i.c.stars |* iOpener Innovation Conference 2025
Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Blue Cross Blue Shield Tower, Chicago, IL
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Join i.c.stars for the 2025 iOpener Innovation Conference focused on the theme:
Before AI, Before Cybersecurity—It Starts with Data
Listen to engaging keynote speakers, participate in CIO-led discussions, attend breakouts and network with tech leaders and i.c.stars alumni. Please note that this year, the event is moving from a morning to a fuller day.
Planned Agenda
8:00 – 12:15 PM – TedTalk-style presentations, networking and discussions at tables
Breakfast and Light snacks provided
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Speaker Line-up (more to come in the coming weeks):
Saira Harcus, Director of Global GRC Compliance & Rare Disease IT Security, Amgen
Lilah Jones, Googler, Speaker, Facilitator, Coach
Michael Lambert, SVP CIO, Wintrust Financial Corporation, presenting with Dennis Van de Graaf, SVP Data Governance, Wintrust Financial Corporation
David Lefever, VP, Partner, Centric Consulting
Omar Shanti, CTO, Hatchworks AI
Gary Tinnin, Senior Security Engineer II, Soda Health, i.c.stars alum from Cycle 33
Travis Von Alst, Senior Manager of Data Governance, Reyes Holdings, LLC
VIP Hosts (more to be announced in the coming weeks):
Yemi Akisanya, VP of Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & People Experience, Axon
Don Balis, Global IT Security Director, Griffith Foods
Wendy Betts, Information Security Officer, Rotary International
Ann Britt, Director of Business Applications, Microsoft
Eric Broughton, CEO, OK2Charge
Gopinath Cataram, Director, Strategic Resources Technology, William Blair
Tom Cesario, VP of US Operations & IT, Radio Flyer
Julianna Cole, VP Data and Information Systems, ACCME
Diane Crompton, Director, IT PMO & Strategy, Feeding America
Keith Davies, SVP of Enterprise Applications, Medline Industries
Katie Dowling, Head of Global Technology Delivery & Operations, Morningstar
Cris Downey, Director of Technology Services & Information Security, Rotary International 
Robert Duggan, Deputy Commissioner, Process Improvement, Innovation and Administration, City of Chicago
Danielle DuMerer, VP of Technology & Security, Shedd Aquarium
Duane Edwards, Randstad Digital
Keith Evans, CIO, Illinois Housing Development Authority
John Falsetti, CIO, Maryville Academy
Jake Gerstein, Director of Cloud Strategy & Enablement, CIBC US
Yael Gomez, CIO, Pet Madness
Kaitlyn Hasley, Senior Director, Technology Design & Delivery, TrueBlue
Lamar Heller, Head of IT, Security & DevOps, SPINS
Derrick Higgins, VP of Data Science & AI Solutions, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of IL, MT, NM, OK and TX
Greg Hubbard, Senior Director of Software Engineering, Capital One
Christopher Kapcar, CTO, BrightStar Care
Jack King, CIO, American College of Surgeons
Mandi Komas
Michael Limjoco, SVP Business Line Information Systems, Corporate, Wintrust Financial
Scot Marcotte, Product Lead, Gallagher
Pamela Masello, Consulting Director, CNA
Amy McGraner, Director of Agile Portfolio Management, Global Governance, Risk & Controls, CNA
Jeff Miller, Vice President of Engineering, LinenMaster
Brian Palmer, Director of IT Security & Infrastructure, Ventas, Inc.
Jim Petrassi, CTO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of IL, MT, NM, OK and TX
Allah Rakha Sheikh, CIO, Madison Mutual
Pamela Rogalski, Brookfield Properties (image pending)
Steve Stapley, CTO, Brookfield Properties
Tim Turner, VP of Business Insights & Data Analytics, Thresholds
Derek Veren, VP of Information Technology, Brookfield Properties
Roderick Warren, Managing Deputy CIO, City of Chicago
Dianne Wortz, Director of Neighbor Experience Technology, Feeding America
Mary Wyderski, CIO, LRS
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Thank you to our annual sponsors!
Thank you to our Event sponsors!
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Email Sarah Cook and scook@icstars.org for more information about sponsorship opportunities.