On June 13, 2025, the 2025 South Florida ORBIE Awards celebrated the remarkable achievements of top technology executives from various organizations, including World Fuel Services, Kellanova, Belcorp, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Dolphins, TIME, and Keyes. This prestigious event, held at The Diplomat Resort, acknowledged the impactful leadership and innovation within the technology sector, showcasing individuals who have dramatically influenced their respective industries.
The ORBIE Awards, hosted by SouthFloridaCIO—a branch of the Inspire Leadership Network—highlight the pivotal role of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) in driving business transformation. During the ceremony, notable CIOs within seven categories were recognized for their outstanding contributions to their organizations and the community.
The categories included Super Global, Global, Large Enterprise, Enterprise, Large Corporate, Corporate, and Leadership. Jeff Smith, former COO of World Fuel Services, was honored with the Leadership ORBIE for his exemplary contributions in transforming leadership practices in technology.
Eric Firer, CIO of North America at Kellanova, received the Super Global ORBIE, awarded to executives in organizations that generate over $3 billion in annual revenue and operate on a multinational scale. Venkat Gopalan, Chief Digital, Data & Technology Officer at Belcorp, was honored with the Global ORBIE for overseeing organizations with revenues exceeding $1 billion.
Meanwhile, Tom Gillette, SVP & CIO of Mount Sinai Medical Center, took home the Large Enterprise ORBIE for enterprises reporting over $1 billion in revenue. Sameer Istafa from Miami Dolphins won the Enterprise ORBIE for organizations generating more than $500 million annually. Additionally, Sharon Milz, CIO at TIME, and Wendi Iglesias, CIO at Keyes, received the Large Corporate and Corporate ORBIE awards, respectively, for businesses with revenues exceeding $200 million and those up to $200 million.
Margaret Brisbane, Chair of SouthFloridaCIO, remarked, “Great CIOs understand how connections drive transformation.” Her statement emphasized the inherent value of relationships in fostering innovation and inspiring the future of technology leadership in South Florida.
The ORBIE Awards follow a rigorous, independent peer-adjudicated process led by previous ORBIE recipients. Selection criteria focus on leadership effectiveness, the business value created through technological advancements, and engagement in industry and community efforts. This transparent process ensures the recognition of the genuine leaders making a significant impact on their organizations and communities.
The keynote address for the evening was delivered by Jeff Smith, further solidifying the significance of collaboration and innovation among CIOs. Smith shared insights into navigating challenges and leveraging technology to foster growth and transformation. Guests were treated to an evening filled with networking and celebration, with nearly 350 attendees from South Florida organizations and their technology partners present.
The success of the South Florida ORBIE Awards was made possible through the generous support of several sponsors. Key underwriters included Concord, Fortinet, Google Cloud, Kanini, and ProSourceIT, while Gold Sponsors featured Comcast Business, Future Tech Enterprise, Glean, The Ksquare Group, Nerdio, and Tata Consultancy Services. A diverse range of Silver and Bronze sponsors also contributed to the event’s success, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering technology leadership in the region.
SouthFloridaCIO, the organization behind the awards, serves as a premier peer leadership network for CIOs in the region. Affiliated with the Inspire Leadership Network, SouthFloridaCIO comprises a national member organization dedicated to supporting C-suite leaders across various sectors, including public and private businesses, government, healthcare, and education. The chapter operates under a leadership framework supported by an Advisory Board and committed underwriter executives, emphasizing its dedication to fostering genuine connections among technology leaders.
As technology continues to evolve, the contributions of these esteemed executives, recognized at the ORBIE Awards, play a crucial role in driving innovation and change across various industries. The insights gleaned from their experiences not only inspire current leaders but also cultivate the next generation of executives equipped to navigate the complexities of today’s business landscape.
In conclusion, the 2025 South Florida ORBIE Awards exemplify the critical role of technologists in shaping the future. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, the leadership demonstrated by these CIOs serves as a beacon for thriving in an ever-changing environment. The event was not just a celebration but also an avenue for fostering connections among the industry’s finest, ensuring that the legacy of innovation and leadership continues to flourish in South Florida and beyond.
For more information on sponsorship opportunities and to connect with leading C-suite executives, visit the South Florida CIO official site.
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