Corporate Finalists

Cassandra Callaghan is Chief Information Officer for the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, a top-ranked school. With over 30 years in higher education, healthcare, and telecommunications, she leads the technology and data ecosystem, driving digital transformation across clinical systems, educational and research technologies, and cybersecurity. She previously held roles at Comcast and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and holds a BBA, an MS in Organizational Leadership, and is PMP and CISA certified.

My team’s greatest accomplishment is positioning the University of Michigan School of Dentistry by making technology a strategic driver of clinical excellence, education, research, and operations. In partnership with colleagues across the school, we implemented Epic to connect medical and dental care, expanded digital dentistry, and strengthened data transparency and cybersecurity. Our work touches every patient encounter and academic program the School offers, underpinning one of the nation’s leading dental school & dental research enterprises. Equally important, we built a team trusted across the school to solve hard problems together and make technology work better for patients, learners, faculty, and staff.

Creative and charismatic IT executive with extensive experience building technology organizations that efficiently solve business needs. Recognized for successfully delivering creative, cost-effective solutions and offering strategic organizational and technical vision, designing implementation and development plans, and successfully managing the execution of those plans to increase corporate value. Exceptionally adept at building cohesive teams driven to achieve organizational objectives. Committed to the highest level of personal and professional ethics and excellence.

In the 4 years since joining Galco, we have implemented many new systems and solutions, including ERP, ecommerce platform, CRM, PIM, EDI, and now AI. We have implemented AI processes for accounts payable, purchasing, quote automation, and customer interaction. We have supported the acquisition and integration of 5 companies and helped the company exceed revenue growth goals.

Clarissa Hulleza is an innovative CIO, based in Auburn Hills, MI. She is a visionary leader in digital transformation and champions inclusive technology strategies, fosters high-performing teams, and drives enterprise-wide impact through collaboration and forward-thinking solutions. Clarissa earned her B.A. from Oakland University and has worked with Easterseals MORC for 26 years, leading the way to a life of opportunity and connection for people, families, and communities.

Through strategic collaboration with leaders and key stakeholders, I’ve had the privilege of modernizing Easterseals MORC’s operations through technology by implementing and enhancing EHRs and migrating to cloud services. Together, we transformed behavioral healthcare by being the first in Michigan to integrate Eleos AI into clinical documentation. We ensured uninterrupted services during the COVID-19 pandemic through telehealth. We launched Salesforce to deepen community engagement. And we fortified enterprise security across platforms. These achievements reflect Easterseals MORC’s bold commitment to innovation, resilience, and excellence in service – I’m proud and honored to be a part of it.

I am the Vice President of Information Technology for Pistons Sports & Entertainment, where I lead technology strategy, cybersecurity, infrastructure, business systems, and innovation. During my time with the Pistons, I have led major arena and facility projects, modernized our technology, strengthened cybersecurity, and introduced secure AI tools across the organization. I am passionate about building strong teams, developing people, and using technology to solve problems and create real value for the business.

I am proud of how my team has grown from a traditional support group into a trusted partner for the entire organization. We helped move game-day operations into a new arena, opened a new practice and office facility, moved key systems to the cloud, and built a cybersecurity program from the ground up. We also introduced secure AI tools that help employees and customers, including an AI receptionist that contributed to a ticket sale on its first day. We lowered technology costs, improved reliability, and built a strong team that supports basketball, business operations, employees, and major events.

Tabice Ward is Chief Information Officer for Walker-Miller Energy Services, leading the company’s strategic technology direction and IT organization. Her 35-year career spans enterprise technology, cybersecurity, compliance, and delivery of complex, large-scale systems. Having also served as a CISO, she brings a unique perspective on securely enabling technology transformation. Prior to joining Walker-Miller, she held executive roles at DTE Energy, Xcel Energy, and ChoiceTel. Tabice is committed to service and developing future technology leaders.

As the inaugural CIO, I have accelerated our technology transformation by repositioning the IT organization from just a support function to a strategic partner, establishing direction, strengthening relationships, and focusing on foundational capabilities that support the company’s growth plan. A significant accomplishment was leading our team and technology partners through the development of a new energy-efficiency system platform. We established a technology framework and scalable architecture that supports multiple clients and programs and reduces reliance on third-party implementer systems.