Twelve of San Diego County’s technology innovators were recognized at the 16th annual Top Tech Awards held at The Sound at Del Mar Fairgrounds. The awards celebration honored the region’s information technology (IT) leaders, and everyday heroes in the areas of business, education, government, and nonprofit organizations. More than 600 people were in attendance. Since 2008, Cox Business has been the event’s presenting sponsor.
Cox Business California Vice President Jodi Duva delivered opening remarks for the event. She was joined by Alexandra Gerritsen, MBA, PMP, Chief Operating Officer, PenChecks, and Brian Nordmann, Chief Information Officer, Entrust Solutions Group, Judging Chairs of Top Tech Awards 2023.
Nimer Saikaly, chief executive officer of Ciprus Consulting, received the Top Tech Executive of the Year Award, and Shawn Granen, director of information technology for the USS MIDWAY, received the Cox Business Exemplary Award.
The 12 category honorees, selected from more than 150 nominations, include:
| Category | Honoree | Company |
|---|---|---|
| Public Company | Prerna Mayor | NuVasive |
| Government | Maria Callander | City of Carlsbad |
| Future of Tech | Ryan Kari | MagCanica |
| Start-Up | David Penalva | HelioVolta |
| Private Large | Lance Onken | Measurabl |
| Education Institute | DeWayne Cossey | Vista Unified School District |
| Hospitality | Colton Barlow | Viejas Casino |
| Nonprofit Business | Rob Honma | Santa Fe Christian Schools |
| Healthcare Biotech | Rob Kaufman | Scientist.com |
| Private SMB | John Rolando | Spectral Labs Incorporated |
| Top Tech of the Year Award | Nimer Saikaly | Ciprus Consulting |
| Cox Business Exemplary Award | Shawn Granen | USS MIDWAY |
This year’s event featured a lively awards presentation, delectable ceviche, sliders, tacos, craft beer, live music from Vintage Vinyl band, and a 360 photo booth —plus networking with San Diego’s most innovative leaders in technology. Del Mar City Councilmember Dave Druker also presented a Top Tech Exec Day proclamation at the event.
“As the California Vice President for Cox Business, I’m so excited to be participating at our 16th annual Top Tech Awards,” said Jodi Duva. “It is always such an amazing and meaningful event as we celebrate the region’s technology leaders who work so hard, often behind the scenes, to push the boundaries of innovation and help to drive our economy.”
Honorees for the Top Tech Awards were nominated by their peers and customers and selected by an independent judging panel.
In addition to presenting sponsor Cox Business, sponsors included CBS News 8 / The CW San Diego, San Diego Union-Tribune, Sayva, 7CTOS, VIA Technical, San Diego Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP), Connect, Fresh Brewed Tech, Downtown San Diego Partnership and Tech San Diego.
About the Top Tech Awards
Since 2008, Cox Business has lauded the incredible information technology innovators in San Diego. “The Top Tech Awards pays homage to the wealth of talent in our community, to people who have a vision, take risks, and implement new cutting-edge technologies, all in the name of making their organizations more connected, more productive, and more successful. Since its inception, the Top Tech Awards has grown expansively and stands today as the premier information technology event in San Diego. From 2012 through 2019, all presiding mayors of the city declared the event day as Top Tech Exec Day in San Diego, recognizing the city’s information technology leaders and their outstanding contributions to our community. For more information, visit www.toptechawards.com.
