Georgia Tech Leaders Honored as State’s Innovation Ecosystem Surges

ATLANTA, GA – November 21, 2025 – The GeorgiaCIO chapter of the Inspire Leadership Network celebrated the state’s top technology leaders last night at the annual ORBIE Awards, held at The Hotel at Avalon. The prestigious event recognized eight Chief Information Officers (CIOs) for their exceptional leadership, strategic innovation, and commitment to community engagement, signaling a robust and rapidly evolving technology landscape in Georgia.

Recognizing the Pillars of Innovation

The ORBIE Awards, now in their 27th year, aren’t simply a celebration of individual achievement; they represent a broader recognition of the vital role technology leadership plays in driving business value and shaping the future of industry. This year's honorees represent a diverse range of sectors, including energy, agriculture, finance, and transportation, underscoring the pervasive influence of technology across all facets of the Georgia economy.

Martin Davis, EVP & CIO of Southern Company, received the Lifetime Achievement ORBIE, a testament to his decades of service and his consistent ability to leverage technology to solve complex business challenges. His leadership at Southern Company has been instrumental in modernizing the energy grid and improving customer experience. Viren Shah, SVP & Chief Digital & Information Officer at AGCO Corporation, was recognized with the Super Global ORBIE, acknowledging his success in leading digital transformation initiatives for a multinational organization. Shah's work has been critical in adapting AGCO to the demands of a rapidly changing agricultural market.

Jamil Farshchi, CTO of Equifax, secured the Global ORBIE. His leadership following a significant cybersecurity incident demonstrated not only technical expertise but also a commitment to rebuilding trust and strengthening data security protocols. Carolynn Pleiss, SVP & CIO of Cox Enterprises, received the Large Enterprise ORBIE, recognizing her commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and driving digital transformation within a large, diversified organization.

Georgia’s Tech Sector Gains Momentum

The awards come at a pivotal moment for Georgia’s technology sector. The state is experiencing a period of unprecedented growth, attracting significant investment and talent from across the country and beyond. A confluence of factors, including favorable tax incentives, a skilled workforce, and a pro-business climate, are driving this expansion.

“Georgia is quickly becoming a hub for technology innovation,” noted one industry insider. “We’re seeing a surge in startups, established companies expanding their presence, and a growing demand for tech professionals. The state is well-positioned to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

The rapid growth isn’t without its challenges, however. The demand for skilled tech workers is outpacing supply, creating a competitive job market and putting pressure on companies to invest in training and development programs. Furthermore, the state faces increasing competition from other tech hubs, such as Austin, Texas, and Raleigh, North Carolina.

Chintan Patel, CIO of National DCP, received the Enterprise ORBIE, recognizing his leadership in driving digital transformation within a complex supply chain network. Scott Schemmel, CIO of Construction Resources, was honored with the Large Corporate ORBIE. Gaurav Singal, former CTO of Cantaloupe, secured the Corporate ORBIE, recognizing his leadership in scaling a payments platform and driving innovation in the unattended retail sector. Chris Crist, CIO of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, was awarded the Public Sector ORBIE for his efforts in modernizing airport operations and enhancing the passenger experience.

The CIO as Strategic Business Partner

The honorees at the 2025 ORBIE Awards exemplify a new paradigm for the role of the CIO. No longer simply a technical manager, the modern CIO is a strategic business partner, responsible for aligning technology investments with overall business goals and driving innovation across the organization.

“The CIO is now at the heart of every major business decision,” explained an industry analyst. “They’re responsible for not only keeping the lights on but also for identifying new opportunities to leverage technology to create value, improve efficiency, and gain a competitive advantage.”

This shift in responsibility requires a new set of skills and capabilities. CIOs must be able to think strategically, communicate effectively, and build strong relationships with key stakeholders across the organization. They must also be able to embrace change and adapt quickly to new technologies and market trends.

The 2025 GeorgiaCIO ORBIE Awards not only celebrated the achievements of these exceptional leaders but also highlighted the critical role technology leadership plays in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and shaping the future of Georgia.