Large Enterprise Finalists

Maryann Byrdak is Chief Information Officer at Leslie’s, where she leads enterprise technology, cybersecurity, infrastructure, data, and AI. With more than 30 years of leadership experience, she has driven large-scale business transformation across retail and nonprofit organizations. Maryann is a two-time CIO 100 Award recipient and a University of Chicago Booth Chief AI Officer (CAIO) Executive Education graduate. She is passionate about building high-performing teams and leading with heart.

Under my leadership, our technology organization modernized critical platforms, strengthened operational resilience, and built a high-performing team committed to accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Together, we established a secure, scalable technology foundation that enables business growth, delivers operational excellence, and positions the organization for long-term success.

Gabe Gabaldon is the Chief Information Officer for Gore Medical, leading a global Digital & IT organization focused on accelerating innovation, operational excellence, and business growth. With nearly 30 years of experience across healthcare, life sciences, financial services, transportation, and software, he has held CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership roles. Gabe serves on multiple industry advisory boards and as a curriculum advisor to Arizona State University, helping shape the next generation of technology leaders.

As the CIO of Gore Medical, I lead a global Digital & IT transformation that is reframing technology to be a strategic business enabler. Working closely with business leaders and a world-class team, we’re advancing a multi-year SAP and Salesforce transformation, expanding global operations, accelerating AI innovation, strengthening M&A capabilities, and launching a renewed internship program focused on developing future talent. Together, we’re building scalable digital capabilities that improve end-to-end efficiency, real-time decision-making, and position Gore Medical for enhanced growth while supporting our mission of improving patient outcomes around the world.

Dan Howard is Vice President of Information Technology at Sundt Construction, an employee-owned general contractor based in Tempe, Arizona. He’s spent 35 years in IT across finance, e-commerce, travel, and consulting, and has led Sundt’s IT organization for the past four years. Dan finds construction the most rewarding industry he’s worked in yet. He’s been married for 25 years, has two adult children, and loves to travel.

Under my leadership, IT moved from a traditional support function to a team that directly impacts how the business performs. The biggest accomplishment was rebuilding our data warehouse and putting a formal governance structure around it. Before that work, data was fragmented and hard to trust. Today, leaders have consistent, reliable information and they’re using it to make faster, better decisions. Across safety, quality, schedule, and financial management, teams are catching problems earlier rather than reacting after the fact. That foundation also positioned us to responsibly scale AI, something that wouldn’t have been possible without well-governed data underneath it.

Global Business & Technology Executive with Board experience. Technology Advisor / Mentor for upcoming Executives. Enabled and executed strategic Business initiatives/programs to drive Enterprise performance. Extensive experience in leading Business and Digital Transformation. Expert in IT Operations, managing business-critical, global, round-the-clock ERP and non-ERP technologies. Excel at Stakeholder / Business relationship management. Experience working in startups to multi-billion enterprises driving value and innovation. Strong viewpoint in using technology as an enabler for accelerating business outcomes.

Under my leadership, our technology organization transformed from a traditional support function into a strategic business partner. We modernized core platforms, strengthened cybersecurity, advanced AI adoption, and improved data-driven decision making across our global operations. Equally important, we built a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning that developed future leaders throughout the organization. The result has been increased operational efficiency, improved business agility, stronger security, and a technology foundation that enables growth and innovation. Our success demonstrates that when technology investments align with business priorities, they become drivers of competitive advantage and long-term value creation.

Troy Philbert is the Corporate Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Amkor Technology. Troy leads the company’s global technology strategy, including AI, smart manufacturing, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Troy focuses on improving business operations, supporting growth, and helping the company stay competitive. Known for building strong teams and delivering business results, Troy has helped make IT a key driver of innovation and success across the company.

As CIO of Amkor Technology, I helped turn IT from a regional support team into a global partner for the business. By using AI, Smart Manufacturing, and a Global Data Platform, IT generated millions of dollars in savings each year, improved decision-making, and strengthened manufacturing operations around the world. I also created Centers of Excellence and a global organizational structure that improved teamwork and accountability while supporting Amkor’s growth in advanced packaging, including its first advanced packaging facility in the United States. In addition to technology leadership, I am committed to giving back through Amkor Gives and employee volunteer programs.