Top Technology Executives Honored at the 2025 GeorgiaCIO ORBIE Awards
ATLANTA – November 21, 2025 – The 2025 GeorgiaCIO ORBIE Awards recently celebrated the remarkable leadership and innovation of leading technology executives from some of the Southeast’s most influential organizations. Hosted by GeorgiaCIO, a chapter of the Inspire Leadership Network, the awards ceremony recognized chief information officers (CIOs) and other top technology leaders who have driven significant business transformation and industry impact.
The prestigious event was held at The Hotel at Avalon in Atlanta, drawing over 400 guests including executives, industry leaders, and technology partners. The ORBIE Awards honor excellence across multiple categories based on company size, scope, and sector, recognizing those who leverage technology to solve complex challenges and foster innovation.
"This year’s winners exemplify how great CIOs understand that connections drive transformation," said Elizabeth Hoemeke, Chair of GeorgiaCIO. "The ORBIE Awards shine a spotlight on leaders who not only innovate but also build relationships that shape the future of Georgia’s technology landscape."
2025 GeorgiaCIO ORBIE Award Recipients
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Lifetime Achievement ORBIE: Martin Davis, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Southern Company. Recognized for his enduring contributions and distinguished career in technology leadership.
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Super Global ORBIE (for organizations with over $6 billion in annual revenue and multinational operations): Viren Shah, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital & Information Officer at AGCO Corporation.
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Global ORBIE (organizations over $1 billion annual revenue, multinational): Jamil Farshchi, Chief Technology Officer at Equifax.
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Large Enterprise ORBIE (organizations over $8 billion annual revenue): Carolyn Pleiss, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Cox Enterprises.
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Enterprise ORBIE (organizations over $2 billion annual revenue): Chintan Patel, Chief Information Officer at National DCP.
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Large Corporate ORBIE (organizations over $600 million annual revenue): Scott Schemmel, Chief Information Officer at Construction Resources.
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Corporate ORBIE (organizations up to $600 million annual revenue): Gaurav Singal, former Chief Technology Officer at Cantaloupe.
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Public Sector ORBIE (government and public sectors): Chris Crist, Chief Information Officer at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
About the ORBIE Awards
Since 1998, the ORBIE Awards have been the premier recognition for C-suite technology leaders, honoring those who deliver business value through innovation, effective management, and community engagement. Winners and finalists undergo a rigorous independent peer review process led by past ORBIE recipients. The awards foster leadership development, strengthen executive networks, and inspire emerging leaders in the technology sector.
Event Highlights and Support
The event featured a keynote address by Martin Davis, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and EVP & CIO of Southern Company, who was interviewed by DeWayne Griffin, Vice Chair of GeorgiaCIO. The gathering provided an opportunity for top executives and technology partners across Georgia to connect and celebrate industry achievements.
The 2025 GeorgiaCIO ORBIE Awards were made possible through the support of numerous sponsors. Underwriters included Brooksource, Google Cloud, Kanini, Palo Alto Networks, and Slalom Consulting. Gold sponsors featured Cato Networks, Cloudflare, Fortinet, HCL Tech, Moveworks, and Rimini Street. Silver sponsors included Cognizant, Juniper Networks, Symphony, T-Mobile, Tata Consultancy Services, Tyler Technologies, Veeam Software, and Zscaler Inc., with additional support from bronze sponsors Auditmacs, Between Pixels, Capgemini, Island, and iVision. Media partner for the event was the Atlanta Business Chronicle, and Year Up United served as the nonprofit partner.
About GeorgiaCIO and Inspire Leadership Network
GeorgiaCIO is the premier peer leadership network for chief information officers in Georgia, representing a diverse membership across public and private sectors including business, government, education, healthcare, and nonprofits. As a chapter of the Inspire Leadership Network, GeorgiaCIO connects over 2,000 executives across 50 chapters nationwide, supporting leaders in navigating complex executive responsibilities in technology roles.
For more information about the GeorgiaCIO ORBIE Awards, sponsorship opportunities, and connecting with technology executives across North America, visit the GeorgiaCIO website.
Media Contact:
Nicole Lammes
[email protected]
