Director Specialist, Data and AI

Valerie Bergman is a seasoned Data and AI Specialist at Microsoft, with over 25 years of experience in technical roles including development, business analysis, project management, strategy, architecture, and technical sales. She holds a bachelor's degree in international political science and a master's degree in software engineering from the University of St. Thomas. Valerie is passionate about leveraging technology trends to drive innovation and has a deep commitment to inspiring the next generation through her volunteer work with organizations like MnTech, Starbase, and Aspirations in Computing. Based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, she enjoys outdoor activities, cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family.

Chief Information Officer

Tony Pannone holds three Microsoft Engineer Certifications and two Cisco Associate Certifications, specializing in systems setup, cybersecurity, and enterprise network design. Tony currently serves as the chair for the Spearfish Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He also sits on the partner advisory board for Savvy Money. Savvy Money is a leader in credit score educational and marketing technology for banks and credit unions.

As Chief Information Officer at Highmark Federal Credit Union, Tony leads IT infrastructure, strategic planning, and leadership development. He is a certified instructor for Crucial Learning and works very closely with the training and HR department teaching Crucial Conversations '" and Crucial Accountability.'"

Senior Vice President, Security Services

As the Senior Vice President of Security Services at Kaseya, Mark leads the delivery of cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to a partner ecosystem of approximately 50,000 partners and their customers. He oversees Security Operations (SOCOPS), designs and optimizes global security operations centers, and ensures the seamless deployment of advanced cybersecurity technologies and tools.

With over 25 years of experience in strategic planning, cybersecurity, business development, channel operations, and management consulting, Mark is a visionary leader committed to driving innovation and delivering exceptional results. His expertise lies in building high-performing teams, developing forward-thinking strategies, and implementing transformative solutions that propel organizations across industries.

Director

Mike Waldner has had the privilege of working on numerous statewide technology initiatives for the State of South Dakota. His work has included bringing the first internet connection to state government, connecting all K-12 schools, building the centralized K-12 Data Center, coordinating the South Dakota public safety FirstNet network, and serving as Program Manager for ConnectSD, a half billion-dollar initiative dedicated to providing high-speed internet access to all South Dakotans.

Now, as Director of SecureSD, he is focused on enhancing cybersecurity for every city, county, and local government across the state. Waldner holds a Master of Science in Information Systems, serves as an adjunct instructor at Dakota State University, and is a former elected official, having served as Public Safety Commissioner for the City of Madison. He has even appeared on an episode of Forensic Files. Despite his busy schedule, he still finds time to volunteer

Cybersecurity Advisor

Jim Edman is the Cybersecurity Advisor for the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cyber and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in South Dakota. As Cybersecurity Advisor, Jim works with critical industry sectors across the state on cyber risk management and improved cybersecurity hygiene.

Prior to joining CISA in 2021, Jim worked with South Dakota state government in the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications (BIT) with experience in applications development and networking technologies for state government, K-12 and Higher Education. Jim served as Chief Information Security Officer for 13 years. Establishing operational, strategic, and collaborative platforms to successfully safeguard constituent and government data. He also served as the Broadband Manager for the ConnectSD project to bring high speed broadband to every South Dakotan. Other positions include Deputy Chief Information Officer and acting Chief Information Officer.

He enjoys reading, hunting pheasants, playing basketball, golf and doing all sorts of family activities.

Founder

Jacob B. West is an entrepreneur, community-builder, and proud alumnus of South Dakota Mines. He is the recent founder of DelegateIQ, a company dedicated to helping businesses harness the power of artificial intelligence to scale smarter and faster through innovative business strategies as growth partners. With a background in custom software and data engineering solutions, Jacob has built his career at the intersection of technology and business, helping organizations solve complex challenges with practical solutions.

Beyond his professional work, Jacob is deeply engaged in the Black Hills community. He serves on local boards, mentors young professionals, and invests his time in initiatives that strengthen connections between people and opportunities. Known as a connector, Jacob is passionate about linking people, ideas, and resources together to spark new opportunities and create lasting impact in the region.

Outside of his professional and community life, Jacob values time with family and enjoys traveling the country with his girlfriend, Juli, a project controls engineer for a national solar energy company, whom he met at South Dakota Mines. Together, they share a love for exploring new places, meeting new people, and building experiences that deepen their shared journey.

Director of Strategic Partnerships

Clint Parsons is the Director of Strategic Partnerships at SEAM, the region’s only certified IT asset disposition (ITAD) provider. He works with businesses of all sizes to build practical, secure strategies for retiring IT equipment—helping them stay compliant, protect data, and recover value wherever possible. With a background in managed services and IT infrastructure, Clint brings a grounded, technical perspective to the complex world of data destruction, compliance, and lifecycle planning. His focus is on bridging the gap between IT teams and leadership to make sure nothing falls through the cracks when equipment reaches end of life. Clint stays active in industry circles through groups like InfraGard, the South Dakota Cybersecurity Council, SME, and Rotary.

Technology Advisory Services Manager

For almost two decades, Eric Eisenbraun has consulted with clients to gain measurable business results through strategic planning and IT alignment. His teaching and technical background bring a unique perspective for relating simple business concepts to what is typically complex technical information. He now leads a team of advisors, helping businesses across South Dakota.

Eric currently serves on the board of directors for the Cybersecurity Council of South Dakota and the advisory council for SecureSD.

Senior Security Architect

Senior Security Architect for Black Hills Energy, Katelyn Flowers-Velasquez works to ensure cyber security compliance and best practices are kept a priority from cloud security engineering to vulnerability management. Katelyn is also a Board Member for the South Dakota InfraGard chapter and the President for the Cybersecurity Council of South Dakota.

Software Engineer & Business Analyst

Isaac Smith is a software engineer and business analyst at Omnitech, where he helps organizations solve complex technology and operational challenges through thoughtful, tailored solutions. He bridges the gap between technical teams and business goals to ensure software truly fits the needs it’s built to serve.