Georgia Technology Hall of Fame

Chestnut is an Atlanta-based tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Mailchimp, now part of Intuit following a $12B acquisition (the largest of its kind for a private company), who pioneered email marketing enabling SMB’s to thrive in the digital age. Chestnut also serves on the advisory board for the Emory Center of Ethics.

“Ben is an entrepreneur who has delivered an innovative all-in-one platform built for small business growth, servicing customers worldwide, and powered by marketing automation and customer relationship management tools,” said Kevin Kelly, PwC Atlanta office Managing Partner. “It’s an honor to welcome him into the Technology Hall of Fame of Georgia. I’m excited for the continued growth of this community and the innovative ideas it provides to Georgia and the world at large.”

Chestnut was born in Augusta, Georgia and attended high school in Hephzibah, Georgia. He studied physics at the University of Georgia and industrial design at Georgia Institute of Technology.

“I’m humbled and honored to be inducted in the Technology Hall of Fame of Georgia,” said Chestnut. “Georgia’s had an incredible impact on my life and the journey to build Mailchimp alongside my co-founder Dan Kurzius. I’m especially grateful for all of our incredible employees who listened hard, and changed fast to build innovative tools for our small business customers to start and grow their business.”

“Ben is a visionary and a champion for small business in Georgia’s technology ecosystem and beyond,” said Larry K. Williams, President and CEO of the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG). “It is through the vision, drive and support of leaders like him that our technology community continues to grow, break barriers and set global industry trends.”

David Cummings is an Atlanta-based tech entrepreneur who has founded 10 companies collectively valued at nearly $1 billion, including Pardot, SalesLoft, and Terminus. Cummings is also the founder of the Atlanta Tech Village — the United States’ 4th largest tech hub — and the largest investor in Calendly, the world’s most popular scheduling app. After selling Pardot, he was named one of the 100 Most Influential Atlantans by the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

“David is an innovative entrepreneur who has supported many in the Atlanta community with his business ventures,” said Kevin Kelly, Managing Partner of PwC’s Atlanta office. “It’s an honor to welcome him into the Technology Hall of Fame of Georgia. I’m excited for the continued growth of this community and the innovative ideas it provides to Georgia.”

Cummings is a member of YPO Southern 7, Atlanta Rotary, on the board of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, and on the board of the Buckhead Coalition. A native of Tallahassee, Florida, David earned a bachelor of science degree in economics from Duke University and an honorary doctorate from Mercer University. David blogs regularly at DavidCummings.org and tweets at @davidcummings.

“I’m humbled and honored to be inducted in the Technology Hall of Fame of Georgia,” said Cummings. “Georgia’s had such an incredible impact on my life and entrepreneurial journey — helping grow our tech startup community has been the highlight of my career.”

Cummings is also a long-standing partner and supporter of TAG.

“David is such a key, visionary figure for Georgia’s technology ecosystem,” said Larry K. Williams, President and CEO of the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG). “It is through the vision, drive and support of leaders like him that our technology community continues to thrive, grow, break barriers and set global industry trends.”

Klaus is a pioneering entrepreneur, delivering 3D virtual worlds as the founder and CEO of Kaneva.  A long-standing partner and supporter of Georgia Tech, Klaus also invigorates the future of technology by supporting the school’s CREATE-X program, which gives students a platform to connect with industry leaders and receive the guidance, support—and capital—to launch their own startups.

“Chris Klaus’ innovative and entrepreneurial spirit has made a lasting impression on Georgia’s tech community that will positively impact future generations to come,” said Kevin Kelly, Managing Partner of PwC’s Atlanta office. “Chris embodies everything that the Technology Hall of Fame of Georgia represents and it’s an honor to welcome him to the group this year.”

In 2000, Klaus responded to the need to help sustain the technology revolution, and with his pledged donation, Georgia Tech constructed the Christopher W. Klaus Advanced Computing Building, a three-story academic building (over 400,000 square feet of space) that houses a portion of its College of Computing, College of Engineering, and related programs.

Prior to founding Kaneva, Klaus founded and served as CTO of Internet Security Systems Inc. (ISS), a company he created in 1994, took public in 1998, and was acquired by IBM in 2006 for over $1.9 billion.  He sits on the state’s Film, Video, and Music Advisory Commission. Klaus serves on the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Board of Visitors, the Georgia Game Developers Association (GGDA), the Georgia Tech Foundation, and the Georgia Tech College of Computing.

“I’m very honored to receive this recognition and award,” said Klaus. “I’ve been fortunate to work with so many dedicated leaders and innovators across Georgia’s bright and transformational technology ecosystem. I am most excited about the students I work with who, through their relentless brilliance, are forging an incredible path for the future of the technology industry. I’m privileged to be a part of making a way for their future as well.”

“Chris is such a key, visionary figure for Georgia’s technology ecosystem,” said Larry K. Williams, President and CEO of the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG). “It is through the vision, drive and support of leaders like him that our technology community continues to thrive, grow, break barriers and set global industry trends.”

A top-10 public research university in the U.S. with more than 29,000 students and 157,000 living alumni, Georgia Tech has become internationally recognized for the quality of its educational and research programs.

“President Bud Peterson’s leadership at Georgia Tech has created an exponential effect for technology and economic development throughout our city, the state and beyond,” said John Nee, Assurance Partner in PwC’s Technology Practice in Atlanta. “Bud leads by example at Georgia Tech, helping to develop hundreds of innovative and entrepreneurial thinkers who ultimately contribute to the state’s technology industry. Bud exemplifies every ideal of the Technology Hall of Fame of Georgia and it’s our privilege to have him join the group this year.”

“Georgia Tech sets the highest bars for research, discovery and innovation as it builds and prepares tomorrow’s technology leaders,” said Larry K. Williams, President and CEO of TAG. “It is under Bud Peterson’s leadership that Georgia Tech sets the stage for technology industry transformation and continues to be a world class leader in education.”

Dr. G.P. “Bud” Peterson was appointed as the 11th president of Georgia Tech in 2009. Under his leadership Georgia Tech has developed and begun the implementation of a 25-year strategic plan, exceeded the $1.5 billion goal for Campaign Georgia Tech by 20 percent, grown innovative collaborations and strategic partnerships, expanded the campus infrastructure, and increased national and global visibility. Notably in that time, applications have more than tripled, and enrollment has increased by 45 percent.

Throughout his career, Peterson has played an active role in helping to establish the national education and research agendas, serving on many industry, government, and academic task forces and committees. He has served on a number of national accreditation agencies, congressional task forces, research councils, and advisory boards, including the Office of Naval Research, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Department of Energy, the National Research Council, and the National Academy of Engineering.

A distinguished scientist, he was appointed to serve as a member of the National Science Board in 2008 by President George W. Bush, and again in 2014 by President Barack Obama. The National Science Board oversees the National Science Foundation and advises the President and Congress on national policy related to science and engineering research and education. In 2010, he was named by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke as a member of the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. President Obama appointed him to the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (AMP) steering committee in 2011, and to the AMP 2.0 steering committee in 2013. He is a member of the board of directors of the American Council on Education. In August 2016, he became chair of the NCAA Board of Governors, the highest governing body of the NCAA.

“It is a tremendous honor to be included among the Technology Hall of Fame of Georgia inductees who have made significant contributions to Georgia’s technology sector, its economy, and its communities, particularly given the number of Tech folks who are previous inductees,” said Georgia Tech President G. P. “Bud” Peterson. “While I am named, this award is really a reflection of the collective significant impact and ongoing efforts of the many Georgia Tech faculty, staff, students and alumni who have helped to shape Technology Square and other innovation neighborhoods surrounding our campus, along with our statewide impact. I’m proud to accept on behalf of the Institute.”

Peterson earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, a second bachelor’s degree in mathematics, and a master’s degree in engineering, all from Kansas State University. He earned a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University. He and his wife, Val, have four adult children, two of whom are Georgia Tech alumni.

Jeffrey C. Sprecher, founder, chairman and CEO of publicly-held Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE) and chairman of the New York Stock Exchange.

Intercontinental Exchange is dual-headquartered in Atlanta and New York, and operates the leading network of global futures, equity and equity options exchanges, as well as global clearing and data services across financial and commodity markets.

“Jeff’s innovative leadership has made him a pioneer several times over,” said John Nee, Partner in PwC Atlanta’s Technology Practice. “Jeff has redefined what it means to help businesses grow in today’s technologically-driven world, turning dollars into billions in just a matter of years. He is a problem-solver and strategist guided by a mission to continually create and improve, and it’s our privilege to welcome him to the Technology Hall of Fame of Georgia.”

As a power plant developer, Sprecher recognized the need among energy market participants for an accessible and transparent electronic marketplace for over-the-counter energy markets. He acquired Continental Power Exchange (CPEX) for $1 in 1997 to achieve his vision of an efficient market that would bring transparency to a previously opaque market. He launched Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) in 2000 and completed its initial public offering in 2005 on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), ultimately building it up to a market capitalization of over $30 billion today. He has served as the company’s CEO since May 2000 and Chairman of the Board since November 2002.

Under his guidance, ICE grew from operating solely in the energy swaps market, into a broader network of 12 global exchanges, including the NYSE, through organic growth and acquisitions. ICE’s exchanges include equity and equity options exchanges, as well as futures exchanges that establish benchmark prices for interest rates, equity indexes, energy, metals and agricultural commodities. In addition, ICE operates six central clearing houses that provide risk management services for global markets. ICE developed the first cleared OTC energy contracts in 2002, built the first new major clearing house in the United Kingdom in over a century in 2008, and launched the world’s leading clearing house for credit derivatives in 2009. Through ICE Data Services, ICE is one of the world’s foremost providers of financial market information.

Businessweek, Institutional Investor and other industry publications have recognized Sprecher for his work. He was selected by MarketWatch as one of five finalists in the MarketWatch CEO of the Year program in 2006. Also in 2006, ICE’s stock was named the “best 1-year performer” by The Wall Street Journal, and in 2010 the company was named as the fastest growing company in the Financial Services category by Fortune magazine. Since 2014, Sprecher has been named one of Barron’s 30 World’s Best CEOs. In 2017, Sprecher was named Best CEO for Brokers, Asset Managers and Exchanges in Institutional Investor’s annual poll.

“Jeff Sprecher and Intercontinental Exchange are reshaping the world’s capital markets and how risk is managed,” said Larry K. Williams, President/CEO of the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG). “Jeff is one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the financial-services industry and TAG is pleased to see him inducted into the Hall of Fame at the 2017 Georgia Technology Summit.”

Sprecher is also involved in a number of community and civic initiatives. He is Chairman of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, a trustee of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, and serves on the Board of Directors for various organizations, including the Buckhead Coalition, The Commerce Club and Atlanta Committee for Progress.

Sprecher holds a Bachelor’s Degree in chemical engineering from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California.

James C. (Jim) Kennedy, chairman of privately-held Cox Enterprises. Cox Enterprises is headquartered in Atlanta, and its major divisions focus on communications, automotive, and media.

“Cox Enterprises has long been a driving force in our innovation economy here in Georgia and one good reason for that is Jim Kennedy,” said Tino Mantella, president of the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG). “His leadership has not only made Cox one of the nation’s largest media companies, but also one of Georgia’s strongest supporters of our entrepreneurial community. He is a true inspiration to many in our technology community and TAG is pleased to see him inducted into the Technology Hall of Fame of Georgia at the 2016 Georgia Technology Summit.”“Jim Kennedy is a shining example of a leader who has redefined how technology can deliver innovation and disrupt the status quo,” said John Nee, Partner in PwC Atlanta’s Technology Practice. “Throughout his career, he has remained at the forefront of what’s possible within the communications, media and automotive services industries, and has championed the role technology can play in serving both business and the greater good. It’s an honor to recognize his legacy and welcome him into the Technology Hall of Fame of Georgia.”

Under Kennedy’s leadership, the company has diversified and grown, increasing in annual revenues from $2.1B to $18B by continuously embracing new developments and disruptions in technology to deliver innovation. The company’s broadband communications and entertainment subsidiary was early in the adoption of offering commercial services to small business and larger enterprises such as healthcare, education and government. Cox Enterprises was also at the forefront of digital classifieds when it launched an online marketplace for car shoppers and sellers in 1997.

Most recently, Cox Enterprises has invested heavily in infrastructure upgrades to deliver video, phone and high-speed Internet and home security and automation services to homes and businesses in the company’s service area. The company’s broadband subsidiary is a leading gigabit residential service provider, offering speeds 100 times faster than the average speed in the US. Notably, the company’s Connect2Compete program provides low-income students and families deeply discounted internet service to help close the digital divide.

Cox Enterprises’ global automotive business subsidiary has transformed the way the world buys, sells and owns cars, and has received numerous accolades for initiatives that span mobile, seller dashboard applications and personalized recommendation engines for customers. Cox’s media properties are leaders in delivering content across digital platforms and are the first in their local markets to utilize drones for news gathering. Locally, Cox Enterprises is collaborating with Techstars, a startup accelerator to broaden and deepen Atlanta’s vibrant startup community and empower entrepreneurs to build great businesses.

“Georgia has a growing entrepreneurial eco-system, and technology plays a pivotal role in this,” said Kennedy. “Cox has a legacy of embracing technology and challenging the status quo. This is something we’ll continue to do. I’m personally excited to see how technology can not only improve business, but also how we approach and improve sustainability and healthcare.”

Kennedy holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Denver. He was inducted into Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business Hall of Fame in 2004 and was bestowed an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Kennesaw State University in 2003.

Alan Dabbiere is the chairman at AirWatch by VMware, an Atlanta-based provider of enterprise mobility management software. Alan also serves on the Board of Directors for the Technology Association of Georgia and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. Alan co-founded AirWatch and under his direction, the company has grown to more than 2,000 employees. In 2013 he helped the company secure a $200 million Series A funding round, one of the largest of any software company in history. In 2014, VMware acquired AirWatch for $1.54 billion, the largest acquisition to-date for VMware.

“The theme for this year’s Georgia Technology Summit is Disruptive Innovation…The Power to Inspire. I can think of no better person who personifies this spirit than Alan Dabbiere,” said Tino Mantella, president of the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG). “As a founder of both AirWatch and Manhattan Associates, Alan serves as a shining example of the innovative and enterprising spirit that has made Georgia a leading technology center.  He is a true inspiration to many in our technology community and TAG is pleased to see him inducted into the Technology Hall of Fame of Georgia at the 2015 Georgia Technology Summit.”

Prior to AirWatch, Alan founded a supply-chain execution software company, where he served as president and CEO from 1990 through the end of 1999. Following an initial public offering in 1998, he served as the company’s chairman of the board of directors through 2003. Alan is the Chairman for the Inova Foundation Board, is a charter member of the Georgia Tech Hill Society and serves as a member of the President’s Advisory Board of the Georgia Institute of Technology and the Advisory Board of Emory University’s Roberto C. Goizueta Business School. In 1998, he endowed the Manhattan Associates Chair of Supply Chain Management at Georgia Tech’s School of Industrial and Systems Engineering.

Jeff Arnold is chairman and chief executive officer of Sharecare, a digital health company he founded with Dr. Mehmet Oz to help people manage all their health in one place, and enable health plans, employers and providers to effectively scale outcomes-based health and wellness solutions across their entire populations. Sharecare’s platform provides each person – no matter where they are in their health journey – with a comprehensive and personalized health profile where they can easily connect to the information, evidence-based programs and health professionals they need to live their healthiest, happiest and most productive life. Previously, Jeff was chairman and CEO of HowStuffWorks.com, an award-winning online resource used by millions of people each month, which he sold to Discovery Communications, where he served as chief digital strategy officer, and chief architect of The Curiosity Project until December 2011.

In 1998, he founded and served as CEO of WebMD, the first healthcare company to harness the power of the Internet to create a destination for consumers, healthcare institutions and physicians to find trustworthy medical information. Prior to WebMD, Jeff founded Quality Diagnostic Services (QDS), a cardiac arrhythmia monitoring company that was one of the first organizations to use the concept of telemedicine over 25 years ago.

Jeff has been widely recognized for his innovative contributions to media, healthcare and technology throughout the years, including being named a Global Leader of Tomorrow by the World Economic Forum. He also was inducted into the American Academy of Achievement and recognized by Ernst & Young as Entrepreneur of the Year, Southeast Region; and Johns Hopkins University presented him with the Blumenthal Award in recognition of his exceptional ability to bridge business and technology. For his superior contributions to the advancement of nursing and health care on both a national and global level, he was inducted into the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, as an honorary member. His achievements and leadership also are widely recognized across his home state of Georgia, where he received the prestigious Phoenix Award, which honors companies and individuals who embody strength, tenacity and leadership in Georgia’s healthcare information technology industry. Additionally, Jeff was inducted into the Technology Hall of Fame of Georgia; named a Health Care Hero by Atlanta Business Chronicle; presented with a Groundbreaker Award by Atlanta Magazine; and honored by the Atlanta chapter of the IndUS Entrepreneurs with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

With a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from the University of Georgia, Jeff currently is chairman of Forbes Travel Guide and Endeavor Atlanta, and has served on numerous boards for public, private and charitable organizations over the years.

Mr. Kight was the Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of CheckFree until selling to Fiserv in December 2007.

Mr. Kight founded CheckFree in 1981 in his grandmother’s basement, with a vision of providing electronic funds transfer services to businesses and consumers. Over the following 27 years, CheckFree expanded its scope beyond online bill payments to online and mobile banking, digital payments and processing infrastructures, business intelligence analytics, electronic billing, digital reconciliation, and operational risk management systems – through both internal development and acquisitions. CheckFree, with revenues of $1.1 Billion, was sold to Fiserv, Inc in December of 2007 for $4.4 Billion.

Mr. Kight is currently a member of the Board of Directors at: Bill.com Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BILL), a provider of software that digitizes and automates back-office financial operations since May 2019, the Chairman of Repay Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ: RPAY) (“REPAY”), a leading provider of vertically-integrated payment solutions,. since their business combination with Thunder Bridge Acquisition, Ltd. in January of 2019, and indie Semiconductor, Inc., (NASDAQ: INDI) (“indie”), an automotive semiconductor manufacturer that is empowering the Autotech revolution with next-generation automotive semiconductors and software platforms since their business combination with Thunder Bridge Acquisition II, Ltd. in June of 2021.

In the spring of 2006, Mr. Kight combined his passion for wine and his business expertise when he purchased Quivira Winery in Sonoma Valley, California. Using Biodynamic and organic farming techniques, Mr. Kight and his team have directed the profitable re-launch of the brand. Looking to expand Wine Creek’s portfolio, Mr. Kight founded LaFollette to add Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to the portfolio in 2008. Later in 2008, Mr. Kight became proprietor of globally-recognized Torbreck Vintners. Located in Barossa Valley, Australia, Torbreck was named one of the World’s Top 100 Wine Estates. Since acquiring Torbreck, under Mr. Kight’s leadership, the brand has seen continued success most recently their acquisition of Escarpment Wines (Martinborough, New Zealand), and Mr. Kight believes Torbreck’s best wines are yet to come.

Mr. Kight holds more than a dozen patents and publications for electronic banking and payment systems.

Tripp Rackley, serial entrepreneur and founder of Firethorn Inc. will be inducted into the Technology Hall of Fame of Georgia in 2011.

At 40, Rackley is the youngest to receive this statewide award.

Rackley has founded several Atlanta-based technology companies over the last 16 years. His ventures have created a combined $1 billion in shareholder value and more than 500 jobs in Georgia, according to a statement,

Most recently, Rackley founded and led Firethorn, a mobile commerce technology firm. Firethorn was acquired by Qualcomm Inc. in 2007 for $210 million in cash.

Receiving the Technology Hall of Fame award is special because of the exclusive nature of the club and the caliber of the other inductees, Rackley said.

The quality and the legacy of the people that are in the Technology Hall of Fame makes this award special, he said.

Rackley’s career as an entrepreneur began in 1995 when he founded and served as chairman and CEO of nFront, Inc., an Internet banking technology firm. nFront went public in 1999 and was sold to Digital Insight (now part of Intuit) in 2000.

Rackley currently serves on several Georgia based board of directors including: Cox Enterprises, Georgia Technology Authority, BroadSource, ITC Holdings Venture Fund and Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. He also served as the 2003 Chairman of the Technology Association of Georgia.

“Tripp’s entrepreneurial and enterprising spirit epitomizes the type of leadership that has built such a strong technology community in the state of Georgia,” noted Tino Mantella, president of Technology Association of Georgia.

Sigmund “Sig” Mosley, Jr., president of Imlay Investments.

In 1990, Sig Mosley joined Imlay Investments, a private investment firm that provides funding for early stage technology companies.  Since then, he has been involved with over 50 start-up companies and serves on the board of directors of 10 private companies.

Mosley joins the ranks of other distinguished technology leaders who have been instrumental in creating Georgia’s high tech community.  Previous inductees include Zell Miller, former Georgia governor and United States senator, and Tom Noonan, co-founder of Internet Security Systems.

“Sig is a significant contributor to our State’s growing technology community – as a great supporter and friend of TAG, we are honored that the Hall of Fame award will be presented at this year’s Georgia Technology Summit,” said Tino Mantella, president of the Technology Association of Georgia. “We appreciate the support of PricewaterhouseCoopers and Georgia Tech, who have had a historic and significant role in sponsoring the Hall of Fame since the beginning,” said Mantella.

Tycho and his partners founded Harbinger Computer Services in March 1983 and were pioneers in the eBusiness arena. Tycho, David Leach and James Davis served as senior management of Harbinger  for 17 years. They led the company through its many phases of growth including an IPO in 1995. Prior to his time leading Harbinger, Tycho worked with McKinsey & Company, Hewlett Packard and Booz, Allen & Hamilton.

Tycho also founded nuBridges, Inc., a secure ebusiness services provider in the spring of 2001 and served as Chairman until the company merged with Liaison Technologies in March of 2011.  He retired from active operations with nuBridges in 2008.

Tycho has received numerous  awards for his contribution to e-business such as being named one of the “25 Unsung Heroes on the Internet” by Inter@active Week in 1998, selection as the 1997 Entrepreneur of the Year in Emerging Technologies for the Southeastern US, selection as Georgia’s Businessman of the Year by the Georgia Security Dealer’s Association in 1999, and was the 2002 inductee into the Georgia Technology Hall of Fame.

Tycho has served as a Director for a number of public and private companies.  He has also been a very active participant in community activities having served on several non-profit boards including the Atlanta Symphony, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta System Board, the Atlanta Alzheimer’s Association, the Harvard Business School Alumni Association, the Clemson University Foundation, the Clemson University Presidents Advisory Board, and the Atlanta Rotary.

In the mid-’90s, Tycho and his family formed the C. Tycho and Marie Howle Charitable Foundation, which has made more than 1,000 grants to support education, healthcare, the homeless, and the arts.

Richard K. Snelling graduated from the University of Florida in Gainesville, USA, and was a registered professional engineer. With BellSouth for 35 years, he retired as Executive Vice President in 1991. Mr. Snelling was the Senior Technology Advisor for the 1996 Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games and a member of the Georgia Technology Hall of Fame.