2023 Board of Directors

Leo Pellerin  

Chair   |   CIO, United Way of CT

Leo is currently the CIO of the United Way of CT, an organization that provides several state funded services that require four diverse call centers. This includes the State of Connecticut’s 2-1-1 call center which is a 24 hour multilingual referral service providing help for those in crisis and in need. 2-1-1 Connecticut is also relied upon by the state as a first responder during disasters which required Leo to develop a strategy to scale up in the event of a natural disaster.

During Leo’s 25 year career in IT, Leo has a long list of experience across the entire IT domain but he specializes in Call Center Implementations, Cybersecurity, Disaster Response, High Availability System Design, Web UI/UX Design, Hybrid Cloud Computing and SAAS Migrations.

Leo was also the past president for the Central CT chapter of SIM and resides on the Pathways to Technology Industry Advisory Board and the State of CT Cyber Security Committee. Leo holds a BS in Computer Engineering from the University of Connecticut where he is still actively involved in the basketball and football programs.

Joe Bruhin  

Vice Chair  |  Chief Information Officer and Senior Vice President for Breakthru Beverage Group

Joe Bruhin has nearly 30 years as an information technology professional and leader.

Currently, he is Chief Information Officer and Senior Vice President for Breakthru Beverage Group, serving on Breakthru’s Executive Leadership Team. Joe is responsible for overseeing the implementation and execution of a holistic IT Strategic Plan, driving Breakthru’s increased focus on digital transformation and developing a world class IT organization.

Prior to this, he was the Chief Information Officer and Senior Vice President of Constellation Brands Inc, responsible for all aspects of people, process, technology and business leadership for Information Technology across the Globe. He directed all aspects of the organization’s information technology activities supporting the organization's overall strategic goals

He is an innovative, top performing Senior Technology Executive with progressive experience identifying and implementing innovative technology to drive growth. His superb academic preparation (MBA), combined with his inherent ability to lead has fostered a reputation as the “go-to” leader for IT strategies, solutions and implementations. Aligning organizations to the right IT strategic imperatives, creating engaged IT teams and empowering both IT and non-IT employees to succeed is a specialty.

He has a passion for new, innovative digital technology solutions. Coupled with his uniquely strong ability to partner with top leaders across global organizations to develop and implement innovative business technology solutions, he has earned the reputation of a truly transformation IT leader who will dependably deliver value to any area of a global business.

Mr. Bruhin has served as Vice President of Information Systems at Diageo, where he developed technology vision, strategy, and business process and systems solutions for the North American business. He served as VP of Global HR Systems where he was responsible for developing and implementing Diageo’s custom Global People Performance Management System, aligning several large global organizations onto a single unified People Performance Management system.

Mr. Bruhin also served the CIO for Diageo’s Australian business in Sydney, Australia, where he created and implemented an IT strategy to transition from legacy applications to state of the art technologies, bringing the technology footprint into alignment with global solutions and creating a high performing IT team.

He serves as Treasurer on the Society for Information Management (SIM) National Board of Directors. SIM is the largest international network of senior IT leaders, consisting of nearly 5,000 members across approximately 40 chapters in the US and Canada. He is a graduate of the SIM Regional Learning Forum (RLF), and a long-standing member of the SIM Advanced Practices Council (APC) which is a CIO think-tank that focuses on research related to emerging and new to world technologies and IT practices.

Mr. Bruhin is a transformational business leader with a track record of creating business value by leading breakthrough performance in IT. He is recognized as a motivational leader and mentor who creates an environment for success, creates high performing teams and inspires technology leadership.

He earned his undergraduate as well as his Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Connecticut.

Joe is the Chapter Representative of the following Chapters: Albany, Central Florida, Detroit, Minnesota, Northeast Ohio, Research Triangle Park, South Florida, Toronto and Western NY.

Joel Schwalbe  

Chair Emeritus  |   CIO, Transnetyx

Joel Schwalbe is the Chief Information Officer for Transnetyx in Memphis, TN. Transnetyx is the trusted source for automated genotyping on behalf of thousands of researchers in universities, hospitals and bioscience companies around the world. Mr. Schwalbe joined Transnetyx in August of 2020 and brings nearly 16 years of CIO experience. He is responsible for strategic planning, software development, network and data center operations, telecommunications and cybersecurity.

Before joining Transnetyx, Mr. Schwalbe was the executive vice president of business services for the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando FL. In this position, he provided oversight for the box office team, sales team, events team and the technology team including strategic planning, e-Commerce, business application systems, Front of House (FOH) technology, cyber security, telecommunications and data center operations.

Prior to joining the Dr. Phillips Center, Mr. Schwalbe was the senior vice president and chief information officer for CNL Financial Group. In this role, he provided oversight of technical strategic planning and architecture, application development, information security, telecommunications and computing and network operations. Mr. Schwalbe joined CNL in 2005 as the vice president of technical services. He was named CIO in February of 2006.

Prior to his role with CNL, Mr. Schwalbe was the vice president of technology for ClearSky Mobile Media. In this role, he was responsible for all aspects technology including application development, systems engineering and network and data center operations. Prior to joining ClearSky, Mr. Schwalbe served as the vice president of network services for the Global Corporate Investment Bank of Bank of America.

Mr. Schwalbe has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Central Florida. He serves on the industry advisory councils for the UCF College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Valencia State and for the Crummer Business School at Rollins College.

He is a member of the SIM Central Florida Chapter.

Joan Holman

Treasurer  |   CIO, Barnes & Thornburg LLP

Joan Holman is the Chief Information Officer at Barnes & Thornburg LLP in Dallas, Texas. Joan joined the firm in 2023 and is responsible for all strategic and operational aspects of Information Technology for the firm. Prior to Barnes & Thornburg, Joan spent 10 years in legal at Clark Hill and Strasbuarger. Joan also has experience in life sciences and environmental services. Telecomm and financial industries. Joan has over 20 years of experience leading Information Technology, Strategy, Development, and Operations for several public and private companies in the Environmental Services, Telecommunications, and Financial Services industries.

Outside of the workplace, Joan spends her time promoting STEM initiatives and giving back to her industry and community through her efforts in the Society for Information Management, participation in Dallas CIO, and as an active member of T200, an executive women in technology peer group. She is an active member of the board of Make-A-Wish North Texas and participates in Executive Women’s Roundtable as part of the Dallas Regional Chamber. Joan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Texas at Dallas. In August 2016, Joan was recognized by the Dallas Business Journal as one of its 2016 “Women in Technology” for her contributions to the technology community both professionally and philanthropically. 

Rich Hook

Secretary  |   CIO, Penske Corporation

Richard A. Hook is the Chief Information Officer for Penske Corporation and Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE: PAG). Penske Corporation is a closely-held, on-highway, diversified transportation services company whose subsidiaries operate in a variety of industry segments, including retail automotive, truck leasing, transportation logistics, transportation component manufacturing and professional motorsports. Penske Corporation manages businesses with consolidated revenues of $39 billion, and employing more than 70,000 people worldwide.

Rich has over 20 years’ experience as an information technology professional and business leader. Prior to being named CIO, Rich was the VP of IT Infrastructure for Penske Automotive Group and before joining Penske in 2009, he held various positions at Arthur Andersen LLP, H&R Block Financial Advisors and Federal-Mogul Corporation.

Rich holds a BBA from Western Michigan University and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). Rich is also a member of the Society for Information Management (SIM) Detroit chapter and SIM Advance Practices Council (APC).

Julia Anderson

Director  |   Chief Technology & Information Officer, Campbell Soup Company

Julia leads Campbell’s enterprise-wide information technology (IT) strategy, ensuring integration with the company’s strategic plan and business strategy. This includes digital workplace services, IT platforms and architecture, cybersecurity, business analytics, and critical IT transformation projects.

Julia is the Chief Technology and Information Officer (CTIO) and Campbells where she leads enterprise-wide information technology (IT) strategy, ensuring integration with the company’s strategic plan and business strategy. This includes digital workplace services, IT platforms and architecture, cybersecurity, business analytics, and critical IT transformation projects. She is known to leverage technology to increase revenue and sustainability for iconic global brands like Smithfield, Pepsi, Heinz, and Kraft. She pairs strategy and implementation to streamline core businesses and propel innovation and profitability. Julia has a long history of efficient ERP and SAP deployment and has won multiple awards for her leadership, including for her work.

Julia joined SIM in 2000 after completing the Regional Leadership Forum (RLF) in Boston MA. Julia has been a member of the Advanced Practices Council (APC) since 2006. Julia currently serves on the finance committee and as the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Chair for SIM National. She has been a member of the SIM Fairfield Westchester Chapter and previously served on the chapter board.

James Mavourneen

Director   |   Chief Operating Officer at Massaro

James is a highly effective, results oriented executive leading teams to ensure alignment and continuity between business strategy, execution and delivery, and operational / technology support services. Proven track record in collaborating and building relationships, strategic planning, financial management, organizational design, risk management, short- and long-term investment planning, and leading and developing others in a way that they feel valued and empowered to reach their fullest potential. Experienced in delivering board level presentations, corporate messaging, media relations, and public speaking.

Throughout his career, James has served in various leadership roles including; SVP, Global IT Services, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; Chief Operating Officer, Measured Progress; Vice President, Enterprise Infrastructure & Operations, BJ's Wholesale Club; Sr. Director , Enterprise Infrastructure & Operations, CVS Caremark, plus his current position as Chief Operating Officer at Massaro.

In addition to his professional career, James has held various leadership roles within SIM Boston and SIM National. 

In his spare time, James enjoys spending time with his son and traveling to new places.

He is an avid golfer and he recently began to learn to ski.

John Buccola

Director   |   Chief Technology Officer for Element 78 Partners

John Buccola serves as the Chief Technology Officer for Element 78 Partners, a nationwide professional services firm primarily supporting private equity and sponsor held companies. He is responsible for technology enablement of the E78 platform and its business units. Prior to E78, Buccola co-founded a technology spend and advisory practice that was ultimately acquired by E78. John has 25 years’ of IT leadership experience with companies backed by KKR, EQT and Cerberus. He is recognized by MIT and Microsoft for his work in advanced analytics. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business and technology from the University of La Verne.

Mr. Buccola is a past-Chairperson for SIM Southern California, where he served on the chapter board for nearly two decades. He is one of the founders of our Enclave® program and served as its inaugural Program Chair. He is the Chairperson for the SCSIM Board of Advisors and Board Chairman of Sensor Industries, an IoT-focused startup backed by Wyndham and Qwext..

Toni Harrison-Hogan

Director | VP, Business Technology Solutions for BECU

Toni Harrison-Hogan is a top executive leading the Corporate & Teammate Applications Tower within Global Technology. Toni brings her vision and talent to cultivate the power of technology to revolutionize the business model and the progressive digital journey for Corporate Real Estate, Finance, Human Resources, and Legal. She is passionate about delivering an immersive digital teammate and commercial hybrid sell-in experience to grow Under Armour’s brand, culture, and profitability. One of Toni’s strengths is her ability to build great teams, and believes, “I’m not a marathon runner, but I am dedicated to getting to the finish line with my entire team.” Toni’s global team is responsible for realizing the digital vision by connecting strategy to execution, operationalizing invested digital assets, and invoking innovation.

Toni earned an MBA from Pfeiffer University and is a Certified Scrum Master, SAFe Agilist, and SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager. She also is a graduate of the Information Technology Senior Management Forum’s Executive Program. Toni has also published in the book: Conversational Insights from reat Minds. And, she is a graduate and alumni member of Leadership Charlotte, class XXIII.

She believes that technology can solve some of the socio-economic issues facing our communities, including poverty, disparities in education, healthcare, and gender. Toni serves on the National Society for Information Management DE&I Council, the Atlanta Chapter Board, and a Women Champion. In the past, Toni served as a fundraiser and donated her time to supporting Junior League, the Metrolina AIDS Project, the Arts Community in the Carolinas. Toni also held former leadership roles as the former VP of Women of the Arts of the Harvey Gantt African American Arts Center and an Advisor to the Arts & Science Council. She recently became a member of the T200 Lift organization who connects women technology leaders. Being the founder of Project Infinity allows her to mobilize the community and provide children in underserved communities access to tutoring, the arts and science, and grants wishes.

Susan Malisch

Director   |   SVP and Chief Information Officer for American Medical Association

Improving the health of the nation is at the core of the American Medical Association’s (AMA) work to enhance the delivery of care and enable physicians and health teams to partner with patients to achieve better health for all. Susan Malisch currently serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer for the AMA. In this capacity, Susan leads the enterprise information technology organization and serves as thought leader and senior-most technology officer driving a comprehensive strategic agenda across diverse business units in a federated IT model. Prior to joining the AMA, Susan was Vice President & CIO for Loyola University Chicago, and has extensive operating experience in diverse industries including higher education, telecommunications, professional services, and the high-tech market. Known as an excellent collaborator and problem solver who builds high performing teams with a stellar track record of successful execution and driving for results, Susan frequently contributes in organizational leadership roles beyond IT. She is the recipient of several industry awards including CIO of the Year (2010) in Chicago and Leader of the Year (2016) with SIM National. Susan is a board member for the SIM Chicago Chapter and the SIM National Board of Directors.

Susan has a BSBA in Computer Information Systems from Rockhurst University and was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame for Women’s Basketball. She is the proud parent of three sons. Personal interests include basketball, outdoor activities, wine tasting, cooking, and music.

Jeff Stovall

Director   |   Chief Information Officer, Abt Associates

Jeff Stovall is the Chief Information Officer at Abt Associates, a global leader in research, evaluation, and program implementation which aims to improve the livelihood of individuals and equity worldwide. Jeff manages core IT solutions and enables operational information exchange across the enterprise in more than 30 countries. Prior to joining Abt, Stovall served as an Industry Executive Director at Oracle Corporation, focusing on cloud enablement in state and local governments. Before Oracle, he was the CIO for the City of Charlotte, NC, for a decade. Jeff received his MBA from the Darden School at the University of Virginia and his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Jeff has been a national board member since 2021. He is a founding member and past president of the Charlotte Region SIM Chapter. He initiated the chapter’s Member-In-Transition program in 2016, was co-chair of the 2015 SIMposium, and was named a 2015 SIM Leader of the Year. Jeff is also a member of the Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) and has been a member of its membership committee since 2010. Jeff was recognized as the 2022 ITSMF Executive Member of the Year.