EVENT DETAILS:

Working Dynamics of the

CEO and CIO/CTO Relationship

Join us this month as Angelo Valletta leads our discussion on the CEO and CIO/CTO working dynamic.  Over lunch, in what he describes as a “fireside/Q&A” format, Angelo will draw from the many lessons he has learned, to lead the dynamic group discussion.  To make it real, he will be joined by Melanie Kohler the CTO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners.  Angelo has been a friend of SIM ELIT for many years and introduced Melanie to the group as a member in 2021.

Along with a great meal and conversation, join us to reconnect with your peers and celebrate the changing of seasons. 

About Our Speakers:

Angelo J. Valletta, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, has close to 40 years of progressively responsible managerial experience in diverse industries with companies ranging in size from small consultants to multi-national firms. He has a proven track record of developing and building effective internal and outsourced distributed teams and is a turn-around specialist in operations and customer service. He has held multiple board-level leadership roles.

He previously served as Managing Director/Region President/Executive Consultant and Banking Strategist for the world’s largest Global FinTech company, and President and CEO of an independent community foundation. Before that, he was Senior Vice President/Chief Information and Bank Operations Officer for Sun National Bank.

Angelo earned his undergraduate degree in Computer Science from Temple University and his MBA from Philadelphia University. He serves on the following non-profit boards: PA Governor Economic Development Transition Committee, Red Cross Northeastern PA; Temple University; FOX Alumni Association (Emeritus); Pierce College Technology Advisory; Alvernia University O’Pake Innovation Board; and Chairman of the Louis A. Valletta Endowment. He mentors students at Columbia, Philadelphia, and Temple universities. He is a former elected official, having represented his district in Gloucester County, NJ, and has chaired several companies’ United Way campaigns.

Angelo is a twice published author and has most recently received the following awards.

• Red Cross of Eastern PA - Anita Lockwood Leadership Award
• Bank Systems and Technology Magazine Elite 8
• Temple University Alumni Diamond Excellence Award
• Smart/CEO Magazine Top 10 Executive Leaders
• Honored as one of Computerworld’s Premier 100 IT Leaders
• Named CIO of the week for Search CIO

Melanie A. Kohler, Chief Technology Officer of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, spearheads strategic IT initiatives that align with the organization's mission. Her expertise drives innovation, enhances efficiency, and fosters a collaborative business environment. With over two decades of progressive experience in technical and operational roles, Melanie joined Ben Franklin in May 2021. She has a proven track record of innovation, having successfully conceptualized, launched, and directed a new company and service line during her time as Executive Director at Phoebe Ministries. Melanie's expertise extends beyond technology to encompass strategic operations, where she excels in optimizing processes and driving digital solutions. Melanie holds an MBA from DeSales University and a BS in Business Administration from Cedar Crest College. She is certified in Lean Six Sigma from Purdue University.

Our Mission: 

Facilitate the exchange of information and business opportunities among senior Information Technology executives. This will provide alignment between the Business and Information Technology practices. Our goal is to focus on problem solving, discussion of issues pertaining to IT careers, reviewing business objectives and how to develop stronger relationships with the business community, and true networking in a safe haven environment where consulting organizations are not present.

Are you a Practitioner interested in joining? Please contact admin@simphila.org.