Board of Directors

Passionate IT professional, dedicated to helping clients by creating bespoke solutions that precisely fits their business needs at the right price.

At Vail Resorts, my role as Sr. Director encompasses pioneering cloud-based IT solutions that bolster infrastructure and operations. I drive innovation while prioritizing seamless customer experiences. Our team successfully deployed new IT services, emphasizing ITSM, network efficiency, telecommunications, and robust security protocols.

My commitment to talent development is reflected in my mentorship and coaching. I empower women in tech with personalized action plans and field expertise. My tenure at Optum, directing elite customer support, showcased my dedication to operational excellence and cultivating high-performing teams.

Experienced CIO with a proven reputation for developing and delivering innovative technologies to support business strategies and client-focused solutions.
Highly motivated leader with demonstrated management skills, strong focus on efficiency and results.

I aspire to use my enthusiastic problem solving, confident communication, and competitive spirit to drive impactful, creative, and collaborative success through meaningful work.

I lead enterprise IT for private equity-backed and publicly traded organizations — most recently as Director of IT at WellBiz Brands, a multi-brand franchise platform, and before that as Executive Director of IT Operations at Lionsgate/Starz Entertainment, a $1B global media enterprise.

I've operated on both sides of PE M&A: leading IT and cybersecurity due diligence on acquisition targets, and running due diligence through my own company's sale to private equity in January 2026. I'm often brought in to build enterprise-grade IT where it doesn't yet exist — standing up compliance frameworks (NIST, SOX), risk committees, and disaster recovery programs from scratch, and building the infrastructure and cybersecurity posture to support rapid growth.

Recent work includes architecting an enterprise data warehouse and Power BI platform that eliminated $120K/year in legacy reporting costs while giving 800+ franchise locations their first real-time visibility into performance data, and leading enterprise AI governance across Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini.

I manage technology budgets from $9M to $75M and am at my best in environments where IT needs to move from reactive support to a real strategic asset.

A college guidance counselor told me I should avoid business and technical degrees and ditch college altogether. Good thing I didn’t listen; otherwise, I would have missed out on some amazing experiences.

As a member of remarkable middle market organizations, I have experienced amazing success in my chief information officer (CIO) and director roles. Along the way, I learned that I love solving business challenges by leveraging people, processes, technology, innovation, and grit to bring them all together.

Here are some key nuggets I have discovered:

I can lead the digital transformation efforts of fast-growing PE-backed companies to a successful exit.
- I focus on business outcomes instead of technology solutions
- I excel at bringing people together to breakdown organizational silos
- I am relentless in simplifying the end-user experience

I can create, lead, and develop world-class technology teams
- I love to see individuals succeed; it’s one of my greatest joys
- A better way always exists; you just have to help individuals discover it
- I can translate the needs of a business in a way technical folks can understand
- I take extreme ownership, and the buck stops with me

I believe life is a constant journey of learning, refinement, and being a better person
- My intellectual curiosity drives me to see situations from different perspectives
- Determination is a constant companion in my life to remove obstacles and barriers
- I retain my composure and remain calm in high-pressure situations

Great experiences come through interactions with people and listening to different perspectives. Please reach out if you want to talk business, technology, innovation, or anything to do with the great outdoors.

I am a trusted technology leader known for defining strategy, fostering innovation, and building high-performance teams. With an MBA in Technology Management and leadership experience spanning SMB to Fortune 100 enterprises, I combine strategic vision with a pragmatic, people-first approach to technology.

My recent roles include experience leading global SaaS development and security, application security and development of a next-generation cloud-native cybersecurity platform and driving enterprise large-scale modernization initiatives.

Steve started Acceleration Solutions to help small and mid-sized businesses identity and select technology to enable their businesses with a clear, affordable, and vendor-neutral process. We also help businesses raise the bar with cybersecurity evaluation and recommendations.

He is also an active board member of the Society for Information Management (Colorado Chapter) and a long-time community volunteer supporting youth and nonprofit organizations.

My father was a small business owner who treated everyone in his organization with respect. This is a lesson I learned from an early age which I live by today.

In my free time, I cook, ski, mountain bike, and volunteer for various organizations.

John Padilla is a Principal Business Partner with Kforce, where he serves as an executive sponsor for business development within the firm's Strategic Organization. He partners with enterprise clients to align technology investments with business outcomes, helping organizations accelerate digital transformation through cloud modernization, application development, data and analytics, and strategic technology initiatives. His collaborative approach and focus on outcome-based solutions have enabled him to build trusted relationships across some of the nation's leading organizations.

In addition to his professional leadership, John is deeply committed to serving the Colorado community. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Society for Information Management (SIM) Colorado Chapter, helping strengthen connections between technology leaders and advance the region's innovation ecosystem. He has also held leadership positions with several nonprofit organizations, including serving as Chairman of the Board for CASA, Advocates for Children, where he championed efforts supporting vulnerable children and families.

A Colorado native and graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder, John is passionate about fostering meaningful partnerships, supporting leadership development, and helping organizations leverage technology to create lasting business value

I have an award winning track record in large scale B2B, Enterprise Sales, Team-building and Innovative Solutions, that maximize ROI and drive revenue––regardless of economic volatility, market uncertainties, and competitive challenges. I bring an entrepreneurial, strategic and value driven perspective, with key strengths in the following:

Project Management throughout Complex, $MM Sales Cycles and leading multiple special projects; launching new prod-ucts; and partnering with C-suite decision-makers in the mid-cap corporate market.


Building and Empowering High Performance Teams / Future Leaders around a culture of innovation and excellence,
and strive to add value and deliver superior products and customer experience.

Lead Cross Functional, Technical, Engineering Teams and Solution Partners to Customize Product Offerings in the fol-lowing areas of expertise:

• Telecom / Internet, Mobility, Enterprise Mobile Management (EMM), Contract Managed Services (CMS)
• Security, Vulnerability Scanning, PIN Testing, D-DOS, Networks, EMM, VoIP, MPLS Networks, VPN
• Cloud Platforms, Web-Based, Hosted Services, SaaS, Infrastructure

With more than 20 years of experience in the Talent Acquisition and Human Capital Management space, I focus on all aspects of the recruiting lifecycle including the cultivation of trusted relationships with C-level executives and top IT talent.

I am a matchmaker who matches client needs with an individual's talents, and match an individual's goals and dreams with clients that can fulfill them.

As a multiple Quota Club/President’s Club Award recipient, I am a top producer and staff mentor. I have literally placed 1000s of resources during my career. Connecting top talent with incredible opportunities is my passion!

In addition to my professional accomplishments, I am the 2017 Micki Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award winner for my contributions and efforts to further the cause of women in IT as well as my charitable contributions to multiple non-profits: KidsTek, Colorado Technical Association, ARC and Renaissance Exhibitionary Learning Outwardbound School. I am the Founder and Co-Chair of Colorado SIM Women through the Society of Information Management and have been a volunteer at the Colorado Technology Association since 2010. I have held volunteer positions as a Steering Committee member for CTA’s C-Level @Mile High, Colorado Technology Association’s Apex Awards, and was the Co-Chair of CTA's Women In Tech for more than four years and am also Apex Award recipient.

Cindy Zarlengo has more than 25 years’ executive level leadership managing global engagements for multiple firms, including RGP, Capgemini E&Y, and Deloitte Consulting.  An IT thought leader and experienced subject matter expert across multiple technologies with a strong emphasis on ERP systems and customer software applications, and has been involved in both managing consultants as well as managing the product roadmap for custom applications.

As the VP of Consultant Management for CapGemini America and the VP of Client Services for RGP, Cindy was responsible for both billable engagements as well as retaining talent for both organizations. Cindy has conducted multiple software assessments, has been involved in implementing multiple ERP systems and custom care and billing applications, as well as holding vice president and director level titles including a Fortune 1000 firm. She possesses hands-on experience managing the technical resources for major divisions within global organizations and developing standards and processes in the area of Information Management. Cindy graduated Magna Cum Laude - Regis University, and is the national ASUG sponsor for RGP. 

Additionally, Cindy is a member of FEI, SEC Pro Group – Denver, SEC Pro Group – Utah - Women in Leadership, Telecom Professionals, the Society for Information Management, and the Project
Management Institute (PMI) and is an Agile certified Scrum Master.

Rolf Kramer is a sales and business leader with 30 years of experience building teams, growing businesses, and developing relationships across the technology industry. His career has included enterprise sales at Bullhorn, founding and ultimately selling a Denver-based staffing and consulting firm Kranect, and sales leadership roles with Techtonic, ToolWatch, Sense, and The Ash Group.

For the past 2½ years, Rolf has been with Akkodis, a global technology and engineering services company, where he currently serves as Senior Regional Director for the Mountain Plains region. In addition to leading the business across the region, Rolf is deeply involved in Colorado’s technology community, serving in leadership roles with SIM Colorado and Colorado Technology Association initiatives and earning CTA’s 2026 Advocate of the Year award.

A Colorado native and lifelong believer in the power of relationships, Rolf has built much of his career—and his personal brand - Connecting people, creating communities, and showing up consistently. Outside of work, he can usually be found skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, river rafting, playing guitar, or spending time with his family.

A visionary and pioneering IT Executive fluent in the language of business. Possessing a proven track record of accomplishments in developing long-term strategies aligned with organizational business needs.  Possesses extensive experience in building and delivering cost-effective solutions.  A forward-thinking leader who balances practical decision making with innovative programs, driving enhanced savings and improved profits.

• 25+ years leadership and strategic planning experience 
• Credible leader with a track record of successfully providing services from small to large complex organizations
• Significant experience overseeing large scale multi-year initiatives and programs
• Proven performance leading multi organizational transformation initiatives to provide cost savings and business benefits
• Track record for establishing successful relationships with customers and business areas to enable businesses
• Extensive experience in successfully managing vendors to delivery desired business outcomes for Cloud and Managed Services
• 30+ years technology and business experience

When not working I enjoy being outdoors snowboarding, mountain biking, golfing, hiking, etc.  

I'm the Sr. Director of Enterprise Platforms at Ardent Mills, leading cloud, networking, IT support, and infrastructure. My teams keep technology running across 40+ manufacturing facilities.

I've been in IT for more than 20 years, and what keeps me here is the people and the Colorado IT community. I like building teams that get ahead of problems instead of chasing them, and making sure our technology plans line up with what the business needs.

The work I'm proudest of is about people more than systems. I co-created our Earn & Learn program, which brings people from non-traditional backgrounds into IT. More than half have moved into full-time roles. I also co-lead our Women in Technology ERG and coach students in CU Denver's Empowering Women in Business program.

Being part of SIM Colorado, and now serving on the board, is one of the highlights of my career. I help organize our Enclave dinners, which bring together C-level technology executives for candid conversation and real connection.

Innovative and strategic technology executive with global experience developing, implementing, and executing technical solutions to reduce risks. Known for streamlining operations to enable collaboration and strong performance for valuable business outcomes. Trusted advisor to key stakeholders, executive leadership, and cross-functional teams to define and drive top company priorities. Recognized for being a servant leader while mentoring and growing individuals' development and career growth.

Karen Meaker is a Strategic Account Consultant with Akkodis and brings more than 30 years of experience in technology consulting, professional services, staffing, recruiting, and business development. Throughout her career, Karen has held a wide range of leadership roles including Software Consultant, Professional Services Manager, Branch Manager, National Business Development Manager, Regional Director.  This diverse background has given her a unique perspective on both the technology industry and the people who drive it.

Karen's career has evolved from hands-on technical consulting and recruiting into executive leadership and strategic client advisory roles. Today, she partners with organizations to help them solve business challenges through technology consulting, engineering services, digital transformation initiatives, and talent solutions. She is passionate about building relationships, connecting people with opportunities, and helping organizations achieve their goals through the right combination of talent and technology.

As a Board Member for the Colorado Chapter of the Society for Information Management (SIM) and the current SIM Members in Transition (MIT) contact, Karen is especially committed to supporting professionals navigating career transitions. Having spent decades helping individuals find meaningful employment opportunities and advising organizations on workforce strategies, she understands both the challenges and opportunities that accompany career change. She enjoys helping people navigate the job market, expand their professional networks, identify new opportunities, and approach their next career move with confidence.

Karen is known for her collaborative approach, extensive professional network, and genuine passion for helping others succeed. Whether supporting technology leaders, connecting employers with top talent, or mentoring professionals in transition, she is dedicated to making a positive impact in the Colorado technology community.