Celebrating Wisconsin’s Tech Leaders and Community at the 2025 ORBIE Awards

Digital Bridge had the privilege of attending the 2025 Wisconsin ORBIE Awards as a special guest, and it was an inspiring morning from start to finish. The ORBIE Awards are Wisconsin’s premier recognition program for technology executives, celebrating Chief Information Officers (CIOs) who demonstrate excellence in technology leadership across industries. This year’s gathering brought together the state’s most innovative and collaborative leaders, and it was impossible not to feel the energy and momentum driving our local tech ecosystem forward.

Before the program began, we connected with dozens of CIOs and technology leaders at our table near registration. We were also honored to hear Steve Hannan, Chief Information and Risk Officer at Landmark Credit Union and Community Engagement Chair for WisconsinCIO, share a heartfelt message about Digital Bridge and our mission. His remarks encouraged CIOs to consider sustainability and community impact as they plan for technology turnover.

The morning also celebrated leaders who embody innovation and collaboration. There were 31 finalists across several categories, representing organizations as diverse as nonprofit and public sector entities to global companies with more than $4 billion in annual revenue and multi-national operations. We were especially proud to cheer on some of our current partners, including Michael Barrett, CIO of Potawatomi Ventures, who was recognized as a finalist. Congratulations, Michael.

Another highlight was learning more about Julie Ragland, retired Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer for International Motors, who was honored with the 2025 Leadership Award. Her career and contributions to the industry serve as an inspiration to many in Wisconsin’s business and technology community.

We also shared a table with the team at 7Rivers, one of the event’s key sponsors, and enjoyed seeing i.c.stars students volunteering throughout the morning to make the event seamless. It was a reminder of the wide network of organizations and people working together to strengthen Wisconsin’s business and tech environment.

What stood out most was the sense of camaraderie. We heard it repeatedly during the program that this group of CIOs truly has one another’s backs. The ORBIE Awards were more than a recognition event. They showcased a connected, supportive, and forward-thinking community that wants to see each other succeed.

We left the ORBIE Awards not only inspired by the leaders recognized but also grateful to be part of a community that embraces innovation, collaboration, and shared success. Congratulations again to all of the finalists and winners. Thank you to Steve Hanan for your leadership and advocacy, and to WisconsinCIO for welcoming us into such a dynamic and supportive community. We look forward to building on the conversations and connections from this year’s event as we work together to create a more sustainable and inclusive digital future.