Cocktail Reception

Marc Mackey is an accomplished technology executive and transformation leader with over 20 years of experience driving large-scale digital, AI, and operational initiatives across global enterprises. Currently at Nike, he specializes in aligning strategy, technology, and execution to deliver measurable business value. Marc is known for building high-performing PMOs and leading cross-functional teams to modernize platforms, scale AI/ML adoption, and improve operational efficiency. His framework-driven approach integrates leadership alignment, governance, and financial discipline to turn complex initiatives into outcome-focused programs. He has led enterprise transformations for organizations including Walmart Labs and Gap Inc., delivering significant revenue growth, cost optimization, and productivity gains. A seasoned speaker and advisor, Marc brings deep expertise in digital strategy, data, and intelligent automation.

Leon Bian is a product and technology leader focused on building and scaling enterprise security platforms in highly regulated environments. As VP and Head of Product for AI & Data Security at Capital One, he leads the strategy and commercialization of Databolt, an enterprise data security platform designed to help organizations protect and govern sensitive data at scale. Previously at Intuit, Leon drove AI-powered data protection and identity initiatives supporting more than 100 million users. He specializes in launching and scaling 0→1 products at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, and enterprise platform strategy.

Aaron Gette is an innovative thought leader and influential IT executive with over 20 years of experience across the SMB, midsize, and enterprise markets. He is an extremely effective communicator, delivering CIO/CTO-level leadership with the ability to build and manage high-performing teams. An excellent relationship manager, he has a strong instinct for leveraging technology to generate revenue and create new lines of business. Aaron is also an experienced product and project manager with an impeccable track record of successful deployments across multiple industries. He brings a broad range of expertise in software and hardware solutions and consistently delivers technology strategies that support both current needs and future growth. A strategic planner, he has deep experience in cloud technologies and leading digital transformation initiatives, including transitions of traditional infrastructure to IaaS, SaaS, and PaaS solutions.

Dennis Barnes, is a highly accomplished Information Security Officer with over 20 years of experience in IT leadership. Known for his expertise in driving enterprise IT security protection, Dennis has a proven track record of steering enterprise-wide security strategies and programs to enhance organizational security posture. He excels in translating complex technical terms into easily understandable language and is a strategic advisor to business leaders. Dennis has a history of influencing leadership buy-in on cutting-edge strategies and initiatives, and he is seasoned in solving technical security challenges, including mitigating cyber attacks. Throughout his career, Dennis has managed teams of up to 200 people and budgets of up to $75M. Holding certifications including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Project Management Professional (PMP), and ITIL, Dennis has a wide range of expertise in compliance frameworks such as ISO 27001, NERC CIP, NIST, PCI, HIPAA, and FIPs 140-2. In his most recent role as VP of Infrastructure and Security at San Francisco Fire Credit Union, Dennis oversees the management of IT infrastructure and security for the credit union, ensuring robust protection. Prior to this, as the Chief Information Security Officer at Cooper Compliance, Dennis deployed advanced security technologies and conducted security assessments to enhance customer environments and ensure compliance with NERC CIP regulations. He led the development of security policies and procedures, implemented user awareness training programs, and established key vendor relationships to drive security investments efficiently. With a strong commitment to excellence and a wealth of experience in information security leadership, Dennis continues to drive innovation and advance cybersecurity practices in the industry.

Gopal Bhat is an award-winning technology leader with experience in leading four startups through product and technology build, with successful exits through IPO and unicorn acquisition exits. Gopal’s recent success was building a Marketplace for Sports Card collectibles and leading it through successful acquisition by Fanatics. Gopal’s prior success involves starting a Gartner recognized technology transformation methodology and selling that to IBM, CTO at startups, and CIO at Rakuten. Prior to Rakuten, Gopal held similar leadership roles at Ebates (acquired by Rakuten) and AVG (IPO exit) – an antivirus company where he helped start-up level companies grow their technology teams and evolve application platforms to scale for hundreds of millions of customers. He held senior technology architecture leadership roles at Electronic Arts and Ebay in the past and holds MBA from San Jose State University.

Stephen Chen is an entrepreneurial technologist with a demonstrated track record of developing innovative solutions that strategically align business objectives with cutting-edge technology. His expertise spans a range of domains, including data science, software engineering, cybersecurity, and digital marketing. With a rich background encompassing defense, commercial, and nonprofit sectors, Stephen brings a diverse skill set and operational excellence to the table. His unique blend of experience instills the discipline of large organizations into startups while reintroducing the agility of startups to larger enterprises. In addition to his corporate endeavors, Stephen has garnered significant exposure in board and advisory roles, particularly in the nonprofit and educational sectors. He has served as a board member and currently holds an advisory position for Here To Serve, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families facing childhood cancer. Stephen maintains an active involvement in local schools, exemplified by his advisory council for the cyber security program at California State University, Chico.