed and commercialized a platform that uses AI to analyze player performance and create personalized, skill-based challenges with opportunities to win real money. By tailoring each challenge to a player’s ability, the technology gives beginners and experienced golfers alike a chance to compete and win. O’Reilly has helped guide the platform from concept through commercialization, building partnerships and attracting investment while positioning the technology for applications beyond golf. His collaborative approach brings together technical, operational and business stakeholders to move complex ideas toward practical, market-ready products. His work also extends into education through Evenplay’s partnership with UNLV’s PGA Golf Management program, where the company collaborates on innovative research that explores technology, gamification and behavioral engagement in sports. Beyond Evenplay, O’Reilly is a Leadership Las Vegas graduate and is active with The Just One Project, supporting its efforts to address food insecurity in Southern Nevada.


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P R I V A T E S M A L L - M I D S I Z E D B U S I N E S S

Carissa Simao IT & Project Management Coordinator

Storyville RD When Carissa Simao finds an inefficient process, she looks for a better way. At Storyville RD, she has developed and integrated technology that saves time, reduces costs and gives the creative agency greater visibility across its business Simao independently developed a custom internal application that allows employees to capture contacts, meeting notes and lead information through text, voice recordings and images, then automatically import that information into the company’s CRM. Now used companywide, the application has improved Storyville RD’s ability to capture, organize and act on valuable customer information. She also rebuilt Storyville RD’s Monday.com environment with new workflows, automations and integrations, reducing administrative work by more than 20 hours per week—an estimated $31,000 in annual labor savings. Her work includes a real-time production management platform that tracks employees, projects, clients, crew assignments, tasks and deliverables across the organization. Another major project involved Storyville RD’s Constant Content platform, which Simao built with a third-party developer using AI-assisted development methods. The approach brought the long-awaited project to completion in less than two weeks.

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P R I V A T E L A R G E B U S I N E S S

Joshua Staples Director of Information Technology

Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging For Joshua Staples, better technology should ultimately mean better patient care. As IT director at Steinberg Diagnostic Medical Imaging, he has put that philosophy into practice through tools that improve diagnostic accuracy, streamline physicians’ work and give patients greater access to their health information. Across SDMI, Staples has championed artificial intelligence tools that assist physicians with diagnosis and imaging. iCAD enhances breast cancer detection, while Infervision helps identify lung nodules earlier. He also led the implementation of SwiftMR to improve MRI image quality while reducing scan times and deployed Smart Impression to streamline radiology reporting and reduce the administrative burden on radiologists. His work further extends to patients. Staples implemented the MagView Patients Portal, giving patients real-time access to mammography letters, along with a breast cancer risk assessment tool that helps identify high-risk women and support earlier intervention and more personalized care. Beyond patient care, Staples has helped redefine the role of IT within SDMI. Through Real World Data initiatives, he created opportunities for strategic partnerships, clinical research and AI innovation, helping IT contribute directly to SDMI’s profitability for the first time. As chair of SDMI’s Workflow Task Force, he works across clinical and operational teams to improve productivity, reporting and organizational performance.


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P U B L I C C O M P A N Y

Rob Kay Senior Manager of Enterprise Security Technology

Netflix Rob Kay develops physical security systems at Netflix that integrate artificial intelligence, automation and advanced analytics. His work focuses on protecting the company’s people, facilities and operations while modernizing how physical security functions across the organization. Kay leads security technology for Netflix House Las Vegas, the company’s immersive entertainment destination planned for 2027. Drawing on lessons from the first two Netflix House locations, he is developing a security architecture designed to operate largely in the background, protecting guests without interrupting their experience. The project is part of a portfolio of multimillion-dollar initiatives Kay has spearheaded during his time at Netflix. Across the company, Kay has transformed physical security from a reactive function into a proactive and scalable operation using AI, automation and advanced analytics. He also brings together physical security personnel, IT infrastructure teams and software engineers to ensure complex systems work together rather than in isolation. Kay extends that collaborative approach to the broader security industry through an active leadership role with Security Practitioners Advancing Real Conversations, the Security Industry Association’s technical end-user forum. There, he helps steer the organization while fostering knowledge-sharing, professional development and networking among technical security practitioners.

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T O P

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Morris Jackson CEO and Owner

Valhallan Esports Training When Morris Jackson entered the esports industry, he found an opportunity to make competitive gaming about more than entertainment. At Valhallan Esports Training, he has connected esports with technology education and youth development, then built the infrastructure to bring that model to students across the country. Jackson started as a Valhallan franchise owner before acquiring the brand and relocating its headquarters to Las Vegas. He overhauled its digital infrastructure, standardized technology across more than 50 locations and developed a virtual platform providing access to coaching, curriculum and competition. Late last year, he oversaw the acquisition and merger of XP League, further expanding Valhallan’s youth esports network. That work also connects gaming directly to technology skills. Valhallan’s “Legendary Path” curriculum connects games such as Minecraft and Rainbow Six Siege with STEM concepts ranging from engineering and systems thinking to cybersecurity. He has worked with UNLV and the Clark County School District on esports competitions. By waiving league entry fees for organizations including CCSD, Nevada Partners and United Way, Jackson helps ensure that a student’s ability to compete, learn and grow is determined by their passion, not their ZIP code or financial background.


CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2026 TOP TECH AWARDS NOMINEES AND HONOREES! Your innovation, leadership and impact are helping shape the future of technology in Southern Nevada. Vegas Inc is proud to help recognize this year’s outstanding technology leaders.


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