Connection | The Ultimate IT Superhero Winner - Cape Emblem

2025 Ultimate IT Superhero and Best Superpower Winner

Ankur Khare

Senior Solution Advisor
SAP America
Pennsylvania
3286971 ITSA2025 Ankursummit


2025 IT Superhero Category Award Winners

BEST TEAM LEADER

Best
Team Leader


Leads to success, inspires others to greatness

Jackie Lovell

Assistant Principal and IT Director
St. John the Apostle Catholic School
Virginia

Jackie Lovell is the proud recipient of the IT Superhero Award, a recognition that honors her outstanding leadership, technical excellence, and unwavering dedication to empowering others through technology. With a rare ability to bridge the gap between people and systems, Jackie consistently delivers innovative, user-friendly solutions that enhance access, reliability, and digital confidence across her community.

For Jackie, IT isn’t just about solving problems, it’s about creating opportunities. A true servant-leader, she goes beyond troubleshooting to mentor colleagues, guide students, and champion initiatives that foster cybersecurity awareness, streamline workflows, and expand digital access. Her approachable, problem-solving nature has earned her a reputation as a trusted guide and catalyst for positive change.

With over 35 years of experience in the IT field and 15 years in administration, Jackie brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and heart to everything she does. Her work continues to leave a lasting impact, not just through systems and software, but through the lives she touches.

Outside of her professional achievements, Jackie is happily married and the proud mother of three sons and one daughter—as well as a loving grandmother to three grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys playing volleyball and pickleball, cheering on her youngest son in college volleyball, and watching her grandchildren thrive in their own sports and activities. Always up for a new challenge, Jackie is also preparing to take on golf lessons.

Through her vision, service, and spirit, Jackie Lovell exemplifies what it means to be an IT Superhero.
BEST ROOKIE

Best Rookie


A fresh IT pro who performs like a seasoned pro

Lucas Reynard

Information Security Coordinator
Roanoke City Public Schools
Virginia

Lucas’ vision and leadership have led to several pivotal initiatives. He established the district’s first data governance committee, a crucial step in ensuring that sensitive information is handled with the highest standards of care. This committee created policies that govern data access, use, and retention—fostering a culture of accountability across all departments.

In a move to fortify access security, Lucas successfully spearheaded the implementation of multifactor authentication (MFA) for all staff. This single action dramatically reduced the risk of unauthorized access to critical systems, protecting both student data and administrative records from potential breaches.

Recognizing the need for proactive protection, Lucas also oversaw the division-wide deployment of Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR). This advanced security solution provides continuous monitoring and threat detection on all devices, allowing the IT team to quickly identify and neutralize threats before they can cause significant harm.

To address the unique risks posed by students, he instituted a mandatory password reset policy for all secondary students. This measure minimizes the use of weak or compromised passwords, a common entry point for cyberattacks. Under his guidance, Roanoke City Public Schools has not only responded to security threats but has also built a resilient, secure environment for daily learning. His work enables teachers to focus on education and allows students to engage in digital activities safely, knowing that a vigilant guardian protects their digital world.

One colleague notes, “Lucas stands out as a true IT Superhero, having profoundly impacted the information security posture of Roanoke City Public Schools. He has been instrumental in safeguarding the digital learning environment for thousands of students and staff.”
BEST CATCH

Best Catch


Made an amazing save, big or small, that averted disaster

Daymel Feliu Delgado

Technology Support Services Technician
Brevard Public Schools
Florida

Education technology has many challenges, which require unique skillsets and personalities. Daymel has proven he has what it takes; he is an integral part of the Brevard Public Schools Educational Technology team. Daymel has quickly become an essential member of the team and is well-liked and respected by his colleagues and peers.

The educational technology challenges are both fun and intense; each day brings a new challenge and an opportunity to learn or put skills into practice. Daymel is known for his calm approach and problem-solving mindset. Regardless of the challenge, Daymel will rise to the occasion!

Daymel takes pride in navigating crises, where thinking outside the box and applying unconventional solutions often make the difference. He thrives when tasks are time-sensitive, consistently ensuring that an issue is resolved with minimal disruption to the school and classroom. His ability to adapt, stay resourceful, and bring creative solutions to complex problems makes him a trusted teammate and an asset to the Brevard School District.

For Daymel, the most rewarding part of the job is knowing that his efforts directly support the community and contribute to the education of future generations.
MOST UNSHAKEABLE

Most Unshakeable


Always calm, patient, and focused in the face of IT chaos

Michael Jordan

Junior Network Administrator
Amports
Florida

When Michael Jordan joined Amports as a Junior Network Administrator, it was his first professional networking role. From day one, he tackled every challenge with professionalism, curiosity, and drive. But what happened next truly set him apart. Shortly after onboarding, their Senior Network Architect, who was leading a critical $2 million network refresh across 13 locations, fell seriously ill. With little time to prepare, Michael stepped up with remarkable composure, taking on responsibilities far beyond his title.

Despite being new to both the organization and the role, Michael not only kept the project on track—he led it. He coordinated logistics, staged and configured new infrastructure, and solved complex issues with minimal guidance, becoming the backbone of the effort. His grit, precision, and humility earned the trust of senior leadership, vendors, and technical teams.

Michael’s ability to deliver under pressure and maintain stability through uncertainty defines “unshakeable.” As a first-year IT professional, his performance sets a gold standard for rookies in the field. Few in IT demonstrate such courage, resilience, and impact so early in their careers. Michael has proven his value and earned our highest respect.

A colleague notes, “MJ is a network technician recognized for his steady, solutions-driven approach to complex IT challenges. During a major network refresh, he adapted to unexpected changes after the loss of the lead engineer, taking ownership and ensuring seamless project completion. With expertise in enterprise networking and a focus on reliability, MJ keeps critical systems running at their best.”
BEST SUPERPOWER

Best
Superpower


Capable of performing astonishing feats, no matter the deadline

Ankur Khare

Senior Solution Advisor
SAP America
Pennsylvania

Ankur Khare has built his career around transforming how organizations embrace technology, ensuring that innovation doesn’t just arrive—but truly gets adopted. With over 18 years of experience, he has been at the forefront of digital transformation and adoption initiatives across industries, most recently as a Senior Solution Advisor at SAP America. Colleagues and clients alike recognize him for breaking down the barriers between people and technology, making complex systems accessible, intuitive, and impactful.

Ankur’s leadership blends strategic vision with hands-on expertise. He has guided global enterprises through successful change management, adoption, and enablement programs, ensuring technology investments deliver measurable business outcomes. His ability to connect the technical with the human side of transformation has not only empowered employees but also positioned organizations to thrive in the age of AI-driven productivity.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Ankur has been recognized internationally for his thought leadership through published research on digital adoption, change management, and the evolving role of AI in the workplace. His peers describe him as a trusted innovator and mentor who consistently pushes the boundaries of what’s possible while fostering collaboration and growth.

One colleague notes, “Ankur doesn’t just implement technology—he makes it work for people. His ability to drive adoption and inspire confidence has changed the way we think about transformation.”


2024 IT Superhero Category Award Winners

Best Team Leader
Leads to success, inspires others
to greatness
David Lockstein
Information Technology and Network Supervisor
Watertown Unified School District
Wisconsin
Best Rookie
A fresh IT pro who performs like a
seasoned pro
Bryce Bonilla
Information Technology and Project Specialist
Manufacturing Sciences Corporation
Tennessee
Best Catch
Made an amazing save, big or small, that averted disaster
Jack Mincks
Director of Technology
Spokane R-7 School District
Missouri
Most Unshakeable
Always calm, patient, and focused in the face of IT chaos
Ashley Hanovich
System Support Specialist
First State Bank
Michigan
Best Superpower
Capable of performing astonishing feats, no matter the deadline
Susan Chandler
Technology Director
Jasper City Schools
Alabama
Ultimate I.T. Superhero
Grand-prize winner


Susan Chandler
Technology Director
Jasper City Schools
Alabama


2023 IT Superhero Category Award Winners

Best Team Leader
Leads to success, inspires others
to greatness
Johan Dowdy
Global Head of IT and IT Security
Asana
Best Rookie
A fresh IT pro who performs like a
seasoned pro
Yeleng Lo
Service Desk Analyst
Impact Group
Best Catch
Made an amazing save, big or small, that averted disaster
Chris McCarty
IT Specialist
Core Civic
Most Unshakeable
Always calm, patient, and focused in the face of IT chaos
George Gewinner
Business Process Analyst
T-Mobile
Best Superpower
Capable of performing astonishing feats, no matter the deadline
Gino Brunetti
IT Technician
Yelp Inc.
Ultimate I.T. Superhero
Grand-prize winner


Johan Dowdy
Global Head of IT and IT Security
Asana


2022 IT Superhero Category Award Winners

Best Team Leader
Leads to success, inspires others
to greatness
Patrick McGee
Director, Technology Support Services
St. Johns County School District
Best Rookie
A fresh IT pro who performs like a
seasoned pro
Ben Esquivel
Director of Information Technology
Imperial Unified School District
Best Catch
Made an amazing save, big or small, that averted disaster
John Fisher
System Administrator
Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey
Most Unshakeable
Always calm, patient, and focused in the face of IT chaos
Lisa Michel
Customer Service Support Manager, Information Technology
Rochester Electronics, LLC
Best Superpower
Capable of performing astonishing feats, no matter the deadline
Chase Zieman
Chief Data Science Officer, Co-founder
Cart.com
Ultimate I.T. Superhero
Grand-prize winner


Patrick McGee
Director, Technology Support Services
St. Johns County School District


2021 IT Superhero Category Award Winners

Best Team Leader
Leads to success, inspires others
to greatness
Patrick Flaherty
Director, Lead Site Reliability Engineer
Buckle
Best Rookie
A fresh IT pro who performs like a
seasoned pro
Joshua Martin
IT Specialist
Kendal at Lexington
Best Catch
Made an amazing save, big or small, that averted disaster
Christina Fisher
Technical Support
Hinman, Howard & Kattell
Most Unshakeable
Always calm, patient, and focused in the face of IT chaos
Patrick O’Reilly
Director of Information Technology
Pinkerton Academy
Best Superpower
Capable of performing astonishing feats, no matter the deadline
Gregory Ledford
Technology Support Specialist Technician
State of North Carolina Department of Public Safety
Ultimate I.T. Superhero
Grand-prize winner


Gregory Ledford
Technology Support Specialist Technician
State of North Carolina Department of Public Safety
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