Key Executives is pleased to announce The Top 25 Tech CEOs of Washington, D.C. for 2025. Known as the nation’s political heart, Washington, D.C. is increasingly making its mark in the tech world, with tech jobs now accounting for 10.9% of all employment and contributing $75.6 billion to the economy in 2025.
These CEOs are central to D.C.’s emergence as a driving force in tech, shaping industries like AI, digital healthcare, and telecom, and beyond. Their leadership is driving advancements across industries, from agricultural tech that enhances farming practices to digital platforms that improve patient care. As they continue to lead their companies to new heights, their impact is helping position Washington, D.C. as a key player in the global tech ecosystem.
Among this year’s awardees, Ed Morche, CEO of GTT, is recognized for his leadership in the telecommunications industry, bringing over 30 years of experience to enhance global connectivity and digital solutions. Delali Dzirasa, Founder and CEO of Fearless, stands out for building impact-focused software solutions that support government agencies and private enterprises in areas like defense, healthcare, and energy. Cenk Sidar, Founder and CEO of Enquire.AI, is acknowledged for his innovative work in combining human expertise with AI to revolutionize decision-making for businesses and investment funds worldwide.
This year’s awardees were selected through a methodical process and careful consideration of each candidate’s career track record and industry contributions. Please join us in celebrating The Top 25 Tech CEOs of Washington, D.C. for 2025.
1. Ed Morche
Chief Executive Officer of GTT
Ed Morche is GTT’s Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Morche joined GTT in October 2023 and is an accomplished business leader with a career track record that spans more than 30 years in the telecommunication industry.
Before GTT, he served as president of Lumen’s North American Enterprise and Public Sector business, and previously held other senior leadership roles at CenturyLink and Level 3 Communications and led the consolidation of multiple commercial and technical organizations following the merger.
Mr. Morche’s experience includes global and North American leadership positions at Igaea Communications, Teleglobe, Global One, and Sprint, in addition to multiple philanthropic roles supporting the Virginia Hospital Center, including serving as a director on the hospital’s foundation board. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the School of Architecture and Planning at the Catholic University of America.
Ed Morche's Insight
“I'm proud to lead a team that is redefining how enterprises connect and secure their networks. Our work reflects a commitment to innovation and collaboration—breaking industry paradigms, simplifying complexity, and delivering Greater Technology Together for our customers and partners in an ever-evolving digital world.”
2. Brandon Daniels
Chief Executive Officer of Exiger
Brandon Daniels is the Chief Executive Officer of Exiger, leading the development and scaling of innovative AI applications to solve complex supply chain challenges for Fortune 500 companies and over 50 customers across government agencies and the Defense Industrial Base. Exiger focuses on transforming how corporations, government agencies, and banks manage risk and compliance across their third parties, supply chains, and customers through its software and technology-driven solutions.
Prior to Exiger, Daniels served as President of Clutch Group and Vice President of CPA Global. Throughout his career, he has appeared in various major business outlets. Daniels graduated from The George Washington University.
3. Haniel Lynn
Chief Executive Officer of Kastle
Haniel Lynn is the Chief Executive Officer of Kastle Systems International (KSI), which provides managed security solutions through a family of brands, including Kastle Systems, Mutual Security Services, StatLand Security Services, CheckVideo, and Urban Alarm.
Kastle delivers property technology solutions to safeguard commercial real estate, multi-family residential properties, enterprises, educational institutions, and government facilities. Lynn joined Kastle in 2018, bringing over 25 years of experience in global operations and executive management, helping to scale companies from startup to $1 billion.
Prior to joining Kastle in 2018, Lynn spent 16 years at CEB (now Gartner), and most recently served as Group President of its Best Practices and Decision Support business and member of the company’s executive leadership team. Prior to that, Lynn led the Sales, Marketing, Communications, and Financial Services practices.
Prior to joining CEB, Lynn was Vice President of Business Development and Strategy at LYTE. Before LYTE, he spent a number of years as a consultant with McKinsey & Company. Early in his career, Lynn worked with GE Information Services. Lynn graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with an undergraduate degree in engineering and holds an MBA from the Wharton School.
4. Greg Gershman
Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Ad Hoc
Greg Gershman is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Ad Hoc, a digital services company dedicated to helping the federal government better serve the public. By combining expertise from the commercial sector and government, Ad Hoc helps transform public services into more efficient digital experiences, enabling agencies to better meet user needs.
Gershman brings 26 years of experience to his current role and first got his start in 1999 as an associate software engineer at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab. From there, he went on to Aether Systems, before eventually rising to director of innovation at Mobomo, his most recent position prior to joining Ad Hoc.
Gershman graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a master’s degree in computer science and from Yeshiva University with an undergraduate degree in computer science.
5. Amr Ibrahim
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ULTATEL
Amr Ibrahim is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ULTATEL, a provider of cloud-based phone solutions. ULTATEL’s Clarity unified communications platform integrates voice, video, fax, SMS, and audio conferencing into a single system, offering businesses an efficient communication solution across various locations. With over 40 enterprise-grade features, the platform supports desktop phones, softphones, mobile apps, and integrates with tools like Microsoft Teams, contact centers, and CRMs.
Previously, Ibrahim was Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at TELEPLUS and before that a director of software engineering at Supra Telecom. Ibrahim holds an MBA in business administration and management from the Florida Institute of Technology and an undergraduate degree in computer engineering from Alexandria University.
6. Delali Dzirasa
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fearless
Delali Dzirasa is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fearless, an impact-focused digital services integrator building software while creating conditions for organizations and people to thrive.
Fearless works with major federal agencies, including United States Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), General Services Administration (GSA), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), United States Air Force (USAF), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), United States Army (USA), the State of Maryland, the State of New Jersey, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of State (DoS), as well as private enterprises like the NFL, Exelon, and Deloitte.
Delali previously founded Hutch, a digital services incubator supporting historically marginalized entrepreneurs in scaling digital services in government, and serves as Board Chair of the Fearless Institute, which bridges gaps for diverse talent in tech and entrepreneurship. In partnership with Oak View Group at CFG Bank Arena, he led the creation of the Fearless Impact Fund, a fund supporting historically marginalized businesses and workforce initiatives in Baltimore.
In 2023, Delali became Vice Chair of the Maryland Governor’s Workforce Development Board and Co-Chair of Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott’s Business Roundtable. Delali is a passionate STEM advocate, mentor, and founding member of the Digital Services Coalition, with experience testifying before the U.S. Senate.
Delali Dzirasa's Insight
“I’m honored to be named among the Top 25 Tech CEOs in Washington, D.C. for 2024. This recognition is a testament to the incredible work of the Fearless team and our commitment to build solutions that create real impact. Leading with purpose has always been central to my journey, and this honor motivated me to continue empowering communities and fostering opportunities for the next generation of innovators.”
7. Parag Thakker
Chief Executive Officer of Omni Federal
Parag Thakker is the Chief Executive Officer of Omni Federal. Omni Federal designs, builds and operates user-centered multi-tenant enterprise applications. Omni Federal specializes in software development and modernization, leveraging platform-level technologies to deliver solutions across industries.
Thakker brings 28 years of experience to his current role. Before joining Omni Federal, Thakker was a digital technologist at Adidas and before that a Vice President of Technology at Isobar. Earlier in his career he worked with Geometric as a C++ developer. Thakker graduated from Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute (VJTI) with an undergraduate degree in engineering.
8. Cenk Sidar
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Enquire AI
Cenk Sidar is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Enquire.AI, a digital expert network focusing on transforming the knowledge industry through innovative tools and advanced technology. Operating in over 180 countries, Enquire partners with top investment funds, enterprises, and consultancies. Cenk's mission is to build a human AI platform that combines the unique strengths of human expertise with AI capabilities to help leaders make smarter decisions.
Before founding Enquire, Cenk established and led a global risk advisory firm in 2009, supporting major U.S. companies in regulated sectors across emerging and frontier markets with actionable insights on critical developments. He is a frequent speaker, sharing insights on topics like the future of work, the value of knowledge sharing, AI-human collaboration, and the evolution of Web3.
Cenk holds a master’s degree in international economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in Washington, a postgraduate degree in European studies from SAIS’s Bologna Center in Italy, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration and international relations from Istanbul Bilgi University.
Cenk Sidar's Insight
“Leading Enquire AI on our mission to revolutionize the future of knowledge work with a hybrid AI + expert network spanning 180 countries has been an intellectually and professionally rewarding journey. I am deeply honored to be recognized as one of Washington, D.C.'s top 25 CEOs. This city has immense potential to become a global talent, knowledge, and innovation hub. There is still a lot of work to build the foundation for the future of knowledge and to help Washington realize its potential in the coming years, so I am only at the beginning of this journey.”
9. John Ackerly
Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder of Virtru
John Ackerly is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Virtru, a leader in data privacy and protection. The company equips customers with end-to-end encryption for Google, Microsoft, and other data-sharing platforms, enabling them to maintain control over their data wherever it is shared.
Ackerly brings 21 years of experience to his current role. Prior to co-founding Virtru, Ackerly was an investor at Lindsay Goldberg, working with entrepreneurs to help scale their businesses. Ackerly also served as a technology policy advisor at the White House and was the Policy and Strategic Planning Director at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Ackerly graduated from Williams College and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.
10. Amena Ali
Chief Executive Officer of Optoro
Amena Ali is the Chief Executive Officer of Optoro, a software platform for retail returns. Under her leadership, Optoro has achieved significant growth, with product launches, new partnerships, and customer wins. The company's Returns Management System, utilized by major brands like Gap, Steve Madden, and Best Buy, recently surpassed 250 million returns. Optoro’s platform simplifies retail returns, reduces waste, and supports circularity.
Amena previously served as CEO of Airside Mobile and VividCortex. She has a proven track record with over 25 years of experience delivering value for customers, spearheading software innovation, and growing SaaS and software businesses.
11. TJ Leonard
Chief Executive Officer of Storyblocks
TJ Leonard is the Chief Executive Officer of Storyblocks, a rapid video creation platform that enables individuals and businesses to produce high-quality videos quickly to meet strategic objectives. The company provides a comprehensive content solution, offering an unlimited library of royalty-free video, audio, and images through cost-effective subscription plans.
Previously, Leonard was an advisor at happyly and before that Vice President of Marketing at BabbaCo. Earlier in his career he worked with TIG Global as an account manager. Leonard graduated from the University of Virginia with an undergraduate degree in economics and MIT’s Sloan School of Management with an MBA in economics, marketing, and strategy.
12. Frank Gelbart
Chief Executive Officer of ServicePower
Frank Gelbart is the Chief Executive Officer at ServicePower, a field service management software company dedicated to enhancing customer experience while driving operational efficiency. Trusted by global organizations such as GE Appliances, LG, AIG, Allstate, and Siemens, the company provides the only SaaS platform designed to manage both employed and contracted workforces.
In addition to its software solutions, ServicePower offers a fully managed network of contracted service providers, enabling on-demand field service delivery in urban and remote locations across North America and Europe.
Gelbart has a diverse background in sales leadership, having previously served as Chief Revenue Officer at Roostify and Vice President at Attunity. He began his career as CEO and Co-Founder of Appfluent Technology, later serving as SVP of Sales at InfoCruiser, where he was promoted to CEO.
Gelbart also held the role of VP Worldwide Sales at Peakstone Corporation and served as VP Worldwide Sales at Entevo Corporation until the company's acquisition by Symantec. He holds a degree in business administration and marketing from the University of Southern California.
13. Augustus Franklin
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Callhub
Augustus Franklin is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CallHub, a leading political technology company that provides digital organizing solutions for campaigns and causes around the world. CallHub is a global digital organizing platform designed for political campaigns, nonprofits, advocacy groups, and businesses to engage with their audiences.
The company's comprehensive suite of communication tools supports organizations in building and maintaining strong relationships with their audiences. Its call center software enables unlimited agents to conduct personalized one-on-one conversations, offering a range of automated dialers—including Power, Preview, Predictive, and Fast Click dialers—that provide full control over dialing speed while ensuring compliance.
Franklin first got his start in 1997 as a software engineer at L-Cube Innovative Solutions. From there, he went on to HCL-Cisco, before eventually rising to principal engineer at Yahoo!, his most recent position prior to joining CallHub. Franklin graduated from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani with a master’s degree in software systems and from Madurai Kamaraj University with an undergraduate degree in computer science and engineering.
14. Steve Flook
President and Chief Executive Officer of iHire
Steve Flook is the President and Chief Executive Officer of iHire, an employment platform that powers 57 industry-focused talent networks, including WorkInSports, iHireVeterinary, iHireDental, iHireConstruction, and iHireChefs.
With over 20 years of experience, iHire combines advanced job-matching technology with expertise in talent acquisition to connect job seekers with employers in their chosen sectors. iHire’s industry-specific, candidate-centric approach streamlines recruitment, helping employers find talent more efficiently than general job boards.
Earlier in his career, Flook served as Chief Technology Officer of 270net Technologies. Flook holds an executive MBA from the Quantic School of Business and Technology and an undergraduate degree in management information systems and services from Johns Hopkins University.
15. Srinivasa Satrasala
First Chief Executive Officer of eSolutions
Srinivasa Satrasala is the Chief Executive Officer of eSolutionsFirst, a provider of AI, business analytics, cloud, and digital transformation solutions. eSolutionsFirst delivers IT solutions and staffing services to help clients maintain market leadership. Prior to this, Satrasala held various roles in the IT industry, including senior director and business intelligence architect at The Advisory Board Company, senior business intelligence consultant at Systems Evolution, and project manager/technical principal at MicroStrategy.
Satrasala holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Karnatak University and a master's degree in computer science from the University of Dayton.
16. Abir Ray
Chief Executive Officer and CTO of Expression Networks
Dr. Abir Ray is the Chief Executive Officer of Expression Networks, a technology company specializing in electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) management and wireless communication solutions. With over two decades of experience in the technology and defense sectors, Abir has a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding EMS operations, including spectrum management, signal processing, and secure communications.
Under his leadership, Expression has become a key player in the EMS domain, providing solutions to enhance operational resilience and efficiency for both government and commercial clients. Abir’s expertise lies in integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and modular architectures to optimize spectrum use and mitigate interference in contested environments.
Abir is actively involved with the National Spectrum Consortium, where he collaborates with government agencies and industry leaders to drive innovation in EMS- related technology fields. His work focuses on developing solutions that meet the strategic needs of the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and various regulatory bodies, including the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
Abir is dedicated to advancing technologies that support secure and efficient spectrum management. As a leader at Expression Networks, he has guided the company to become a trusted partner for complex Electromagnetic Spectrum Management (EMS) projects, such as Electromagnetic Battle Management (EMBM) and Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO), which enhance military capabilities and support multi-domain operations.
17. Kate Henningsen
Chief Executive Officer of Noda
Kate Henningsen is the Chief Executive Officer of Noda, a data and analytics company focused on improving the operation of commercial buildings. Noda aims to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and resilience by creating intelligent systems that adapt to changing conditions. Leveraging advanced technology and expertise, Noda provides solutions that address significant operating costs in commercial real estate, helping optimize efficiency and support sustainability initiatives.
Henningsen brings 15 years of experience to her current role and first got her start in 2010 as an associate of complex litigation at Caplin & Drysdale, Chartered. From there, she went on to Foley & Lardner, before eventually rising to Co-Founder and COO at Arcadia, her most recent position prior to joining Noda.
Henningsen holds a JD and an undergraduate degree in history from Georgetown University, as well as a master’s degree and an undergraduate degree in philosophy, politics, and economics from the University of Oxford.
18. Todd Marks
Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mindgrub
Todd Marks is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mindgrub Technologies, a technical agency and creative consultancy that specializes in mobile, web, and marketing strategy solutions. Marks founded Mindgrub in 2002 and has since overseen projects for clients such as Exelon, Wendy’s, DELL, Under Armour, Yamaha, Crayola, Geico, The Economist, University of Maryland, and NASA.
Following the launch of the iPhone in 2007, Mindgrub expanded into mobile development, becoming one of the first mobile-focused agencies in the mid-Atlantic. The company has since grown to nearly 200 employees. In the early stages, Marks played a key role as the first engineer, designer, and user experience expert, helping to establish many of the foundational departments that continue to shape the company today.
Marks began his career teaching math and computer science in Maryland. He is actively involved in several regional business and technology initiatives. He chairs the Maryland Tech Council and has contributed strategic direction to projects like the Maryland Business Relief Wizard, which helps businesses navigate federal, state, and local aid programs.
Marks also serves on boards for the Northeastern Maryland Technology Council, the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore, and the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, among others. Additionally, Marks participates in the Connected DMV Regional Economic Development Strategy Steering Committee and is on the advisory board for the Loyola University MBA Program.
Todd Marks's Insight
"Reflecting on my journey as an executive leader, the past 20+ years have been a remarkable evolution, leading Mindgrub from my basement to a world-renowned technology consultancy. Our success is a testament to the dedication of our team, the strength of our processes, the innovation of our solutions, and most importantly, our unwavering commitment to our clients."
19. Jehiel Oliver
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hello Tractor
Jehiel Oliver is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hello Tractor, an agricultural technology company that connects tractor owners with smallholder farmers in need of tractor services. At Hello Tractor, he is responsible for overall management and strategy.
Previously, Oliver was Chief Executive Officer at Aya Consulting and before that an associate at KeyBanc Capital Markets. Earlier in his career he worked with McDonald Investments as a junior analyst. Oliver holds a master’s degree in economics from Cornell University and an undergraduate degree in economics and business from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
Jehiel Oliver's Insight
“Being recognized among Washington D.C.'s Top 25 Tech CEOs for 2024 is a humbling honor and a testament to the incredible work that we have done at Hello Tractor over the last ten years. Together, we have turned bold ideas into actionable solutions, transforming challenges in agricultural mechanization into scalable opportunities for growth and sustainability. Leadership, to me, is about empowering people to lead in their various spheres of influence — building a culture where innovation thrives, and the impact is measurable. From connecting smallholder farmers to equipment to reshaping the narrative of farming as a driver of prosperity, our journey continues to prove that when technology meets purpose, we can redefine entire industries.”
20. Taylor Stein
CEO and Co-founder of EngagedMD
Taylor Stein is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of EngagedMD, a company that helps healthcare providers increase efficiency by automating patient education and administrative tasks. By streamlining workflows, EngagedMD enables caregivers to focus on higher-level responsibilities, improving both patient experience and operational effectiveness.
With a long-standing interest in healthcare, Stein saw an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by co-founding EngagedMD. Through his leadership, Stein has supported numerous healthcare providers in improving their practices and delivering better patient care.
Before co-founding EngagedMD, Stein worked as a summer associate at Clearsight Advisors and as a senior business associate at Capital One. Stein holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Michigan and an MBA from The University of Texas at Austin.
21. Dipanwita Das
CEO and Co-founder of Sorcero
Dipanwita Das is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Sorcero, a company focused on improving patient outcomes by empowering life sciences experts. The Sorcero AI Platform helps medical affairs teams at leading global life sciences organizations explore unstructured medical content, providing meaningful analytics and insights. With over twelve years of experience at the intersection of analytics, startups, and health data, Das leads Sorcero with the goal of enhancing patient care through the effective use of medical and scientific knowledge.
Prior to starting Sorcero, Das was the Founder and CEO of 42 Strategies. She holds a master’s degree in globalization, business, and development from the Institute for Development Studies at the University of Sussex, a bachelor’s degree in history from St. Stephen's College, Delhi, and completed the Stanford Graduate School of Business's Executive Program for Social Entrepreneurship.
22. Ximena Hartsock
CEO and Co-founder of Buildwithin
Ximena Hartsock is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Buildwithin, a provider of skills-driven workforce solutions designed to help organizations and employers overcome talent challenges. Combining proprietary technology with premium services, the company delivers tailored solutions that support workforce development and innovation.
Hartstock brings 25 years of experience to her current role. She previously founded Phone2Action, which was acquired in 2019. A researcher, philanthropist, and author of two software patents, Hartstock has a background in education, having served as a school principal and Assistant Superintendent of Instruction in Washington, D.C.
Hartstock holds executive board positions at the Washington Economic Club and The Consumer Technology Association, and advisory roles at the Center for Innovative Technology in Virginia, the Migration Policy Institute, and the Gender and Policy (GAP) Center at George Mason University. She holds degrees in Spanish and philosophy, along with a doctorate in administration and policy from George Washington University.
23. Shana Cosgrove
Chief Executive Officer of Nyla Technology Solutions
Shana Cosgrove is the Chief Executive Officer of Nyla Technology Solutions. Nyla Technology Solutions provides software systems engineering services to the federal government, specializing in software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity. The company focuses on delivering high-performance solutions that are reliable, tailored to client needs, and designed to enhance user experience while supporting mission success.
Previously, Cosgrove was a podcast host at Outspoken Podcast and before that a Managing Partner at VitalUP Marketing. Cosgrove holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in systems engineering from George Mason University.
24. Sameer Gulati
Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Ordway
Sameer Gulati is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ordway, a SaaS company that provides financial software applications for subscription billing, accounts receivable, revenue recognition, and business KPI reporting. Ordway works with innovative companies to implement pricing strategies and contract structures. After launching several billion-dollar finance applications at leading ERP companies, Gulati founded Ordway in 2018 with the goal of disrupting the recurring billing and subscription management sector.
Gulati brings over 20 years of experience in developing financial products at leading technology companies. Prior to founding Ordway, he served as Chief Product Officer at Spree Commerce. At Zynga, he led the launch of Frontierville, one of the highest-grossing apps of all time. Earlier in his career, Gulati held product management roles at tech startups, including Zuora, Workday, and Intacct. He holds an undergraduate degree in computer science from the Pune Institute of Computer Technology.
25. Cynthia Chioma Nwaubani
CEO, President and Founder, PharmD Live
Cynthia Chioma Nwaubani is the Chief Executive Officer, President, and Founder of PharmD Live, a company that focuses on providing targeted care for high-risk, high-cost patients with chronic diseases. PharmD Live offers virtual clinical pharmacist solutions aimed at preventing adverse drug events and reducing overall care costs through chronic care and medication management partnerships with clinics, health systems, and payers.
Nwaubani is responsible for developing and executing PharmD Live's growth strategies, with an emphasis on expanding innovative pharmacy solutions across various healthcare sectors in the U.S.
Nwaubani first got her start in 2009 as a clinical pharmacist at Sentara Healthcare. From there, she went on to The George Washington University Hospital, before eventually rising to fellow at Luminary, her most recent position prior to joining PharmD Live. Nwaubani graduated from Temple University with a doctorate in pharmacy.