Large Enterprise Finalists

Dan Hedstrom is the Chief Information Officer at Modine Manufacturing Company, leading global IT and digital strategy for the $3.1B thermal management leader. With over two decades of technology leadership, including 12 years at Cubic Corporation as VP and CIO, Dan specializes in global ERP transformation, cybersecurity, and data democratization. He holds a Computer Engineering degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

At Modine, IT has shifted from a support function to a strategic partner. Our greatest achievement is executing a global ERP roadmap to streamline core processes, break down silos, and enable data democratization. This digital core serves as a springboard for our pioneering "Citizen-led Innovation" AI strategy. By democratizing cutting-edge AI and low-code tools, we empower every employee to innovate directly within their domains. Together, these initiatives are fostering a grassroots culture of continuous improvement, positioning Modine as an agile, data-driven leader from the executive suite to the factory floor.

As Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer at Menasha Corporation, I drive enterprise technology strategy, reporting directly to the CEO. I specialize in transforming decentralized IT infrastructures into scalable, corporate-driven architectures aligned with business growth. Under my leadership, we are executing an enterprise-wide AI transformation, scaling automated supply chains, and modernizing ERP platforms. I focus on talent development and robust cybersecurity, ensuring technology consistently propels operational excellence.

I transitioned Menasha Corporation from a decentralized IT model to a highly efficient, centralized corporate structure. I established our Cybersecurity and Project Management Offices while pioneering an enterprise-wide AI transformation. Through our modern framework, we accelerated multiple corporate acquisitions and new manufacturing site implementations seamlessly without business disruption. Key initiatives, including the SAP Rise platform migration, automated Agentic AI order processing, and a Unified Data platform, have structurally reduced operating expenses by millions, eliminated frontline language barriers, and maximized supply chain automation to drive industry-leading customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

Alberto Ruocco served as SVP & CIO of Alliant Energy, where he led technology strategy, cybersecurity, and digital innovation initiatives. He previously held leadership positions including CIO of American Electric Power, Principal of AGR3 Digital, Partner and CIO at West Monroe Partners, and Senior Executive Partner at Gartner, advising CIOs in multiple industries. Mr. Ruocco is a Qualified Technology Expert (Digital Directors Network). He holds a BA from Yale and an MBA from Northwestern.

Alberto Ruocco progressed from technical contributor to enterprise leadership by being adaptable and focusing on strategic priorities. His trajectory—from Deloitte and The Revere Group to CIO roles at American Electric Power, West Monroe, and, most recently, Alliant Energy—demonstrates a consistent ability to align digital capabilities with business outcomes. Alberto is an accomplished architect of complex technology solutions. He exemplifies disciplined leadership, continuous learning, and a commitment to innovation, ultimately enabling enterprise strategies.

Anil Tiwari is the Chief Information Officer of U.S. Venture, a multi-billion-dollar distribution and logistics company. With over 25 years of leadership experience across automotive manufacturing, distribution, and logistics, he has led multiple business transformations by leveraging technology to fuel growth, improve profitability, and optimize supply chain performance. A pioneer in enterprise AI adoption, Anil holds a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech and an MBA in Strategy from the University of Michigan.

Today's CIOs must evolve into business leaders who drive digitally powered transformation. I partnered with divisional presidents to create a Digital Vision using disruptive technologies and data to fuel growth and margin expansion. Our 3-year roadmap spans a unified ERP platform, an enterprise data warehouse, an AI center of excellence, and Agentic AI deployment across all domains. Our Digital Vision is not a plan — it is a track record.

Tracy Weber is Segment IT Director at ITW Welding with 15+ years of IT and digital marketing experience in the manufacturing industry. She leads high-performing teams to drive digital transformation and align technology with business goals. Outside of work, Tracy enjoys time at her Northern WI lake cabin with her husband, caring for her multiple fresh and saltwater aquariums, and staying active through yoga and running.

Under my leadership, our IT organization transformed from a largely unseen support function into a trusted strategic partner to the business. We strengthened capabilities through targeted talent investments, improved operational performance by reducing aged support backlogs and increasing service responsiveness, and established reliable data operations with measurable service levels exceeding 90% on-time delivery. We also significantly enhanced our cybersecurity posture and successfully defended against a sophisticated cyber threat. Most importantly, IT is now engaged early in business discussions as a valued advisor, helping drive innovation, operational excellence, and stronger business outcomes.