Speakers — CognoCon 2026

Setting the Vision

Ray Quintana

Co-Founder & CEO, SettleVIA

Ray Quintana is Co-Founder and CEO of SettleVIA, a Fintech AI company that modernizes payment rails and enables AI agentic commerce. SettleVIA is building the infrastructure for an economy in which a growing share of transactions are initiated, evaluated, and finalized by autonomous AI agents acting on behalf of human and institutional principals. The company combines AI methods and traditional financial infrastructure into a single architectural foundation that delivers what AI-mediated commerce structurally requires: deterministic execution, verified agent identity, multi-jurisdictional compliance attestation, and explainable risk detection. The company operates a 29-partner ecosystem spanning AI intelligence, AI compute, banking, telecoms, and financial market infrastructure and is a Member of the NVIDIA Inception Program.

Ray brings more than two decades of experience building and investing in global technology infrastructure. He was a Co-Founder General Partner — Head of European Operations and Corporate Relationships for the Cottonwood Technology Fund, a global early-stage venture capital fund that Preqin ranked among the top-performing early stage VC funds in the world, and served on the boards of more than fifteen portfolio companies across robotics, AI, blockchain, fintech, cleantech, photonics, and industrial technology in the US and Europe.

Prior to venture capital Ray held senior Strategy & Corporate Development positions for global technology companies including Texas Instruments and Robert Bosch Corporation, where he drove value creation through the design and execution of strategy and corporate development initiatives.

Ray is a UN delegate and advises several sovereign states on technology and financial policy. He is President and Chairman of the Forevver Association, which fosters transparent, decentralized, and open technology applications. He holds an MBA in Corporate Strategy and Strategic Finance from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.

Prof. Dr. Fotios Fitsilis

Professor of AI and Parliamentary Governance, Universidad Austral

Prof. Dr. Fotis Fitsilis is a distinguished researcher specializing in AI and its application in legislative institutions. Since joining the Scientific Service of the Hellenic Parliament in 2009, he has led pioneering initiatives advancing the vision of a data-driven parliament. In 2017, he co-founded the Hellenic OCR Team, an innovative crowdsourcing initiative focused on processing and analyzing parliamentary data.

His research has since evolved toward the integration of AI into parliamentary processes, with an emphasis on enhancing transparency, efficiency, and public engagement. Prof. Fitsilis’s work explores the broader implications of AI for democracy, particularly how emerging technologies shape public policy, governance, and lawmaking. He is an active contributor to international discussions on AI governance and regularly participates in leading academic and practitioner forums.

He has lectured at numerous academic institutions and authored or edited over 100 scientific publications, including eight books. In 2024, he initiated and co-edited the first global guidelines for AI in parliaments, followed by a comprehensive volume on parliamentary cybersecurity in 2026. Since 2025, he has served as Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Parliamentary Governance at Universidad Austral in Buenos Aires.

The Executive Panel

Moderator

Priya Sarathy

Director, Center for Data Science and Analytics, Kennesaw State University

Priya Sarathy is the Director of the Center for Data Science and Analytics in the School of Data Science and Analytics at Kennesaw State University. She brings more than 25 years of experience across industry, consulting, and academia, with leadership roles at AT&T, IBM, SAS, Equifax, and Truist. Her professional background spans applied analytics, data science platforms, fraud and risk analytics, and enterprise data transformation.

As a Founder of Wheel Data Strategies, Dr. Sarathy worked with organizations to modernize data foundations, extend analytics strategies to incorporate generative AI capabilities, and responsible AI adoption. She authored “AI Leadership Compass: 7 Moves for Your AI Success” and frequently speaks on AI fluency, data governance, and analytics leadership.

At CDSA, Dr. Sarathy focuses on advancing applied research, strengthening industry collaboration, and expanding experiential learning opportunities supporting student readiness and innovation in data science.

Sandeep Sivadas

Vice President of IT, Georgia Pacific

Sandeep Sivadas is Vice President of IT at Georgia Pacific. He is the business technology leader enabling technology-driven business outcomes for consumer products, building products, packaging/cellulose business segments, and finance of the firm. He is responsible for leadership, partnership, and delivery/management of technology to run and advance priorities for the business, and technology sponsorship of key business/technology transformations enabling long-term outcomes across core business apps/ERPs, CX and related technology capabilities, and AI-driven value transformation.

He has more than 30 years of experience in technology consulting, enabling value through data & analytics and technology-enabled outcomes across various global organizations in industries including healthcare, manufacturing, telecommunications, and more.

Jim Lester

CEO, Longitude Health

Jim is a C-level executive with a proven record of accomplishment across healthcare technology, payments, and fintech — spanning Fortune 500 enterprises and VC/PE-backed growth companies. Currently, he is the CEO of Longitude FX where his team is building an agentic patient experience platform for healthcare providers.

Most recently, Jim served as President and COO of BitPay (PE-backed blockchain payments) and prior CEO and board member of ThingTech (VC-backed IoT solutions). At Fiserv, he served as CPO/CMO of a $425M payments division, including GM of the $100M Healthcare and Retail Payments solution groups, and held senior executive roles at McKesson within the $3B medical technology business across revenue cycle, patient engagement, and payer solutions.

Jim received his B.S. from Georgia Tech and MBA from Emory University.

Stephen Helwig

General Manager, Microsoft Azure

Stephen Helwig is a General Manager in Microsoft’s Customer Success organization, where he leads strategy and execution across AI, Data Analytics, and developer platforms. With a career spanning multiple decades, Stephen has worked as a developer in both enterprise IT and startup environments, as well as a Cloud Solutions Architect at Microsoft.

He brings a rare blend of hands-on technical depth and strategic business insight, helping organizations translate cutting-edge innovation into secure, intelligent, production-ready applications and data systems. His leadership focuses on bridging emerging technologies with the practical realities of enterprise deployment to drive measurable customer impact.

When he’s not helping customers modernize, Stephen enjoys cheering his kids at soccer games, working on cars, and catching Atlanta United matches with his family.

Julie Rachel

Regional Director, Cloud Solution Architects, Microsoft

Julie Rachel is a Regional Director of Customer Success at Microsoft, where she leads a team of Cloud Solution Architects delivering Cloud and AI solutions for enterprise customers in the Oil, Gas & Energy industry. She brings more than 30 years of experience designing and implementing secure, scalable, and resilient technology architectures that drive measurable business value.

Throughout her career, Julie has held leadership roles spanning enterprise architecture, advanced analytics, and cloud platform strategy. At Microsoft, she partners with some of the company’s largest strategic customers to accelerate their adoption of Azure, applying AI, data platforms, and modern application architectures to solve complex business challenges and transform operations.

Julie is a recognized industry speaker and panelist known for bridging technical strategy with real-world execution. She is passionate about translating emerging AI capabilities into tangible outcomes and building high-performing teams that deliver innovation at scale.

Voices From the Field

Annie Eaton

Founder & CEO, Futurus

Annie Eaton is an immersive content producer and technology executive specializing in interactive virtual and augmented reality. She is the Founder and CEO of Futurus, a company that develops training simulations for enterprise organizations like Walmart, Delta Air Lines, Mars, and more. She is the author of The Extended Reality Blueprint, a book designed to make XR production approachable for everyone.

Based in Atlanta, Annie is an active leader in the local tech scene. She manages XR Atlanta, a community that brings together thousands of extended reality professionals and enthusiasts, and is an advisor for the VRARA Atlanta chapter.

Juan Cora

Founder & CEO, Aquatio Software

Juan Cora is the Founder & CEO of Aquatio Software where he deploys his passion for democratizing technology and enhancing AI-powered chain of custody. He’s a recognized thought leader in Supply Chain Logistics, working with Fortune 500 companies in transforming their fulfillment, transportation, and visibility posture.

Juan has held senior leadership roles throughout his career where he’s focused on architecting leading-edge technologies to help solve some of the industry’s most vexing challenges.

Rajan Gupta

Partner, Centelli

Rajan Gupta is a Partner at Centelli, where he helps organizations bridge business strategy and technology through practical applications of AI and automation. With over 30 years of global experience, he specializes in reengineering business processes using digital workers and agentic AI to drive measurable outcomes.

Rajan works closely with executives across hospitality, healthcare, and enterprise sectors to demystify AI and identify real-world use cases. His sessions focus on the evolving role of AI in business, its impact on the workforce, and how leaders can prepare for a more augmented, human-centric future.

Hemant Soni

Technology & Product Leader, TMT Sector

Hemant Soni is a seasoned technology and product leader with over 23 years of experience driving digital transformation and platform innovation across the Telecom, Media, and Technology (TMT) sectors. He has held impactful roles at organizations including Capgemini, Evalueserve, and Vodafone, where he led large-scale, AI-powered initiatives that elevated customer experience, operational efficiency, and product innovation.

Hemant specializes in architecting intelligent platforms for telecom networks and service ecosystems, blending strategic vision with disciplined execution. Grounded in industry frameworks, he is also an active mentor, committed to advancing product leadership and applied AI.

Drew Pearson

CEO, XR DOJO

Drew Pearson is the CEO of XR DOJO, an interactive technology agency specializing in extended reality (XR), including AR, VR, and AI-driven immersive experiences. A creative technologist and problem solver, he helps brands turn digital engagement into measurable growth through innovative platforms and user experiences.

Drew also serves as a UX Researcher at Ipsos and has held leadership roles including CTO of The Gridz and VP of Experiential at Digital Yalo. He holds a BS in Digital Media from the University of Central Florida and is passionate about advancing immersive technology solutions.

Anthony “Tec Tony” Lloyd

Founder, 404IT & Owner, Pathfinder Digital Marketing

Anthony “Tec Tony” Lloyd is a Google Data Engineer, Chief Technology Strategist, and digital marketing expert with a unique background in defense-level cyber security. Drawing on his experience overseas and with private military contractors, he founded 404IT to bring robust digital protection to vulnerable small businesses. He also owns Pathfinder Digital Marketing, a top 3% agency in North America specializing in data-driven PPC growth.

A respected thought leader and keynote speaker on AI integration, Tony is passionate about empowering businesses online. Outside of work, he’s an amateur MMA fighter, avid skateboarder, and dedicated single dad.

Ani Agnihotri

Co-Founder and CEO, Marshall Automation America, Inc. & Program Chair, USA India Business Summit (UIBS)

A proactive leader with business acumen and understanding of technology to convert “big picture” vision into implement able business plans. With over 39 years of combined sales, operational and management experience, Agnihotri has worked in advance manufacturing & automation, Consumer non-durables, software & technology solutions & Business Process Outsourcing sectors. Agnihotri is Co-Founder and CEO of Marshall Automation America, Inc. (MAAI) & President and CEO of IIIrd Millennium Technologies, Inc. (TMTI). MAAI provides custom manufacturing and automation and TMTI is in the business of software and AI consulting. Agnihotri has also been organizing USA India Business Summit (UIBS) in partnership with Georgia TECH CIBER since 2010.

Jairo de Jesus

Vice President of Bakeries’ Operations, Sugar Bowl Bakery

Jairo de Jesus is currently the Vice President of Bakeries’ Operations at Sugar Bowl Bakery in Tucker, GA. He has over 30 years of Executive Leadership experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Industry, holding various roles in Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing, Logistics, Continuous Improvement, and Industrial Engineering.

Jairo holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering (University of Arkansas), a Master of Business Administration (Baker University), and a Master of Science in Industrial Management and Systems Engineering from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. He is a Life Member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and a Life Member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE).

Shalmali Joshi

Senior Advanced Analytics Professional, Elevance Health

Shalmali Joshi is a Senior Advanced Analytics professional at Elevance Health, specializing in predictive data systems that enable proactive healthcare interventions. With over 15 years of experience across Fortune 500 organizations, she brings deep expertise in ETL/ELT pipelines, predictive modeling, cloud computing, and intelligent automation.

Her work focuses on behavioral health analytics, building platforms for early risk identification, care gap analysis, and automated outreach to improve patient outcomes. She translates insights into workflows and leads teams delivering scalable, high-impact solutions with strong technical leadership and people management experience across complex enterprise environments.

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