Profiles Archive - Page 26 of 75

Regina Emberton

After nine years of leading the South Bend/Elkhart Regional Partnership, Regina Emberton in 2022 became CEO of ChoiceLight, a public-private partnership that provides broadband infrastructure to commercial, financial, educational, health care and governmental organizations in Elkhart, Marshall and St. Joseph counties. She strives to leverage digital connectivity as a competitive advantage for community and economic development. She and her husband, Brad, are co-chairing the final phase of the Morris 100, a campaign to raise funds for a $40 million renovation and expansion of South Bend’s historic performing arts center.

First job: “My first job was at a small local video store (Yes, VHS tapes, where we had a machine to rewind them before restocking). In hindsight, it taught me that technology is always advancing and how critical it is to be well-informed and think ahead about how you need to adapt your products and business model to maintain relevancy.”

Advice for a young person: “Choose to be a lifelong learner.”

Ashley Flowers

Ashley Flowers launched the podcast “Crime Junkie,” which was named the No. 1 show in 2022 by Apple Podcasts, in 2017 and founded Audiochuck, an independent media and podcasting company, at that time. Audiochuck also produces other shows, including “The Deck” and “The Deck Investigates.” Recently, she transitioned from CEO of the company to chief creative officer to focus on content. She’s also been focused on setting the vision and strategy for TV, film and publishing content as the company grows.

First job: “Scooping ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery! This role taught me to work hard no matter how small the task at hand may seem. I always like to say I’ve come a long way from singing for tips.”

Something surprising: “I am an early bird (and Redbull is the only way I survive!). I like to be the first one in the Audiochuck office—sometimes as early as 5 a.m. There’s something about being the first one to turn on the lights and get the place bustling that I truly enjoy. I wish I could bottle that feeling.

Ting Gootee

Ting Gootee joined TechPoint, a not-for-profit that promotes and supports the state’s technology industry and is associated with the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, in May 2022. Gootee spent more than a decade at Elevate Ventures, a venture development organization she was with since its inception and where she served as chief investment officer and focused on investment strategies, due diligence, portfolio management and back-office operational support. She also served as deputy director of the Indiana 21st Century Research & Technology Fund.

Favorite thing about leadership: “Trying to enable each individual to succeed in his or her roles and align such success with organizational success. The same goes for community building, whether that’s an individual or organizational role.”

First job: “Teaching college students as a graduate assistant at Purdue. It really showed me how different each individual is and the challenge to bring out the best in everybody to the best of their abilities. That set the leadership learning journey for me, even though I didn’t realize what it was at the time.”

Robert Johnson III

Robert Johnson III leads Merillville-based Cimcor Inc., which was founded in 1997 and develops IT security software. Johnson is an inventor who has led the development of several patented and patent-pending technologies. He’s also a sought-after writer and speaker about security technology and commercial software. Johnson is chair of The Methodist Hospitals board and serves on the Chancellor’s Council for Purdue University Northwest and on the Legacy Foundation’s investment committee.

Favorite device: DJI Mavic Air2S drone. “Ever since I was young, I have harbored a deep fascination with flying, and while piloting a plane is still a goal of mine, this drone has brought me one step closer to that dream.”

Indiana change: Its perception on a global scale. “Our state possesses numerous assets, including the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, world-class universities, national parks, thriving digital infrastructure and a can-do attitude fueled by an innovative spirit. However, these strengths often go unrecognized and underutilized.

Peter Kelly

Peter Kelly was named CEO of KAR Global, which recently changed its name to OpenLane, in 2021. Last year, Kelly oversaw the sale of the company’s physical auction business—known as ADESA—for $2.2 billion to Tempe, Arizona-based Carvana. Kelly joined KAR in 2011 when it acquired the online auction platform OpenLane, of which he was president and CEO. In 2019, he became president of KAR and oversaw all its business units and brands, including ADESA, AFC, BacklotCars and TradeRev and was responsible for the company’s digital platforms.

First job: “I grew up on a farm, so as far back as I can remember, I was helping out with the farm work. It taught me how much I enjoy staying active and busy and also that I most enjoy work where I can see the visible impact of my work before me.”

Admires most: “Abraham Lincoln—he had a great mix of compassion, humor and fortitude at a really challenging time in this nation’s history.”

Kate Maxwell

Kate Maxwell is the lead technical authority and strategist for the global defense and intelligence industry at Microsoft and works closely with allied defense, intelligence and aerospace customers worldwide. __She is an expert in digital transformation, unmanned systems and innovation leadership. She holds two patents and is a sought-after speaker. A strong advocate for encouraging more women and girls to enter STEM fields, she sits on the boards of TechPoint and TechPoint Foundation for Youth, an Indiana-based not-for-profit that connects underprivileged children with opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math.

Indiana change: “Indiana is a wonderful state in so many ways, but we are failing when it comes to making our state a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for all.”

Toughest challenge: “I think the toughest challenge I have had to overcome is self-doubt and negative self-talk. I am a perfectionist and a people pleaser by nurture and nature, and I’ve had to unlearn those traits in order to be successful in my career.”

Scott McCorkle

Scott McCorkle in 2018 founded MetaCX, which offers an online network where businesses and their suppliers can communicate and collaborate. MetaCX raised $5.1 million in venture capital in 2022 and $7 million in late 2021, bringing the company’s total to $33.6 million since its launch. McCorkle is a former president of marketing-tech firm ExactTarget, which later became Salesforce Marketing Cloud, for which he was CEO. After leaving Salesforce, he was executive-in-residence at High Alpha, which helped launch MetaCX. He serves on the board of International Data Group and is executive chair of Torchlite Marketing.

Scott Moorehead

Scott Moorehead leads Round Room and each of its entities, which includes wireless retailers TCC and Wireless Zone. He also leads the company’s “Culture of Good” initiative, a company-culture movement that now provides leadership development and executive coaching to businesses. Philanthropic efforts include Round Room Gives and TCC Gives, which, together with TCC and Wireless Zone, have donated more than $22 million nationwide. More recent ventures for Moorehead include a cannabis company operating in Michigan and a foray into medical-device technology in an effort to launch an implant that can restore the sense of smell.

On leadership: “My dad used to say, ‘Hire great people, and try like hell to keep them.’ Throughout my time with Round Room, this has been a constant in our success.”

Advice for a young person: “No matter what business you are in, it’s important to have a deep understanding of both accounting and psychology. This will set you apart from your peers.”

Something surprising: “I have two different colored eyes, and I’m ambidextrous.”

Jason Sondhi

Jason Sondhi is founder and CEO of Sondhi Solutions, an Indianapolis-based IT consulting and staffing firm that was on IBJ’s Fast 25 list in 2015 and 2016. Giving back has been a top priority for him. He created the IT Equipment Round UP, which provides gently used IT equipment to not-for-profits, and Jingle Books, a holiday fundraiser that provides books to Indianapolis children. Additionally, he’s a member of the First Merchants Corp. corporate board, Crossroads of America Boy Scout Council and Park Tudor Alumni Board.

Favorite device: “AirPods. Changed the way I can work, play and travel!”

Leadership lesson: “Listening is key, and then making quick decisions afterward becomes even more important.”

Favorite sports team: “I am a huge Hoosier sports fan. IU Basketball, Colts, Pacers, and I married into Notre Dame.”

Marla Thompson

Marla Thompson is a senior vice president at Salesforce, where she is responsible for driving strategy and growth across all Salesforce Clouds and also serves as site leader for the Salesforce Indianapolis office. She joined Salesforce in 2019 as the general manager for Salesforce’s marketing cloud business (formerly ExactTarget) and more than doubled the business in three years. She started her career with Procter & Gamble and The Campbell Soup Co. She’s a member of the executive committee for Visit Indy and also serves on the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership board.

First job: “As a farmer’s daughter, my first job was detasseling corn. We walked up and down corn fields for eight hours a day. It taught me that I would much prefer to be in an office than out in a field!”

Toughest challenge: “My best friend from high school was killed in a car accident when I was 18. I faced mortality at a young age and learned quickly that I wanted to live my life with no regrets. That became a core philosophy of mine and continues to guide decisions that I make daily.