Our Technology Consulting Executive Team in New York

Kevin M. Owens

President and CEO

Kevin M. Owens serves as NYSTEC’s president and CEO. His consulting experience spans more than 20 years, focusing on transformational initiatives that have assisted organizations in positioning themselves for future success. Kevin’s forte is overseeing large-scale system implementations, where he has excelled in managing all phases of the technology project life cycle. As he served in various leadership roles in NYSTEC, Kevin also served clients such as the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), NYC Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT), and the NYS Department of Labor (DOL).

For many years, Kevin led NYSTEC-sponsored community involvement and charity events. A strong supporter of professional development, Kevin has served as a mentor to many people on NYSTEC’s management and leadership teams.

Kevin holds a BBA from Siena College and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) as recognized by the Project Management Institute.

Chip Barnes

Managing Director of Service Delivery

Chip Barnes serves as NYSTEC’s managing director of service delivery. A certified project management professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute and a former certified public accountant, Chip has 20 years of experience in leading large business, technical, quality, and system integration projects for New York State government. He oversees NYSTEC’s consulting division, which is comprised of more than 400 professionals delivering services across a broad spectrum of clients in New York State and local government.

Most of his career has been spent serving the Health and Human Services industry, and he has played important roles in program and system modernization efforts for the New York Medicaid program.

Chip holds a bachelor’s degree in accountancy from Bentley College.

Pete DiFondi

Chief Technology Officer

Pete DiFondi brings more than two decades of executive technology leadership across healthcare, research, and financial services to his role as chief technology officer at NYSTEC. A strategic innovator and operational expert, Pete leads NYSTEC’s internal IT strategy, enterprise architecture, and digital transformation efforts. He is deeply committed to enabling NYSTEC’s people, platforms, and partners through secure, scalable, and service-oriented technology.

Prior to joining NYSTEC, Pete served as senior vice president and chief information officer at CDPHP, where he led one of the highest-performing technology organizations in the healthcare payer space.

Pete holds an MBA from Capella University and a dual bachelor’s in information science and psychology from SUNY Albany. A certified PMP and AHIP Fellow, he speaks regularly at healthcare technology forums and remains active in AI and IT service management circles.

Jasminka Husic

CFO, Director – Finance and Business Intelligence

Jasminka Husic is NYSTEC’s chief financial officer and director of finance and business intelligence. As a member of the leadership team, she works closely with the CEO to develop corporate plans and programs that support NYSTEC’s mission as a nonprofit organization. Jasminka is responsible for ensuring strong financial controls, overseeing the full financial cycle, and guiding fiscal performance to minimize risk and safeguard the company’s assets. With more than 20 years of experience, Jasminka brings a comprehensive understanding of financial management, strategic planning, and operational excellence. She also leads initiatives in business intelligence to support data-driven decision-making across the organization.

Prior to joining NYSTEC, Jasminka worked as a senior staff accountant, where she managed audit teams and provided consulting services in audit and tax. She began her career in technology as a software developer and later advanced to a senior software engineer, contributing to the development of medical record systems.

Jasminka holds a master’s degree in accountancy from SUNY Institute of Technology (SUNYIT) and dual bachelor’s degrees in business administration and e-commerce, with a minor in computer science, from Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Jasminka is a certified public accountant (CPA) and a Prosci certified change practitioner.

Beyond her role at NYSTEC, Jasminka serves as vice chair of the SUNY Polytechnic Institute Foundation Board of Directors and mentors first-year female students in STEAM programs through SUNY Poly’s STEAM Circle. She is also a member of the NY CREATES Board of Directors.

In recognition of her leadership and impact, Jasminka was named one of the 50 Remarkable Women Improving New York in 2024.

Susan Karavolas

Chief Human Resources Officer

Susan Karavolas is the chief human resources officer at NYSTEC. In this role, she serves as a strategic partner to NYSTEC’s senior leadership team, providing consultative services in all areas of human resources. She is a veteran HR executive with expertise in creating and implementing key initiatives that align organizations for strategic success. Her experience with cross-functional leadership teams has led to the development of strategic plans, infrastructures, and teams that have driven results for both startups and well-established organizations.

Prior to joining NYSTEC, she served as vice president of human resources for the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, assistant deputy director of the New York State Office of General Services’ Business Service Center, and senior business partner of human resources at GlobalFoundries. She also serves on the Capital Region Human Resource Association (CRHRA) board as chair of the Workforce Development Committee.

Susan has a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the College of Saint Rose. She is an alum of the Leadership Capital Region class of 2025.

Shannon Kelley

Director of Strategy

Shannon Kelley is NYSTEC’s director of strategy. With nearly 20 years of experience leading business and technology transformation initiatives, she collaboratively shapes and defines NYSTEC’s company-wide strategy in partnership with the executive leadership team. She also coordinates strategy implementation across the organization, aligning operations with priorities. In her previous role as NYSTEC’s service delivery director, Shannon defined and led strategies to deliver superior value to our clients and protect and elevate NYSTEC’s reputation for quality.

Previously, Shannon worked as director of programs for the state Department of Health, responsible for advancing New York’s health information technology strategy.

Shannon holds a master’s degree in public health from the SUNY Albany School of Public Health, and she is a certified project management professional (PMP), a Prosci certified change practitioner, and a George Washington University certified strategic performance management system practitioner.

Mark Romano

Director – Business Development and Strategic Partnerships

Mark Romano serves a dual role as director of business development and strategic partnerships and client advocate for existing contracted business for NYSTEC. He is the lead on all new and extended business opportunities as well as the primary liaison between NYSTEC and its public sector-based government clients. With a focus on growth and an advanced understanding of public-sector industry knowledge, Mark has more than 20 years of experience interfacing with customers and top-echelon management.

Mark has served with and for clients in all levels of government, including the Federal Aviation Administration, Joint Chiefs of Staff, National Military Command Center, and numerous New York State and New York City agencies. He is well-versed in helping government clients successfully achieve their goals with their information technology projects.

Mark holds a master’s degree in public administration from Southwest Texas State University, as well as a project management professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute. He is also a US Air Force veteran. As a civilian, Mark developed information security policies and procedures for a US Air Force command and control program for the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Patrick Correia

Director of Service Delivery – Business

Patrick Correia is NYSTEC’s director of service delivery – business, in which he oversees the daily function and execution of four practices. Patrick has more than 15 years of experience in healthcare technology areas, including program administration, provider support/stakeholder outreach, system design and oversight, and solution architecture. Patrick has led several initiatives for the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), including developing and implementing the State’s Medicaid health information technology plan, providing system design and oversight for the NY Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program, and securing 90% federal financial participation (FFP) for program administration for the Statewide Health Information Network for New York (SHIN-NY).

Patrick holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Brad Duerr

Director of Service Delivery – Quality

NYSTEC Director of Service Delivery – Quality Brad Duerr brings extensive experience in leading transformational government programs and technology modernization initiatives. He directs four service delivery practices specializing in quality-based services across numerous New York State and New York City agencies. Brad also spearheads NYSTEC’s designation as a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) quality improvement organization-like (QIO-like) entity.

Brad holds a master’s degree in business administration from SUNY Polytechnic Institute and a bachelor’s degree in information systems/science from SUNY Oswego University. He is a certified project management professional (PMP) through Project Management Institute, a certified professional in business analysis (PMI-PBA), a certified professional in healthcare information and management systems from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, a certified internal audit practitioner from the Institute of Internal Auditors, and he holds a chief information officer certification from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College.

Sarah Goff

Director of Service Delivery – Technical

Sarah Goff serves as NYSTEC’s director of service delivery – technical. She directs five service delivery practices focused on technical-based services. Sarah has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare technology and consulting in both the New York City and Albany markets. With extensive experience leading multidisciplinary teams delivering strategic solutions across all phases of a project life cycle, her NYSTEC project work has included systems, strategy, and policy projects in the Medicaid and long-term care space. Prior to NYSTEC, Sarah worked at Albany Medical Center as their hospital clinical systems manager and in healthcare and pharma consulting in New York City for 15 years.

Sarah holds a master’s degree in business administration in information technology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Cornell University. She also holds a project management professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute.

Amit Bhaumik

Practice Leader – Emerging Technology

Amit Bhaumik leads the Emerging Technology Services practice. Amit oversees NYSTEC’s most technical service offerings, including evolving technologies such as cloud engineering, low code/no code, AI, and enterprise architecture. He leads a team of deep technology experts in bringing emerging technology solutions to our clients.

He is a healthcare technology project and program management professional with more than two decades of experience in system development, testing, implementation, database management, and data analysis and visualization. Amit’s background combines an IT foundation with strong technical skills and leadership, enabling him to drive initiatives to successful completion while fostering effective communication among technical and business stakeholders. His tenure at NYSTEC includes roles such as the engagement lead for major initiatives with both the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, where he led teams toward mission-critical objectives.

Amit holds a master’s degree in city planning from the Indian Institute of Technology, a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Bengal Engineering College, and a Master of Business Administration in healthcare management from Clarkson University. He holds several certifications, including project management professional (PMP) and program management professional (PgMP) from the Project Management Institute.

Cassandra Bixler

Practice Leader – Change Management and Learning Development

Cassie Bixler leads the Change Management and Learning Development practice, where she oversees a team of change management and learning development professionals and a growing portfolio of statewide initiatives. She brings more than two decades of experience helping New York State agencies implement complex technology and programmatic transformations. Her leadership has been central to establishing change management and learning development as core NYSTEC service areas.

Cassie’s career began in journalism and evolved through a deep commitment to community-focused work. Her experience includes nearly a decade supporting survivors of violence in Northern New York, where she helped launch a multidisciplinary child advocacy center and led efforts to strengthen local partnerships. After relocating to the Capital Region, she contributed to the successful rollout of the New York State of Health, connecting millions of New Yorkers to health coverage. Today, Cassie continues to blend her expertise in health and human services with her passion for people-centered change, helping public sector organizations foster engagement, resilience, and meaningful results.

Cassie is a Prosci-certified change practitioner with a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from Niagara University.

Rob Chang

Practice Leader – Policy and Program Strategic Solutions

Rob Chang leads the Policy and Program Strategic Solutions practice at NYSTEC. In this role, he manages a team that oversees multiple client projects within the Medicaid program, which is overseen by the Office of Health Insurance Program at the New York State Department of Health. Rob has more than 20 years of experience and is adept at engaging with clients on strategic program and policy implementation, portfolio management, project management, business analysis, digital learning product development, and communications management.

Prior to joining NYSTEC, he spent seven years as a lead system analyst with Reed Group and eight years with the GE Energy Learning Center in various roles.

Rob holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronic Media, Arts, and Communication from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).

Mike Edmonds

Practice Leader – Modernization and Data Solutions

Mike Edmonds leads the Modernization and Data Solutions practice, providing strategic planning, project oversight, and technical advisory services on healthcare and health information technology initiatives.

Mike has more than 10 years of experience with technology and healthcare transformation projects. Mike’s background focused on executive management of large cross-functioning teams, project management, systems analysis, process refinement, documentation development, and stakeholder management for client agencies across the healthcare field. He is an experienced project management professional, having consulted on multiple project approaches and strategies to best meet client goals within a defined budget and timeline.

Prior to joining NYSTEC, Mike worked as assistant vice president of IT for Care Design NY and Partners Health Plan.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Siena College. He is also a certified project management Professional (PMP) and a certified scrum project owner (CSPO).

Jon Greenwalt

Practice Leader – Technology Strategy

Jon Greenwalt leads the Technology Strategy practice. The Technology Strategy practice leads the development of our annual technology strategic plan for service delivery, identifies and evaluates new technologies and associated use cases for supporting the business, and works closely with our CTO, CIO, and CISO in the development of NYSTEC’s technical direction.

His client experience includes implementing and transforming information technology solutions throughout New York State. Jon has expertise in project management, strategic planning, resource and budget management, funding research and grant writing, quality assurance, business process and requirements analysis, and evaluating and procuring technology solutions. He has served numerous New York State and New York City agencies, including the Department of Health, Office of Mental Health, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, the State Education Department, and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

He holds a master’s degree in business administration in human resource information systems from SUNY Albany, and a bachelor’s degree in business management from Siena College.

Mark Greiner

Practice Leader – Technology Procurement and Implementation Services

Mark Greiner leads the Procurement and Implementation Services practice. Certified as a project management professional (PMP) from Project Management Institute, Mark has extensive experience in technology procurement, system implementation, and quality assurance. He has performed resource management, project planning, and monitoring on several high-profile IT projects in New York State and New York City, and he is skilled in managing independent validation and verification services. Mark’s activities have included documentation development such as technical requirements and requests for proposals, and his technical experience has focused on network and data-center infrastructure and migrations, as well as wireless LAN, WAN, and MAN application implementations and buildouts.

Mark holds a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications from the SUNY Institute of Technology.

Muhammad Khan

Practice Leader – Quality Management and Improvement Services

Muhammad Khan leads the Quality Management and Improvement Services practice. He specializes in providing program management, quality assurance, business analysis, informatics, quality improvement, and quality measurement services across numerous New York City and New York State agencies. He is experienced in leading healthcare transformation programs and technology modernization initiatives. Muhammad has 20 years of combined professional experience as a database consultant, HR data analyst, and manager/supervisor for various entities. Prior to joining NYSTEC, he worked at General Electric.

Muhammad attended SUNY Albany’s School of Business, where he earned a Master of Business Administration in information technology management. He also holds a master’s certificate in human resource management from Cornell University, as well as PMI-PBA and PMP certifications.

Emily Light

Practice Leader – Planning and Design

Emily Light leads NYSTEC’s Planning and Design practice. She is a public health professional with experience in the health insurance, healthcare delivery, and healthcare consulting settings. Emily’s career has focused on building new functions, relationship management, strategic planning, portfolio development/management, program management, process improvement, goal setting, and outcome achievement. She is experienced in leading teams, managing complex relationships, team building, conflict resolution, and facilitating change management techniques.

Emily holds a master’s degree in public health from State University of New York (SUNY) Albany and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Brandeis University. She is also active in her community and serves on the boards for the Homeless & Traveler’s Aid Society and the Niskayuna Girls Softball League.

Isaac Lutz

Practice Leader – Account Management and Client Strategy

Isaac Lutz leads the Account Management and Client Strategy practice at NYSTEC. He is responsible for overseeing a team that supports business development in creating new client relationship as well as nurturing strategic partnerships with existing clients. Previously, Isaac led the Policy and Program Strategic Services practice. He has more than a decade of experience leading projects, managing stakeholders, and advising clients to help organizations achieve their goals. Isaac has led numerous high priority projects to improve health performance for Medicaid and public health systems. He is a public policy expert and skilled client manager who applies knowledge and industry expertise to build relationships.

Isaac earned a bachelor’s degree in arts and humanity from Indiana University and a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Oklahoma. Before joining NYSTEC, he served in the country of Moldova as a United States Peace Corp Volunteer.

Colleen Mooney

Practice Leader – Funding Strategy and Operations

Colleen Mooney leads the Funding Strategy and Operations practice. In this role, she leads a team that provides strategic planning and subject matter expertise to clients on federal and state funding opportunities that support technology-driven initiatives. Colleen also oversees a team focused on enhancing NYSTEC’s internal service delivery and consulting operations.

Prior to joining NYSTEC, Colleen spent over a decade at the New York State Department of Health, where she led initiatives related to the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), health information exchange, technology and interoperability, vendor and contract management, procurement, and grant development.

Colleen holds a Master of Public Health from the SUNY Albany School of Public Health and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Rochester. She is also a Prosci-certified Change Management Practitioner.

Leilani Prusky

Practice Leader – Data Services and Management

Leilani Prusky leads the Data Services and Management practice. With more than 15 years of experience, she is a solution-focused leader experienced in quality and regulatory compliance, business analysis, and organizational change management. She has experience in systems analysis, process refinement, strategy development and alignment, documentation development, and stakeholder management for client agencies, including the New York State Department of Health. Leilani’s education and experience have enabled her to develop strong analysis and strategic planning skills, with a focus on project leadership.

Leilani holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She also earned a master certificate in business analysis from Villanova University and has completed the women in leadership certificate program at Cornell University. She is a Certified Medicaid Professional (MCMP-II) through the Medicaid Learning Center and is a Prosci-certified change practitioner.

Olivia Savery

Practice Leader – Quality Systems Transformation

Olivia Savery leads the Quality Systems Transformation practice. With more than 10 years of experience, she is responsible for guiding the overall strategy, client satisfaction, and success of the Quality Systems Transformation practice. She leads a team that manages quality assurance and improvement activities aimed at strengthening systems of care and advancing the health of vulnerable populations. Olivia also serves as the lead for NYSTEC’s Quality Improvement Organization (QIO)-like Entity Designation, overseeing all related initiatives, strategy development, and operational alignment to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Previously, she worked at the Center for Disability Services, serving as the director of quality improvement and incentive programs.

Olivia holds a bachelor’s degree in allied health from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, as well as a Master of Public Health from the University at Albany. She holds several professional certifications, including in change management from Cornell University and in health informatics from the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA).

Rob Zeglen

Practice Leader – Cybersecurity and Data Privacy

Rob Zeglen leads the Cybersecurity and Data Privacy practice, where he leads a team of more than 30 cybersecurity and privacy professionals. He has more than 25 years of experience in information security and associated technologies. His areas of specialty include identity and access management, performing risk assessments, and helping clients improve their cybersecurity maturity. Rob has advised numerous clients on cybersecurity maturity, building compliance programs, and guiding them on how to incorporate NIST based security controls across various program areas. He has also assessed existing disaster recovery readiness, facilitated tabletop exercises, and supported critical infrastructure sectors.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer information science from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Potsdam, as well as a master’s degree in computer science from Union College. He is an ISC2 certified information security systems professional (CISSP), ISC2 certified cloud security professional (CCSP), and HITRUST CSF practitioner. Rob regularly presents at annual conferences such as the NYSAC Legislative Conference and the New York State Cybersecurity Conference.

Matt Campbell

Assistant Director – Business Development

Matt Campbell serves as a business development manager for NYSTEC. He primarily focuses on identifying and pursuing new business opportunities by building and maintaining strong relationships with key partners and potential clients, aiming to achieve long-term growth for the company through strategic alliances and collaborations. He was previously a senior principal consultant with NYSTEC working as a subject matter expert regarding public safety voice and data systems before transitioning to the business development team.

Before joining NYSTEC, Matt retired from the Albany County Sheriff’s Office as chief deputy where he performed direct operational and administrative activities, including supervising patrol operations, criminal investigations, and administrative units, and the E-911 Communications Center. He also served in the U.S. Army with an honorable discharge after three years of active duty with a rank of corporal.

Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in health and community services from SUNY Empire State College.

Courtney Olsen

Assistant Director – Strategic Relationships

Courtney Olsen is the assistant director of the Strategic Relationships practice. With more than 15 years of experience, she is responsible for cultivating and managing high-value partnerships across sectors, with a focus on driving impact, revenue growth, and workforce and economic development initiatives. Courtney also provides strategic oversight and operational leadership to the organization’s workforce and economic development programs supported by the IgniteU and Empire APEX Accelerator teams, aligning efforts to support underserved communities through technology-driven opportunities.

In her previous role as the Innovation and Entrepreneurship practice leader, Courtney led a team of consultants focused on helping clients become more dynamic leaders and innovative thinkers by fostering an entrepreneur-centric approach. She has also helped develop policy and budget initiatives for the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Office of Health Insurance Programs (OHIP). Recognized as a compliance expert, Courtney has led and supported work with the New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General (OMIG) and OHIP’s Division of Long-Term Care.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Siena College and a master’s degree in business administration from Marist College. Courtney is a certified project management professional (PMP) from the Project Management Institute and a certified professional in healthcare information and management systems (CPHIMS) from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS).

Jeannine Smith

Marketing Communications Manager

Jeannine Smith is NYSTEC’s marketing communications manager. With more than 30 years’ experience in corporate communications and public relations, Jeannine leads a team dedicated to comprehensively supporting NYSTEC’s internal and external communications needs, including digital and printed materials, photography and videography, social media, website maintenance, community relations support, and press relations.

Before joining NYSTEC, Jeannine served as the deputy director of public information at the state Office of Children and Family Services, where she also managed various internal and external communications and supervised staff. She served in the Governor’s Office of the State of New York as a deputy communications director overseeing press responses for six state agencies and advising leadership on related communications strategy. She was also the vice president of public relations for a corporate credit union, and was a communications specialist at GE.

Jeannine also has a background in psychology and entrepreneurship, founding public relations consulting and geriatric care management firms. She has a bachelor’s degree in English from Hamilton College and a master’s in clinical social work from Boston University.

Kathy Stockbridge

Recruitment Manager

Kathy Stockbridge is a staffing and recruitment professional with more than 15 years of experience. As the recruitment manager for NYSTEC, she is responsible for managing NYSTEC’s recruitment process, driving diverse talent into the organization, and contributing to the company’s long-term growth. Kathy is deeply involved in the full recruiting life cycle, from initial sourcing and screening through offer negotiations, placement, and onboarding. She also plays a key role in delivering NYSTEC’s summer internship program experience, helping to develop early career talent and strengthen the company’s talent pipeline.

Previously, she was a branch manager at local staffing agency, Staffworks, where she oversaw branch operations, managed client relationships, and led a team of recruiters. In this role, Kathy specialized in providing customized staffing solutions that focused on delivering temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct placement personnel to clients across a variety of industries.

Kathy holds an associate’s degree in business management from Mohawk Valley Community College. She is a Certified Social Sourcing Recruiter (CSSR) and Certified Diversity and Inclusion Recruiter (CDR) through AIRS, and she holds her Professional in Human Resources PHR) certification through HRCI.

Outside of her role at NYSTEC, Kathy serves on the board of directors for the Mohawk Valley Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) as the Social Media and Communications Director.

Michael Tallman

Contracts Manager

Mike Tallman is NYSTEC’s contracts manager. He brings more than 20 years of experience, including 15 years in contracts with five years leading a team. Mike is responsible for ensuring compliance with NYSTEC’s central contract with the state Office of General Services, managing engagements with various entities, and overseeing proposal creation, reporting, and contractual obligations with vendors and subcontractors. In addition, Mike collaborates closely with minority/woman-owned business enterprises (MWBE) partners, upholding professional standards as a member of the National Contract Management Association – Leatherstocking Chapter.

Mike’s team focuses on contractual and compliance initiatives, enhancing client-funded engagements, improving internal operations, and working closely with the legal department. He is focused on client satisfaction, emphasizing risk mitigation, client engagement, and staff development.

Mike holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from SUNY Institute of Technology and an associate’s degree in general studies from Mohawk Valley Community College.