VEGAS INC, in partnership with Cox business, presents the 2024 Top Tech Awards. Technology continues to evolve with the help of the innovative honorees featured here. Categories include biotech & health care, government business and so many others. These honorees represent motivated teams and professionals who promote and protect business across the Valley.
Award recipients were selected by an independent panel of judges based on their achievements, company and community impact, and major projects.
The 2024 Top Tech Awards originally appeared in a special issue of Vegas Inc found inside of Las Vegas Weekly. Sign up to get each of Vegas Inc’s special publications delivered to your inbox on the day of their release.
Hospitality: Vikrant Bodalia
Vice President of Technology Operations | Allegiant Stadium
As Vice President of Technology Operations at Allegiant Stadium, Vikrant Bodalia has made significant strides in transforming the venue into a technological powerhouse. Under his leadership, the stadium, home to the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders and the NCAA’s UNLV Rebels football team, has successfully enhanced its operational efficiency and profitability.
Bodalia’s pivotal role in executing the Super Bowl in February 2024 showcased his expertise in seamlessly integrating technology and security measures. Collaborating with the Super Bowl Host Committee and local authorities, he ensured a world-class event that positioned Allegiant Stadium as a premier venue.
Recognizing the importance of cybersecurity, Bodalia implemented protection against distributed denial-of-service attacks, safeguarding the stadium’s network infrastructure. This foresight not only ensured uninterrupted operations during high-profile events but also enhanced the venue’s reputation for security, providing a safe environment for future business.
His commitment to leveraging technology for growth is evident in his ongoing efforts to optimize operations, ensuring that Allegiant Stadium remains at the forefront of venue management. Bodalia’s innovative leadership and strategic vision have elevated Allegiant Stadium’s success and set new benchmarks in the world of venue technology operations.
Startup: Frederick Hutson
Chief Executive Officer | Pigeonly
Frederick Hutson is the visionary CEO and co-founder of Pigeonly, a service that connects families with incarcerated loved ones through affordable communication options. Under his leadership, Pigeonly has transformed from a simple photo-sending platform into a comprehensive communication resource, offering services such as low-cost phone calls, digital mailing, and money transfers—all designed to foster stronger family ties during challenging times.
Through personal experience, Hutson recognized the barriers faced by families trying to maintain contact with incarcerated individuals. His commitment to social impact is evident in Pigeonly’s mission to provide cost-effective solutions, reducing the financial burden on families and supporting emotional well-being of incarcerated individuals. Better communication with loved ones can ease strain on friends and family as well as positively impact rehabilitation and reintegration.
Hutson has spearheaded innovative technology initiatives, including the introduction of Voice over Internet Protocol services and a streamlined mailing system that complies with prison regulations. These advancements have not only enhanced Pigeonly’s user experience but have also significantly contributed to the company’s growth and profitability. His dedication to bridging the communication gap for underserved communities sets a powerful standard in the tech industry.
Top Tech of the Year: Joy Hoover
Chief Executive Officer | Esōes Cosmetics
Joy Hoover’s commitment to merging technology with personal safety sets a new standard in the cosmetics industry. As the founder of Esōes Cosmetics, Hoover is redefining personal safety for women with her innovative approach to beauty. Her Las Vegas-based, female-founded startup has gained attention for its innovative lipstick that integrates life-saving technology.
The patented lipsticks and glosses are packaged in a high-tech case featuring a discreet button that connects to a mobile app via Bluetooth, sending customized alerts to loved ones or law enforcement in emergencies. Emergency communications can be customized to send text messages, phone messages, location and priority dispatch notifications.
Hoover’s leadership has driven significant growth, reaching customers across 45 states and garnering media attention from outlets like CNN and Entrepreneur. Her dedication has also earned her accolades, such as the 2022 Entrepreneur of the Year award from the National Association of Women Business Owners Southern Nevada.
Hoover is also committed to volunteering in the community, offering her marketing expertise to help local organizations such as SafeNest, St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, Unshakeable and Foster Kinship.
Community Exemplary: Duana Malone
Chief Executive Officer and Owner | Nevada Help Desk
Duana Malone, affectionately known as “The Tech Queen,” is a transformative force in Nevada’s technology landscape. As the founder of Nevada Help Desk, she oversees the statewide Technology Talent Pipeline Management systems and pre-vocational programs, bridging the gap between education and the tech workforce. Under her leadership, students gain practical experience in areas like digital marketing, website design, and cybersecurity—skills that are essential in today’s job market.
Duana Malone
Malone is also responsible for launching the Martin Luther King Jr. Technology Summit, where hundreds of underserved students explore technology through hands-on workshops and mentorship from minority tech leaders. This annual event inspires youth to consider careers in STEM, fostering a more diverse workforce.
Malone’s efforts have garnered national recognition; her innovative method of training students in cybersecurity recently earned her a federal grant to expand these programs across the country using the model she built in Nevada. Her passion for technology and commitment to community service make her a unique and impactful leader. With a reputation for getting things done and a genuine love for empowering others, Duana Malone is not just shaping careers but transforming lives.
Health Care and Biotechnology: Michael Gagnon
Executive Director | HealtHIE Nevada
Michael Gagnon, Executive Director of HealtHIE Nevada, is at the forefront of revolutionizing health care communication in the state. HealtHIE Nevada, the only statewide open Health Information Exchange, enhances patient care by facilitating secure, convenient access to critical health information among providers.
Under Gagnon’s leadership, HealtHIE has expanded its network to more than 180 participating organizations, including prominent medical groups and the Nevada Hospital Association. His efforts during the pandemic were particularly notable, as he helped launch the organization’s Provider Portal, which allowed real-time access to comprehensive patient records. This innovation significantly improved COVID-19 reporting and public health response, benefiting over 23 health care organizations.
Gagnon’s commitment to interoperability led to groundbreaking partnerships, including connections with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense, enhancing care for active-duty military and veterans.
A thought leader in health information technology, Gagnon actively engages with organizations like Civitas Networks for Health and the Health Information and Management System Society, advocating for industry reforms and innovations. His contributions to influential publications reflect his dedication to advancing health care in Nevada.
Government: Timothy Galluzi
Chief Information Officer | State of Nevada
Timothy Galluzi, the Chief Information Officer for the State of Nevada, exemplifies leadership in leveraging technology to enhance government operations. He uses creativity and vision to facilitate growth and provide effective services that benefit Nevada.
Galluzi’s key achievements include the modernization of the audio-visual infrastructure in the Old Assembly Room at the Nevada State Capitol, boosting public engagement by 30% and decreasing operational disruptions by 25%; and a seamless relocation of the Governor’s office, which resulted in a 20% increase in efficiency. He also spearheaded critical upgrades to the state’s VMware environment, achieving a 40% reduction in potential downtime.
His collaborative approach culminated in the first State CIO Summit, focusing on AI and cybersecurity, which garnered a 90% satisfaction rate among attendees and prompted new governance frameworks. Galluzi’s advocacy for legislative changes streamlined procurement processes, cutting costs by 10%.
Galluzi excels in visionary thinking, strategic planning, and collaborative leadership, fostering strong relationships and bolstering service delivery. His involvement with organizations like the National Association of State Chief Information Officers and Great Minds in STEM highlight his commitment to professional development and mentorship.
Education: Jesse Taylor
Senior Management of Identity and Middleware Services | UNLV
Jesse Taylor is a transformative leader at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he oversees the Identity Management and Middleware Services team within the Office of Information Technology. Responsible for managing the central identity access system for over 40,000 students and staff, Taylor ensures the seamless operation of mission-critical services that underpin university functions.
He has led initiatives that increased the university’s operational efficiency, enabling robust data management and support systems vital for decision-making and academic success. His passion for digital transformation drives collaboration with diverse stakeholders, adapting technology to meet the evolving needs of students and faculty.
A key advocate for security, Taylor works closely with the Chief Information Security Officer to fortify administrative systems, balancing accessibility with data protection—a crucial task at a public institution. His strategic insights inform budget allocations, facilitating the acquisition of necessary technology despite financial constraints.
Taylor’s leadership is characterized by his commitment to mentorship, fostering teamwork within his unit, and a deep-seated passion for solving complex problems. He is an active member of the Society for Information Management, where he champions educational initiatives and scholarships, reinforcing the region’s tech workforce.
Cybersecurity: Ron Arayata
Manager | Purple Team Operations, Nevada National Security Sites
Ron Arayata is responsible for the Cyber Security Incident Response team for the Nevada National Security Sites, which include remote facilities across the country. Since joining the Cyber Security Program, he has driven significant growth, securing $10 million in additional funding for 2023. In his role, he actively blocks over a million malicious emails in an average month and analyzes vast amounts of data to protect sensitive information.
Arayata has been instrumental in deploying innovative cybersecurity solutions, such as a new asset discovery and risk management system, enhancing operational technology monitoring. His proactive approach extends to the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Cyber Threat Intelligence Center, where he leads threat-hunting initiatives that bolster defenses against adversarial attacks.
A respected mentor, Arayata educates colleagues on cybersecurity awareness and techniques through training sessions and public speaking engagements. He displays his collaborative skills as he builds a cohesive team that thrives under his guidance. With a commitment to excellence and community service, Ron Arayata is not only fortifying cybersecurity at NNSS but also empowering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
Large Business Award: Colin Loveless
System Administrator | Foley Entertainment Group
Adaptability is one of the many qualities that makes Colin Loveless a good leader at the Foley Entertainment Group. As the System Administrator, Loveless takes on a variety of tasks, which in 2024, included spearheading network integrations for major acquisitions. Loveless demonstrated flexibility as he adjusted to challenges, managed technical issues and responded to the needs of clients, team members and stakeholders.
As part of this integration process, Loveless’ role included installing state-of-the-art network equipment and implementing robust hotel management services, ensuring seamless operations and enhanced security. He also implemented credit card processing systems to ensure functionality and security across business holdings.
Loveless practices mentorship both in and out of the workplace. At work, he uses his knowledge and empathy to create a collaborative and communicative environment where team members feel valued, learn continuously and are challenged to reach their full potential. At home, Loveless teaches music and shares his passion for music with his students while nurturing their creativity. He also uses his free time to work with the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation and volunteer with Three Square food bank.
Emerging Technology: Ian Hughes
Chief Commercial Officer | Gaming Laboratories International
Ian Hughes implements high-level strategy and innovation at Gaming Laboratories International. With a mission to provide world-class testing and certification, GLI supports clients across 710 jurisdictions globally and has ensured the integrity of gaming operations for over 35 years. Under Hughes’s proactive leadership, GLI has embraced cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning to revolutionize compliance and operational standards.
Technology and gaming are fast-paced industries and Hughes stands at the forefront of technological advancement, including staying abreast of regulatory issues, such as anti-money laundering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Hughes has completed postgraduate studies and recently received an AI certification from MIT.
Recently, Hughes helped develop GLI’s award-winning Test Automation services, enhancing testing quality and significantly reducing time-to-market for gaming devices. He was also a leader in the creation of GLI’s Change Management Program Guide, a free resource to anyone in the gaming community that outlines best practice guidance, industry standards and proper regulatory oversight. His visionary approach has not only improved operational efficiency but also ensured that the gaming sector adapts to emerging technologies responsibly.
Cox Innovation: Mark Stutzman
Chief Technology Officer | AREA15
With a mission to push the boundaries of experience, AREA15 has become the world’s first purpose-built immersive entertainment district, attracting over 3 million visitors annually. Under Mark Stutzman’s leadership, the venue has seamlessly integrated cutting-edge technology to enhance operational efficiency and elevate guest experiences, becoming a beacon of innovation in the realm of immersive entertainment.
Mark Stutzman
In his role as Chief Technology Officer, Stutzman implemented AI-driven automation, streamlining operations and accelerating routine tasks by over 20%. He pioneered the development of innovative attractions, such as the AI-themed “Mirror,” which offers guests real-time visual transformations. This unique feature not only entertains but also creates personalized shareable content, lending itself to greater guest engagement.
Stutzman also established a Project Management Office that has standardized practices, improved communication, and increased efficiency by more than 27%. His ability to integrate AI across various facets of the organization positions AREA15 as a leader in the entertainment industry.
A visionary and mentor, Mark is dedicated to continuous learning, sharing his expertise through workshops and sessions that empower future tech leaders. His strategic insight and commitment to innovation not only drives AREA15’s success but also set new standards for immersive entertainment experiences.
Small Medium Business: Eric Basu
Chief Executive Officer | Haiku Inc
Haiku Inc has redefined cybersecurity training with game-based learning. Under the visionary leadership of Eric Basu, Haiku’s innovative products—World of Haiku and Haiku Pro—equip learners with hands-on cybersecurity skills, facilitating lucrative career pathways. This approach not only empowers individuals but also strengthens the workforce in a crucial industry.
Eric Basu
Basu has significantly boosted Haiku’s operational efficiency and profitability by launching projects such as the enterprise system overhaul, which streamlined workflows and reduced system downtime by 30%, and the cybersecurity enhancement initiative, which led to a 40% drop in security incidents, saving the company over $500,000. Additionally, Basu’s development of an AI-driven customer insights platform increased customer retention by 15% and contributed to a 10% rise in annual revenue.
Beyond his achievements at Haiku, Basu is dedicated to community service and mentorship. He serves on multiple boards, including the San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence and Saved in America, championing cybersecurity education and child protection.
Nonprofit: Jamey Felsing
Vice President of Operations | Cure 4 The Kids Foundation
Jamey Felsing, Vice President of Operations at Cure 4 The Kids Foundation, is a catalyst for change in the realm of pediatric cancer treatment. Since its inception in 2007, C4K has provided comprehensive care for children facing life-threatening diseases in Southern Nevada, and under Felsing’s leadership, the foundation has embraced cutting-edge technology to enhance patient experience.
In 2024, Felsing successfully guided C4K’s transition to Phreesia’s patient intake software, allowing families to upload necessary documents from home, thereby streamlining the check-in process. This not only reduced errors but also improved efficiency in medical record management. His introduction of the picture archiving and communication system to C4K has revolutionized communication between providers, facilitating quicker access to critical imaging.
Felsing’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in his development of an iPad-based system that provides immediate access to interpretation services in over 200 languages, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder patient care. His dedication extends beyond technology; he actively mentors team members and supports community organizations like Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation.
Felsing’s visionary leadership, compassion and unwavering commitment to innovation create a brighter future for children battling cancer and rare diseases. His holistic approach ensures that every child receives the best possible care, regardless of their circumstances.
