The Greater Nashville Technology Council (GNTC) kicked off the holiday season with a bang, announcing the finalists for the 2026 GNTC Awards at its annual Holiday Party. After more than 200 public nominations across 15 categories, a panel of tech leaders and industry peers selected the top three finalists in each category. Hats off to these innovators, builders, and tech trailblazers driving Middle Tennessee’s thriving technology community!
The winners will be revealed at the 17th annual GNTC Awards, proudly presented by Comcast, on February 19, 2026, at the Country Music Hall of Fame — an event you won’t want to miss.
The finalists organized by award include:
CDO of the Year
1. J.R. Allen – HCA Healthcare
2. Andrew Mitchell – The MLC
3. Olivia Kew-Fickus – Vanderbilt University
CIO of the Year
1. Chad Wasserman – HCA Healthcare
2. Dena Campbell – Highspring
3. Laura Groschen – Acadia
CTO of the Year
1. Michael Wilbur – Mobius AI
2. Zach Evans – Xsolis
3. Carmen Lux – Deacon Health
Community Leader of the Year
1. Joanne Eckton – Qualifacts
2. Marilou Pampo – RDR Wellness, Inc.
3. Preston Robbins – Code Campfire
InfoSec Professional of the Year
1. Mike Kinkade – Corecivic
2. Chris Hutto – Asurion
3. Matthew Webb – HCA Healthcare
Innovation Initiative of the Year
1. Adroit Start
2. Vanderbilt University
3. Tractor Supply Company
Tech for Good Award of the Year
1. Persevere
2. Adroit Start
3. Mobius AI
Tech Educator of the Year
1. Charreau Bell – Vanderbilt University
2. Pavel Bukengolts – Nossi College of Art
3. Joshua Phillips – MTSU
Team Catalyst of the Year
1. Duane Watson – Vanderbilt University
2. April Romero – State of Tennessee
3. Mayur Mehta – Gainwell
Senior Tech Sales Executive of the Year
1. Travis Jarrett – Metropolis Technologies
2. Lindsey Rardin – Vaco by Highspring
3. Mark Burnette – LBMC
Emerging Leader of the Year
1. Robert Jackson – CGI
2. Jessica Edwards – Ankura
3. Chad Taylor – Bridgestone Americas
Data Professional of the Year
1. Lorelei Bergin – NielsenIQ
2. Ethan Jones – FortyAU
3. Kurtis Pritchard – HCA Healthcare
CISO of the Year
1. Roger Brotz – Acadia Healthcare
2. Stacy Mill – Pomeroy
3. Nagi Kudithini – Nissan
Software Engineer of the Year
1. Tatiana Johnson – Groups360
2. David Rogers – Mobius AI
3. Brian Weiss – Ronin Consulting
Tech Company of the Year
1. HealthStream
2. Tractor Supply Company
3. Metropolis Technologies
More details about each award, its sponsor, and finalists can be found here. Tickets and tables for the February 19, 2025 event are on sale now, and sponsorships are available.