The Nashville Technology Council announced the winners for the 2009 “Feel the Beat” Technology Awards. The awards recognized those individuals and companies whose success has helped grow Nashville and the surrounding areas into a hub for technology. The event highlighted outstanding achievements from the 2008-2009 year.
Mayor Karl Deal opened the ceremony with a few words about the current state of Techville, a name given to the region by the Nashville Technology Council’s map project earlier this year. Mayor Karl Dean remarked, “Technology jobs are an important factor in the growth of Nashville. The workers make higher than average wages and help fuel key industries including healthcare, publishing, music, and transactions.”
“Nashville has a great collection of technology talent in its companies and technologists as evidenced by tonight’s winners,” said Andy Flatt, CIO, HealthSpring and Chairman of the Nashville Technology Council. “The Nashville Technology Council is proud to bring this annual awards program to the region so we can recognize those companies that call Nashville home.”
CIO of the Year – Noel Williams, HCA – Sponsored by KPMG
Start-up Company of the Year – CredenceHealth – Sponsored by Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC
IT Student of the Year – Hank Carter, Belmont University – Sponsored by HP
Volunteer of the Year – Chris Beck, EDS – Sponsored by HCA
The “Green” Award – Nissan North America – Sponsored by HealthSpring
Innovator of the Year – Sal Novin, Linnaeus – Sponsored by LBMC
Social Media / Blogger of the Year – Rex Hammock, Hammock Publishing – Sponsored by RJ Young
Lifetime Achievement – David Condra, Dalcon Communications – Sponsored by ComFrame Software Corporation
Software Programmer / Engineer of the Year – Chip Hayner, centre{source} – Sponsored by eMids
Technology Organization of the Year – HCA Healthcare – Sponsored by XO Communications