The Go-To Podcast For Tech Leaders of Today and Tomorrow

Opportunity Accelerators goes beyond the credentials and into the minds of trailblazers to explore their personal journey and the pivotal moments that led them to where they are today. Join hosts Vince Virga, Justin Vianello, and Joe Mitchell for an in-depth conversation with influential leaders of today to help inspire and motivate the leaders of tomorrow. From their biggest challenges to their proudest achievements, listeners will hear first-hand accounts of the grit, resilience, and determination it takes to achieve success in any field.

VP - Strategic Technology Ecosystems

Julianne Zuber

Julianne is an accomplished Senior Sales Leader with extensive experience in leadership roles within Big 4 and Fortune 500 companies. She worked in diverse industries including Public Sector, Financial Services, Manufacturing, Enterprise and more. Julianne uniquely positions herself to tackle complex strategic and transformational challenges while developing long-term, trusted partnerships and providing software, product, and security services solutions. At SkillStorm, Julianne will leverage her sales and business expertise to foster relationships and drive federal business growth with technology partners.

Director of Technology

Jon Provan

Jon has led SAP and Full-Stack Java Development cohorts for multiple clients as part of SkillStorm’s immersive instructor-led training division. A web developer for over 20 years, prior roles include owner and creative director of a media design firm serving healthcare-industry networks and national non-profits. A CompTIA Certified Technical Trainer and Oracle Certified Professional, he holds numerous certifications in SAP, Java, and Amazon Web Services, including the SAP on AWS Specialty.

Director of Human Resources

Rebecca Brown, PHR

Rebecca began her journey with Skillstorm in 2021. As the Human Resources Director, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s people strategy and ensuring its urgent, precise and engaged workforce thrives. As a retired US Air Force member with over 20 years of service as a Bioenvironmental Engineering Technician, Technical Training Instructor and closed her military chapter as a First Sergeant. Bachelor’s in Emergency and Disaster Management from American Military University. a Master’s in Occupational Safety Management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and is a Certified Professional in Human Resources.

Director - Government Services | Facility Security Officer

Kal Vaughn

Kal designs, builds, and deploys cohesive US based tech teams at scale for government system integrator companies through collaborative partnerships resulting in consistent, day-one-effective resources. Kal also jointly manages SkillStorm’s Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance Facility, Cage, and Resources. He is a Special Operations Combat Veteran and brings a variety of experience from sensitive national security, combat, and diplomatic operations around the globe. Prior to SkillSorm he managed multi-million-dollar U.S. National Security Strategy projects in close collaboration with USAID. He holds bachelor’s degrees in business and leadership as well as associate degrees in Arabic Language, Politics, History, and Culture; Unconventional Warfare; Civil Reconnaissance; and is certified in AWS DevOps.

Director - Government Services

Lou Forti

Lou joined SkillStorm in 2022 and currently serves as the Director of Government Services. Lou is responsible for designing, building, and deploying cohesive tech teams at scale for our large Government system integrator companies and ensures that our customer’s technology skillset demands are met. Prior to SkillStorm, Lou was a Government Civilian serving as a Cyber Operations Planner at Army Cyber Command after his 20+ years in the US Navy as a Pilot and Information Warfare Officer. Lou holds a Master’s degree in Quality Systems Management, a Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies, and a TS/SCI clearance with a CI polygraph.

SVP - Workforce Upskilling

Eric Robertson

Eric joined SkillStorm in 2023 and is leading efforts for Upskilling. Eric began his career as a classroom teacher and co-founded a children’s online learning company during the dot-com. Eric spent 13 years with Microsoft in public sector sales and workforce development and most recently worked with AWS for four years, leading the Americas and Europe teams focused on public funding for adult workforce development.

Eric is married with two adult sons and lives in Cape Coral, FL. He enjoys mountain biking, paddleboarding, and fishing.

Director of Training and Technology, Java Development

Brian Gomes

Brian joined SkillStorm in the Summer of 2021 and is a highly skilled leader who heads the Java Full-stack training team at SkillStorm. He oversees trainers who deliver comprehensive instruction in Java Fullstack, Data Engineering, and .NET, while also serving as the technical practice lead for all cloud initiatives. With an impressive repertoire of 14 certifications, including AWS DevOps Engineer Professional and AWS Champion Authorized Instructor, Brian is a recognized expert in his field.

Senior Director - Technology

Valerie Braun

Valerie holds a B.S.B.A. in Business Management and is a CompTIA Technical Trainer, Amazon Authorized Instructor, and PMI Authorized Instructor. She began her IT career working as a systems specialist for Leidos before transitioning to a role in network administration for US Army Landstuhl. Valerie has led trainings in cloud computing, DevOps tools, project management, and networking and is passionate about employee management, business development, and information technology.

Director, Government Services - Fed Health

Ken Lyles

Ken joined SkillStorm in the fall of 2021. As an Account Director, he plays a vital role in cultivating long-lasting relationships with our clients and is passionate about doing so. He brings discipline, integrity, and attention to detail to every project. Ken also strives to accelerate opportunities for his fellow stormers. Before SkillStorm, Ken served with the Virginia Department of Veterans Affairs and spent almost 8 years in the Marine Corps as a Military Policeman where he served in Afghanistan and the Presidential Helicopter Squadron (HMX-1).

Chief Financial Officer

Craig Ostrander

Craig brings more than 30 years of experience in public accounting, capital markets, risk management, working with growth companies and financial regulatory agencies. Previous roles include: Managing Director at Old Mill Capital Partners; Managing Director of Corporate Finance at GRH Development Resources; VP Risk Fraud & Compliance, Office of Innovation at Fidelity Information Systems; and Section Chief, Senior Manager Strategic Operations at FDIC. Craig holds a CPA, Master of Science Accountancy, and was a licensed securities Principal.

SVP - Client Services, Operations

Joe Propri

Joe’s passion is helping business partners solution business “problems”, building a roadmap that enables them to achieve their solution objective and, in-turn, provide, accountable, end-to-end ownership throughout the delivery of the roadmap. Following his passion has led to fruitful career, primarily working in the Health Care industry. Joe brings 15+ years of Health Care experience to the Skillstorm team; most recently as Sr. Director of Systems Strategy and Operations Planning at CVS Health. Prior roles include various leadership positions focused on process improvement and program management across several operations such as Specialty Pharmacy and Medicare Part-D. He has a Bachelors in Accounting and a Masters in Business Administration both from Youngstown State University.

Senior Director - Workforce Accelerator

John Mack

John has trained more than 100 software engineers using immersive training curriculums in preparation of the students moving directly onto a client project and through a variety of training modalities for corporate technical training engagements. John was part of a team of trainers responsible for training over 1,000 internal client employees in the United States, Europe, and Asia in the second quarter of 2021. John has earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in computer science – app/game development. John holds numerous certifications and has experience in several development languages.

Why Hiring Veterans, Women and Minorities is the Key to Success in Today’s Ultra-Competitive Tech Sector

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Ball State University Joins Nationwide Tech Upskilling Initiative SkillStorm

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Why Should Financial Organizations Design Their Workforce vs. Hiring It?

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Chief Learning Officer: It Takes a Village

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SkillStorm Recognized for Groundbreaking Efforts to Help Veterans Access Career Opportunities in Tech

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University of Central Florida Joins Ambitious Upskilling Initiative

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The Go-To Podcast For Tech Leaders of Today and Tomorrow

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