Achieving Bold Transformations at the 19^th Annual Digital Ball

The 2019 TechBridge Digital Ball celebrated Achieving Bold Transformation in Atlanta by bringing together community leaders from the nonprofit, corporate, and foundation sectors. The night began with opening receptions providing a time for networking and reconnecting followed by the awards ceremony recognizing the Community Leader Award and CIO Award. Guests were entertained by Digital Illusionists. The night ended with an after-show dance party.

Co-hosted by Ed Smith (CTO at Anthem, Inc.) and Edwina Payne (SVP & CIO at Avanos), the Digital Ball showcased the power of technology and nonprofits working together to transform communities.

We thank Digital Ball’s presenting sponsor, Accenture, for continuing to support us since 2000. As the presenting sponsor for not only the Digital Ball but also the 2019 Digital Cocktail®, Accenture has been a strong supporter. Accenture was joined in its support by our important Platinum Sponsors, including Anthem, CDW, The Coca-Cola Company, Cumberland Group, and Equifax, as well as the many vital Silver and Bronze Sponsors.

Honoring Community Leader Award and CIO Award

The evening highlighted two honorees who showcase the impact of technology companies and nonprofits partnering together to enhance the impact of nonprofits in Atlanta by unleashing a new era of creativity.

Carol Tomé (SVP & CFO at Home Depot) accepted the Community Leader Award. Carol’s leadership, knowledge, and interest in data-driven decisions have made her an amazing executive in the business community. Carol’s enthusiasm for serving the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, Georgia Tech, the Grady Health, and many other organizations has made her an inspiring leader and deserving recipient of the Community Leader Award.

Bryson Koehler, CTO at Equifax, accepted the Ed Steinike CIO Award. The award recognizes IT leaders who exhibit exceptional qualities and abilities in leadership along with a commitment to philanthropy. Bryson believes technologies have great potential to transform nonprofit organizations. He currently serves Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, the GeorgiaCIO Leadership Association, the Technology Association of Georgia, and us. In the past, he has served the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Women in Technology (WIT), YMCA, and Red Cross Disaster Relief: Duke Cancer Research Hospital. The award is named for former CTO & CIO for General Electric and later Coca-Cola Ed Steinike.

A Special Thank You

The night included a special thank you to past CEO James Franklin for his role in engaging technology leaders in creating bold transformation in Atlanta.

Highlighting Technology Career Program Success

Our 2019 Digital Ball highlighted the success of our Technology Career Program. The TechBridge Technology Career Program, in partnership with Goodwill of North Georgia, is a free part-time 16-week technology and business education program. It prepares unemployed or underemployed young adults for a career in the growing technology job market. Board Chair Vish Narendra spotlighted the successes of the program and welcomed Lyric McGhee, a graduate of the program and Salesforce Administrator at NCR, to the stage. Lyric thanked us for taking a chance on her.

Energized Entertainment

Entertainment included emcee and auctioneer TiWanna A. Kenney, BAS, owner, lead auctioneer, and driving force behind Astounding Actions and Fundraising Strategies. The Digital Illusionists engaged the audience as they combined digital technology and sleight of hand to create unforgettable magic. After the program, attendees made their way to various after-parties further energizing the networking among executives.

We are thankful to our sponsors, Executive Ambassadors, volunteers, and attendees for their support in Achieving Bold Transformations in our community through the use of technology.