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Unveiling the 2026 Info-Tech Awards Winners

In a groundbreaking ceremony held on October 13, 2026, the Info-Tech Research Group proudly announced the winners of the much-anticipated 2026 Info-Tech Awards. This year's accolades shine a spotlight on 68 exceptional recipients from across the globe who have made significant strides in IT leadership, innovation, and organizational performance.

A Celebration of Excellence

The Info-Tech Awards are dedicated to recognizing the remarkable achievements within the IT sector. This prestigious program encompasses five categories, each reflecting different aspects of innovation and leadership. Awards are given for the Innovator of the Year, along with four leadership categories: Women Leading IT, IT Transformation, IT Excellence, and IT Impact. The rigorous evaluation process involves analyzing diagnostic data and conducting interviews, ensuring that winners are selected based on clear criteria reflecting their sector's unique challenges.

Hannes Scheidegger, the Chief Global Services Officer at Info-Tech Research Group, emphasized the importance of visible value delivered by IT leaders: “IT leaders earn credibility when the value they deliver is clear to the rest of the business. That can mean stronger service, more effective operations, or a new way to solve a longstanding problem.” This sentiment underlines the essence of the awards, celebrating those leaders and teams whose contributions elevate their organizations and the industry as a whole.

Notable Award Recipients

The 2026 Info-Tech Awards recognize participants from both private and public sectors, highlighting the integral role of IT in enhancing operations and addressing business challenges. The awardees span multiple industries, including healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and higher education, showcasing the breadth of technology initiatives aimed at driving improvement and stakeholder satisfaction.

Innovator of the Year

This category honors organizations that have launched impactful, technology-driven initiatives to resolve business hurdles and enhance efficiency. Notable recipients from the North America Large and Enterprise Division include:

• - First Student (USA)
• - General Dynamics Mission Systems (USA)
• - New York Life Insurance Company (USA)

In the Small and Medium Division, awardees like Whatfix (USA) and tZERO (USA) also demonstrated commendable achievements in innovation.

Women Leading IT Award

This award acknowledges women who exemplify inclusive leadership and mentorship, shaping the next generation of IT leaders. Winners include:

• - Alisha Garrett, Chief Enterprise Strategy Officer, Utah Transit Authority (USA)
• - Hina Gandhi, Technical Leader, Cisco (USA)

Furthermore, outstanding women from small and medium organizations such as Karen D’Amico, IT Director, DeVry University (USA) also received recognition.

IT Transformation Award

The IT Transformation Award is granted to leaders who align strategic initiatives with organizational goals, achieving meaningful results. Among the distinguished recipients are:

• - Sherif Youssef, VP, Enterprise Architect, Cathay Bank (USA)
• - Robert Sprinkle, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Florida State University (USA)

IT Excellence Award

This accolade is given to leaders who have demonstrated measurable enhancements in IT processes. Recipients include:

• - Monique Sendze, Vice President for Information Technology, California State University, Chico (USA)
• - Ronald McKenzie, CIO, City of Fort Lauderdale (USA)

IT Impact Award

Lastly, this award identifies leaders whose initiatives significantly enhance their organizations. Noteworthy winners comprise:

• - AJ Grande, Sr. Director, Enterprise Technology, Suns Legacy Partners (USA)
• - Sean Carritt, Chief Information Officer, Infrastructure NSW (APAC)

Looking Forward

The Info-Tech Awards not only celebrate individual and organizational success but also reflect the evolving role of IT leadership in today's dynamic landscape. The winners demonstrate a commitment to innovation and improvement, encouraging others within the industry to follow suit. Their achievements serve as a beacon of inspiration, showing how technology can be harnessed to effect meaningful change across various sectors.

For a detailed view of all award recipients across all categories, you can visit the official 2026 Info-Tech Awards page. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, these leaders stand ready to spearhead the innovation that will shape the future.