USF Muma College of Business Celebrates First Digital Business Award Winners
USF Muma College of Business Celebrates First Digital Business Award Winners
On April 15, 2026, the Muma College of Business at the University of South Florida (USF) proudly announced the winners of its inaugural Digital Business Awards. This event marks a significant milestone in recognizing leaders who are influencing the landscape of digital business. The awards were designed to spotlight exceptional contributions in the fields of technology, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation.
Digital Business Leader Award: Laurie Douglas
The Muma Digital Business Leader Award was awarded to Laurie Douglas, who holds the position of senior vice president, chief information officer, and chief digital officer at Publix Super Markets. With a robust portfolio that encompasses infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital solutions, and emerging technologies, Douglas has proven herself as a formidable leader in the digital transition. Her commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure has not only advanced Publix’s operational capabilities but also set a standard for excellence in the supermarket industry.
Digital Business Innovator Award: Tony DiBenedetto
The next accolade, the Muma Digital Business Innovator Award, was given to Tony DiBenedetto, the executive chair of Appspace and the visionary founder of Think Big for Kids. A luminary in the technology sector, DiBenedetto is renowned for his successful ventures including Tribridge and Appspace, the latter being a service provider for approximately half of Fortune 500 companies. His entrepreneurial journey exemplifies the spirit of innovation that this award seeks to celebrate. DiBenedetto continues to demonstrate how technology can have a meaningful impact not just on businesses but also in empowering communities through his philanthropic efforts.
Digital Business Distinguished Alumni Award: Gilbert Gonzalez
The final award, the Muma Digital Business Distinguished Alumni Award, was bestowed upon Gilbert Gonzalez, CEO and founder of Mission Critical Solutions. With master's and doctoral degrees obtained from USF, Gonzalez has established one of the fastest-growing privately held technology firms in the region. His journey from a student to a leading CEO serves as an inspiration, proving that dedication and innovative thinking can lead to significant successes in the tech industry.
Bridging Academia and Industry
The Digital Business Awards ceremony was organized by the School of Information Systems, recognized nationally for its advancements in artificial intelligence and analytics research and education. This initiative not only honors current market leaders but also reinforces the Muma College's commitment to closing the gap between academia and the business world.
David W. Blackwell, the Lynn Pippenger Dean of the Muma College of Business, commended the award winners, stating, "As leaders and innovators, Laurie, Tony, and Gil have excelled in a rapidly changing digital landscape, and they represent the start of a proud new tradition of recognizing excellence at USF."
In an era increasingly shaped by digitalization and artificial intelligence, the recipients of the 2026 Digital Business Awards stand as exemplary role models for students and the wider Tampa Bay technology community. Munir Mandviwalla, professor and director of the School of Information Systems, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the necessity for such role models in guiding the next generation of tech leaders.
About the Muma College of Business
The Muma College of Business serves as an educational beacon for over 8,800 students distributed across three campuses, encompassing seven dedicated schools. The institution boasts high-ranking programs including top 10 spots for its executive and online MBA offerings, in addition to master’s programs in entrepreneurship and sport business. The School of Information Systems is likewise distinguished, marking a prominent position within the top 20 research programs based on scholarly publications in leading journals. This body of work fuels the college’s mission of enhancing student learning experiences, fostering impactful research, and maintaining collaborative relationships within the vibrant ecosystem of the Tampa Bay business community.
For more details about the Muma College of Business and its programs, visit www.usf.edu/business.
Topics General Business）
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