Our Team
Meet Valence
Our team is collaborative and transparent in everything we do, recognizing that we reach our highest potential as a company when we leverage the passion and creativity of our people.
Our Leadership
The Valence Team
Andrea Vodegel
Director of Project Management
Andrea Vodegel
A “Big Picture” thinker, Andrea is a seasoned Project Manager and Scrum Master with extensive experience managing client relationships and delivering large scale projects, thanks to an efficient and streamlined approach to workflows. She is a client-focused collaborator, bringing proven success in establishing trust and rapport with clients and team members, alike. Experienced with Fortune 500 clients, Andrea delivers results by creating successful, measurable outcomes in ongoing product and program initiatives. She is recognized for her ability to bridge disciplines, build effective cross-functional teams, and create a collaborative environment. She’s successful because of her focus on trust, transparency, and proactivity, and she feels most proud when she rallies a team around a common goal.
“Every project is like a puzzle that can be put together ten different ways, and I’m here to choose the most efficient and successful plan to put that puzzle together. I’ll take a big idea, tackle the details, collaborate with team members, and create an execution plan.”
Bruce Slywka
Chief Revenue Officer (CRO)
Bruce Slywka
With more than 15 years of executive sales leadership and management experience, Bruce advances long-term, sustainable relationships that exceed client expectations. Bruce is recognized for his positivity and enthusiasm as he works with clients to understand their business needs, connect their goals to high-value solutions, and usher their projects through the onboarding process, advocating for clients every step of the way. Bruce is recognized for his creative problem-solving, resourcefulness, planning, and exceptional outcomes. His keen business acumen, credibility, and collaborative approach to client relationships are complemented by his strong analytical and interpersonal skills.
“It’s all about relationships. I get excited every time we deliver solutions and services to our clients that result in lasting business relationships. I’m invested in each client, and I’m rewarded by the trust they put in Valence with their technology initiatives. We are in it together and for the long haul.”
Casey Bayless
Director of Recruiting
Casey Bayless
Casey oversees Valence’s recruiting efforts. He applies a deep understanding of Valence’s culture and clients to find the best talent in the industry while ensuring our team shares our client and technology obsessions. Casey is intuitive, focused, present, and empathetic as he helps, supports, hires, and leads people. Casey’s work is organized around a philosophy and methodology that brings out everyone’s potential. Casey has a gift for telling stories that bring the vision for the business to life.
“What most excites me is knowing I am helping people and making a positive impact in their lives. I love seeing people rise up to their potential. It’s why I love what I do.”
Cory Gish
Vice President of Strategic Accounts
Cory Gish
A seasoned veteran in the management consulting industry, Cory designs engagement models, directs and executes operating models, and establishes clients’ financial management activities. He connects his detailed tactical experiences to strategic and transformational initiatives, leveraging his engineering, product development, and business background to deliver results.
“I love working closely with our customers to investigate hypotheses, experiment in our labs, and develop, implement, and scale solutions that create real value.”
Deborah Keltner
Vice President of Marketing
Deborah Keltner
Deborah leads our marketing and communications strategy, helping to tell the our story and make sure that people who interact with the Valence brand understand what makes this company unique and innovative. Deborah works with select clients, bringing their brand, marketing strategy, and stories together into a compelling market position.
“Work creates a platform to make the world better every day. I’m excited to use design and technology to connect with people about issues that matter most to them. Everything is your brand and your brand is everything!”
Glenn Bowers
Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)
Glenn Bowers
Glenn delivers leadership, strategy, and vision for Valence’s growth, profitability, and shareholder value. He is a strategic and results-oriented leader with more than 20 years of executive leadership experience, which he leverages in business development, sales & marketing, solution development, business operations, and business management. As a collaborative team player and mentor, Glenn is recognized for his ability to develop high performing teams that help our clients scale their organizations while delivering innovative products and solutions that result in a sustainable competitive advantage.
“I love that digital transformation is every bit as challenging as it is rewarding. I get to work with clients whether they are starting their digital transformation journey or already well on their way. Helping organizations to create new products or services or improve their operational scale is why Valence is my Happy Place.”
Jaime Swindle
Director of Project Management
Jaime Swindle
Jaime oversees the delivery of a portfolio of client engagements, delivering projects according to ambitious goals, timelines, and budgets. Jaime is a systems thinker who brings significant AR/VR expertise to the table. Jaime is the person to call when a project demands frictionless service and an intense focus on the end user.
“Be brave! You may need to take some risks to start innovating, but you’re in safe hands with us and we will guide you through it! We will guide you through each step of your digital transformation so it’s not overwhelming. We’ve got your back – you can do this!”
Jaison Wattula
Director of Reporting and Automation
Jaison Wattula
Jaison supports clients’ site/software/applications platforms. He is a hands-on and adaptable leader and manages cross-functional teams to address various platforms and complex integration strategies. Jaison is experienced leading the design, build, and operational management of highly secure and scalable sites and software, and ruthlessly seeks out and eliminates inefficiencies. Jaison builds scalability and security into every strategy.
“I’m motived by our team camaraderie and my work mentoring our up-and-coming leaders as they carve out their career path. Supporting these talented people and helping them grow is how I make the industry better.”
Jim Darrin
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Jim Darrin
As CEO, Jim oversees all aspects of the Valence business. He has more than 20 years of executive management experience, working with Fortune 1000 clients to unleash opportunities for innovation and growth. Jim comfortably pivots between leading Valence through its extraordinary growth and success; and rolling up his sleeves to help clients envision the next step on their digital journey. He’s sought after for his ability to bring people together around a common goal and make the impossible possible.
“I’m continually inspired by our team. They go the extra mile to help each other, and just as importantly, to help our clients get the best outcomes imaginable. They share my vision that this is about more than just doing the work – it’s about being a trusted partner to our clients. It’s awesome.”
Marc Pollard
Vice President of Client Service
Marc Pollard
Marc makes sure that every client achieves their potential and experiences Valence’s client-obsessed approach. An expert in B2B strategy, application integration, manufacturing, ecommerce, software development, cloud technologies, IT design, and application development, Marc brings management and technical experience to our team. Marc is recognized as a highly responsive teammate who thinks that anything is possible.
“I speak the language of business as fluently as I speak the language of tech. I can translate between highly technical people and our clients, and when they understand each other, they can be inspired by what’s possible. Every day I get to solve the unsolvable with a team of smart people who are just as motivated to exceed expectations as I am. The high-tempo of this work is a rush.”
Matt Patterson
Principal Solutions Architect
Matt Patterson
Matt is a consulting software architect and engineer focused on cloud solution development. A dynamic leader with more than 25 years of experience in a variety of enterprises and industries, Matt identifies patterns and practices with proven software to deliver innovative architectural approaches. Matt specializes in cloud computing, AWS, Azure, containerization, message-based systems, data ingestion and insights, service architecture, IoT, DevOps, and application security. Matt is known for his “x-ray vision” because he can look beneath the surface of any situation to identify hidden opportunities for innovation.
“I wish more people understood that technology can teach us about the world we live in. It helps us to improve people’s lives and to be better stewards of the planet. That’s good for everyone’s future. I want to use technology to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time.”
Matt Wright
Principal Cloud Architect
Matt Wright
Matt leads the creation of cloud platform technology frameworks, providing technical architecture and design leadership, and supports clients’ initiatives in cloud computing and automation. A lifelong learner and lover of technology, Matt is a persistent and well-rounded solutions architect with particular expertise in Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, solutions architecture, and technical leadership.
“I wish more people understood how accessible technology can be. Once you know how to play with technology, you can use it throughout your life – not just at work. Ask me about the smart IoT-enabled sprinkler system I installed in my house!”
Rachel Chao
Human Resources Manager
Rachel Chao
Rachel contributes to all functions of HR Operations at Valence. She is a nimble and creative contributor who thinks on her feet. She makes sure that our business is inclusive and equitable, that our benefits meet our team’s needs and are competitive.
“I’m excited to be part of a team of talented individuals that’s creating the best employee experience possible!”
Sarah Hansen
Vice President of People and Talent
Sarah Hansen
Sarah oversees all aspects of Valence’s human resources and talent strategy. She helps the firm find and retain top talent, facilitates our Always Learning culture, and supports employees as they develop as industry-leading professionals. In addition to all this, Sarah is here to make sure that employees feel safe, valued, and understood.
“I’m incredibly proud of my work continually elevating Valence’s unique company culture where human resources is a strategic and approachable partner, focusing on our people, their development, and their experience.”
Scott Rupert
Vice President of Strategic Accounts
Scott Rupert
Scott supports Valence’s strategic accounts by helping to develop approaches that support client objectives and strengthen account health while advocating for clients’ business goals. He is a resourceful leader who builds lasting relationships thanks to outcome-focused thinking and a drive to exceed expectations. Scott is recognized for excellent cross-functional collaboration to deliver products and services that delight clients. Industry expertise includes aviation, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and high-tech. He’s a communicative and collaborative leader who rallies teams around common goals.
“I love that each day is different and presents new and interesting challenges for our team to solve. I get to work with different types of people from all sorts of backgrounds, weaving together the vision, service offering, engineering, and UX story.”
Steven Fiore
Director of Technical Presales
Steven Fiore
Steven collaborates with clients to understand their business challenges and identify solutions that create business opportunities. A seasoned professional with more than 20 years of experience in the technology industry, Steven has a unique skillset focused on implementing creative technology solutions that are designed to exceed targets, drive revenue, streamline processes, maximize efficiency, improve productivity, and increase overall impact. His hard-working approach to client service is made even better by his ability to track project details while keeping track of the bigger strategic picture.
“Let’s get out of your comfort zone. I love creating an experience where our clients feel safe even when they are a little uncomfortable. If you want to lead your market or your industry, you may need to chart some new territory. I’ll help you!”
Yuri Brigance
Director of Software Engineering
Yuri Brigance
Yuri directs and oversees the Emerging Technologies group, where the team develops, releases, and maintains leading-edge technology solutions for clients. A focused and strategic thinker, Yuri is an expert in both established and emerging technologies such as Machine Learning, Computer Vision, IoT, Cloud, and Native Mobile. Yuri utilizes a variety of programming languages including Python, Java, C/C++, JavaScript, TypeScript, Swift, Bash, and more. He collaborates with the consulting and design studios to ensure that what is built achieves client goals and elevates business outcomes. Yuri is persistent when faced with a new challenge. He holds patents for his work and is the person to call when a project needs to be figured out and broken into manageable parts.
“Don’t be afraid of big, complicated ideas. Nothing is impossible. Every formidable challenge can be broken down into smaller, more manageable chunks until each piece of the technology puzzle is fully understood. From there, it’s easy to implement a working and stable solution.”