Involta knows finance and technology go hand in hand – and with the right technology in place, leaders in the financial services industry can improve security, reduce downtime, and drive efficiencies at every level. The Involta Finance Advisory Board is designed to help realize this vision, further identify IT needs for industry-wide business innovation and scale best practices.
The Involta Finance Advisory Board includes executives and industry experts from leading financial services companies across the U.S. The Board gathers annually to discuss current information technology industry trends and assess best practices.
By staying at the forefront of technological innovation, financial services companies can leverage IT and accompanying services to improve security, reduce downtime and advance the financial services industry in terms of compliance, productivity and ROI.
Involta asks board members and industry thought leaders to act as strategic advisors for key Involta financial services initiatives. This helps ensure Involta can continue to provide valuable and reliable services to improve financial IT operations. Drawing upon the group’s knowledge, expertise, substantial business experience and insight into the finance industry’s continued evolution is critical to Involta’s vision and overall success.
When the country’s top leaders come together, incredible things happen. Involta looks forward to the continued partnership and camaraderie among our board members and esteemed industry-leading guests for years to come.
Jennifer Boysen grew up in Thomson, Illinois and graduated from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. She is a Certified Public Accountant. Her first professional position was serving as an Accountant for McGladrey & Pullen.
She began her career at Clinton National Bank in 1993 as the Internal Auditor. She was promoted to various management positions throughout her career at the bank. In June of 2008, she was appointed to the Clinton National Bank’s Board of Directors. She was named to her current position, Co-President of the bank, in June of 2017.
In addition, she is very active in community organizations. She currently serves as the Treasurer of the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce as well as the Treasurer of the YWCA. She is also a member of Clinton Community College’s Paul B. Sharar Foundation Board of Directors and has been very active on the Gateway United Way in many capacities since 1990. Boysen is past President of the Gateway United Way and past Chairperson of their Citizens Review Board. She is a member of the Iowa Society of CPAs and American Institute of CPAs.
She and her husband Keith reside in Clinton, Iowa. They have two sons who live outside of the area.
Jennifer Boysen grew up in Thomson, Illinois and graduated from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. She is a Certified Public Accountant. Her first professional position was serving as an Accountant for McGladrey & Pullen.
She began her career at Clinton National Bank in 1993 as the Internal Auditor. She was promoted to various management positions throughout her career at the bank. In June of 2008, she was appointed to the Clinton National Bank’s Board of Directors. She was named to her current position, Co-President of the bank, in June of 2017.
In addition, she is very active in community organizations. She currently serves as the Treasurer of the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce as well as the Treasurer of the YWCA. She is also a member of Clinton Community College’s Paul B. Sharar Foundation Board of Directors and has been very active on the Gateway United Way in many capacities since 1990. Boysen is past President of the Gateway United Way and past Chairperson of their Citizens Review Board. She is a member of the Iowa Society of CPAs and American Institute of CPAs.
She and her husband Keith reside in Clinton, Iowa. They have two sons who live outside of the area.
Steven (Steve) Burgess is President and CEO of the National Bank of Commerce headquartered in Superior, WI. NBC also has locations in Duluth, MN, Esko, MN, Hermantown, MN, Hibbing, MN, Poplar, WI, Solon Springs, WI. He has over 39 years of banking experience, focusing primarily on commercial and consumer lending in addition to agricultural lending. He spent six years with M&I Central Bank and Trust in Marshfield, WI, followed by 11 years with State Bank Financial in LaCrosse, WI. Steve served as the chairman of the APEX board for two years. He is the former chair of the Wisconsin Business Development Board, on which he served for 13 years. Steve is a member of the Duluth Rotary Club 25, the Greater Downtown Duluth, the LSBE Advisory Board, the Kitchi Gammi Club, and the Northland Country Club. Steve received a BS degree in Agricultural Education from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. He and his wife Kathy have five children.
Nancy Fitzgerald is an award-winning executive within the automotive finance industry. She also fosters relationships and develops partnerships with national financial companies to help provide their customers with exceptional financial services. Nancy has been awarded the Auto Remarketing Women in Remarketing Award (2016), the Insights Success Magazine’s 30 Most Influential Women in Business (2016), Denver Business Journal’s Outstanding Women in Business (2019 – 2021), the Titan 100 CEO Award (2020) and the Top 25 Most Powerful Women In Business by the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce (2020).
Under Nancy’s leadership, iLending won Denver Business Journal’s Best Places to Work 6 years in a row, the BBB Torch Award for Most Ethical Company, and Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Company in the Country. Nancy is also the Founder of The Butterfly Foundation – a 501c3 charity helping Colorado families in crisis.
William P. Fortwangler has been the Sr. Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Dollar Bank since January of 2017. In 2019, Mr. Fortwangler was named by the Pittsburgh Technology Council as CIO of the Year.
Mr. Fortwangler is responsible for all areas of Dollar Bank’s Information Technology department.
These areas include:
Cyber Security and Identity Access, Telecommunications, Network, Infrastructure, Application Support and Development, Enterprise Data Warehouse, Enterprise Project Management Office and Requirements management.
Prior to that Mr. Fortwangler was the CIO for Education Management Corporation a >$1B revenue education consortium including the Art Institutes. Mr. Fortwangler has held many diverse roles within Information Technology over a 30+ year career. From Market Research firms, Chemical Manufacturing, Cloud based Online Financial Services and Outsourced Banking Services Mr. Fortwangler brings a diverse background and approach to IT Leadership. Prior to Dollar Bank and EDMC, Mr. Fortwangler served as the Vice President Technology, of Billing Zone, LLC, an electronic invoice presentment and payment company providing electronic outsourced invoicing, billing, and disbursement solutions to Fortune 500 accounts payable organizations. Mr. Fortwangler was then the Director of Information Technology with Fiserv’s Large Bank Division managing professional services and implementations for on premise and hosted solutions.
Brian Frese joined UFG Insurance as the Chief Technology Officer in November of 2015, providing strategic oversight of information technologies across the company.
Thus far at UFG, Brian has overseen the assessment and advancement of a large-scale initiative to re-platform business applications, the expansion of digital capabilities deployments, the beginning of a shift to an Agile implementation model, and strengthened business partnerships.
Brian brings over 20 years of information technology leadership experience to his role including establishing strong customer partnerships, building and overseeing technical teams, system engineering, technology infrastructure, business applications, custom development, digital platform creation and advancement, vendor management and information security including cyber protections.
Previous to UFG, Brian held CTO roles at Transamerica in the Annuity and Enterprise Shared Services areas during a 17-year timeframe. Brian was a member of the AEGON/Transamerica Global IT Board and was instrumental to the creation of an Enterprise Shared Services function that enabled improved operational efficiency.
Brian is a current Board Member of the Technology Association of Iowa.
Brian graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Psychology.
After college, Brian began working in technology at a Systems Engineering firm that sparked his passion for IT. After moving to Transamerica and shifting into IT people management, he found his passions for helping people grow combined with a deep interest in technology to be a beneficial combination in advancing IT functions in organizations.
Professional History
2023 – Present: CISO – Premier Bank
2022 – 2023: Executive Director, Technical Services / CISO – American Greetings
2015 – 2022: Senior Vice President IT – Westfield Bank
2002 – 2015: Director Infrastructure Services – Westfield Insurance
1995 – 2002: IT Director – GE Capital Card Services
Affiliations
ISACA, ISC2, SANS, CISA, GCP-CIO Forum, Patriot (Vet) Network
Education
Western Governors University – Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance - MSCIA
Kent State University – Bachelor of Integrative Studies - BIS
Strengths
Key Experiences / Achievements
Personal
Lisa M. Gaspar Thompson is Vice President IT Planning & Governance at GreatAmerica Financial Services, where she is responsible for creating alignment between strategies, roadmaps and technology delivery, and ensuring technology delivery provides the anticipated value to the enterprise.
In her current role, Lisa leads strategic and annual planning for IT, the program and project management office, IT risk management, and performance management and reporting.
Lisa has over 20 years experience leading multi-disciplinary, global Information Technology teams, including architecture, solution delivery, and the IT business office. Prior to joining GreatAmerica Financial Services, she worked with organizations ranging from startups and privately held companies to Fortune 50 and Fortune 500 corporations. She has a passion for continuous improvement and works to enhance team performance and value delivered. She served on the board of a non-profit community financial institution as a director, member of the executive committee, and chair of the audit and credit committees.
She received her Bachelor of Science in Management from Iowa State University and her Masters of Business Administration from the University of Iowa, graduating with distinction. She is honored to be a guest speaker for the Entrepreneurial Strategies course within the University of Iowa’s Venture School program.
Lisa and her husband, Jon, enjoy time with their son and extended families.
Joe Gottron is Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer (CIO) of BOK Financial, one of the largest bank holding companies in the U.S. In this role, he leads the Operations and Technology division, which enables and supports almost every facet of the company. He joined BOK Financial in November of 2016, as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), responsible for leading the technology team. Prior to joining BOKF, Joe held a valuable mix of cross-discipline leadership roles across several industries. He was the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Heartland Bank in Gahanna, Ohio, the CIO of the Pharmaceutical Segment at Cardinal Health, and the CIO at Huntington Bancshares. He started his professional career at IBM, where over the course of 16 years he held a variety of sales, marketing and leadership roles.
Joe earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University where he majored in Marketing and specialized in Selling & Sales Management. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in May of 1985.
From an industry and community perspective, Joe is fully engaged. He is a member of the Bottomline Technologies Strategic Advisory Board, Crowe Client Advisory Board, FIS Global Large Financial Advisory Board, Involta Finance Advisory Board, Sophisticated Systems Inc. Board of Advisors, Tulsa Innovation Labs Advisory Council, and the Verizon Finance & Insurance Customer Advisory Board. He is also a member of the Reading Partners Tulsa Board and a member of the United Way Alexis de Tocqueville Society.
Joe and his wife, Angie, have two children and two grandsons.
David is the Chief Information Security Officer for American Express Global Business Travel.
Formerly, Levin was the CISO for Western Union where he built an award winning cyber security program. Prior to that, he held several security leadership roles with First Data Corporation and has over 25 years of experience in Information Technology and Information Security for global financial service firms. Levin most recently was named 2021 ISE People's Choice Award winner CISO of the year. David is successful in reducing information security costs while significantly improving enterprise risk management practices through innovation and transformational leadership. He maintains a keen pulse on industry trends and emerging technology and is an advisor to many cyber security startups and works frequently with venture capital and private equity firms.
Dan Miller is Vice President, FinTech Vertical of the GBS Computer Group headquartered in Youngstown, OH. Dan is responsible for managing sales and operations for the Fintech vertical. Employed with GBS since 1987, Dan began his career as a programmer and software support representative. He also served as the Manager of Research and Development, Director of Computer Information Systems, and Vice President of Technology, CTO. Dan is also involved with the University of Akron’s Center for Information Technologies and eBusiness (CITe), serves on the board, curriculum committee, IT Executive Exchange, and provides mentorship.
Dan also serves as the Chairman of Sharetec Software, Inc. (One of the business partnerships GBS has ownership)
Dan graduated from the University of Akron with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Business.
Tracey has served as the Chief Information Officer for Westfield since August 2018. In this role, she leads the IT organization and is accountable for Westfield’s information technology strategy, strategic plan, and execution.
Tracey has been a vital member of the IT leadership team since joining Westfield in 2008. Tracey has expertise leading information technology enabled business transformation efforts through both her Westfield experience and previously as an executive at Nationwide. Through these experiences, Tracey has developed strong relationships across the insurance operations and with a number of Westfield’s IT vendor partners.
Prior to joining Westfield, Tracey served in a variety of positions at Nationwide Insurance in Columbus, Ohio, including leadership positions in Enterprise Production Assurance, Claims Systems, and Agency Systems.
Tracey has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from Otterbein College (now University). She has her Master’s degree in Business Administration from Franklin University.
Scott joined GreenState Credit Union as the VP of IT in November 2019, setting strategic technical direction and providing general oversight of all technology functions throughout the cooperative.
In his short time at GSCU, Scott has provided leadership and guidance on continuous improvement of processes and methodologies, established software and service standards, launched an information security program, increased focus on talent development and increased employee engagement, all positioning the credit union for future growth.
Scott is an accomplished technology leader with over 27 years of diverse IT development and management experience with a proven track record of success. He is proficient in both strategic and tactical management with core competencies in leadership and staff development, relationship management and conflict management.
Prior to GSCU, Scott spent 12 years in the Program Management Office at Transamerica. He was a member of the Global PMO Advisory Board where he set policy and direction for the entire enterprise. In his role he was responsible for managing a $300M project portfolio providing oversight, governance and performance reporting. Previous to Transamerica Scott worked at a number of small software companies in various capacities.
Scott graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Management Information Systems.
Mr. Thomalla followed his father’s footsteps into the business, Treloar & Heisel, Inc. in 1991, after earning his degree in Accounting and completing a stint as an auditor at Deloitte & Touche. Since 2005, Mr. Thomalla has co-led as the Chief Operating Office (COO) of Treloar & Heisel, Inc. a widely recognized provider of comprehensive financial services to dental and medical professionals. The firm represents more than 16,000 dental and medical specialists.
As the COO of Treloar & Heisel, Mr. Thomalla engages his affinity for numbers and problem solving to address the day-to-day opportunities and challenges of running a dynamic, growing, nationwide enterprise. Mr. Thomalla’s exceptional performance has been recognized by the insurance industry through membership in MetLife’s President’s Club, MassMutual’s Chairman’s Club and Top of the Council, and the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT).
Mr. Thomalla is motivated by the goals and responsibilities to his family and to the employees of the company.
*Registered in IL to perform accounting activities except attestation services
Ken Wagers serves as Vice President of Client Information Services in Kelmar’s Colorado office. Ken holds a Master of Taxation from the University of Denver (1985) and a Bachelor of Arts in Finance and Accounting from the College of Idaho (1984). His experience in the field dates from 1987, when he began developing unclaimed property management systems. Ken has spent his career working collaboratively with nearly every state, focusing on system implementations, integrations, and best practices. Mr. Wagers has successfully overseen ninety-five system implementations in unclaimed property departments, including twenty-nine KAPS® implementations during his tenure at Kelmar.
Ken joined Kelmar in 2012 as Director and has since held the position of Managing Director prior to his role as Vice President. Collaborating extensively with Kelmar’s reporting and processing teams, he is responsible for Client Information Services, including management, development, and delivery of KAPS®, the next generation unclaimed property management system for state governments. In addition, Ken manages Kelmar's relationships with its client states. As a Client Relationship Manager, he serves as the primary contact and resource for designated clients. In this capacity, he ensures the highest level of client service.
Ken serves on the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) committee that developed the both the “NAUPA II” standard, and the current modernization project for the “NAUPA III” reporting standard. Ken serves on the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) Corporate Affiliate Board and is a regular speaker at NAST and NAUPA conferences. He has attended the National Institute of Public Finance at Pepperdine’s Graziadio Businss School as both an attendee and speaker several times and earned his Certificate in Public Treasury Management from the Institute. Ken was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from NAUPA in 2017.
Prior to joining Kelmar, Ken was a Senior Vice President at Xerox Unclaimed Property Clearinghouse (formerly ACS). For eight years, he was responsible for the development and delivery of unclaimed property systems offerings, including UPS2000, UPMS, HRS Pro and MissingMoney.com. Previously, Ken founded Wagers & Associates, Inc. where he was President and Owner for fifteen years, building the first commercial system responsible for managing unclaimed property reports for unclaimed property departments. During this time, Ken created and implemented the unclaimed property reporting systems utilized by forty-three unclaimed property departments in the United States and Canada. While at ACS, Ken was awarded the 2005 ACS Hustle award for his team’s work on MissingMoney.com.
Earlier in his career, Ken served as the Chief Financial Officer at Erbtec Engineering, Inc. from 1989-1995. He managed all financial and information technology aspects of the national leader of RF amplifiers for MRI medical imaging systems and assisted with negotiating the sale of the company to a leading medical devices company. As Senior Consultant CPA (now inactive) at Deloitte Haskins & Sells from 1985-1989, Mr. Wagers worked in various departments in the Denver office, including several years in the tax practice, and led the small business information systems consulting group. He was responsible for the installation of accounting solutions and network systems for small business clients, and the implementation and development of government reporting compliance systems.
Phil is a Principal in the Youngstown, Ohio office of HBK CPAs & Consultants. Phil began his public accounting career in 1985 with Seidman and Seidman, now BDO USA LLP and joined HBK in 1987. In 2004, Phil was selected as HBK CPAs & Consultants’ first Chief Operating Officer. He is responsible for managing the day-to-day activities of HBK and to ensure the firm continues to meet the exacting standards of today’s professional services firms. Phil also serves clients as one of the firm’s second review Principals, providing research and expert counsel on complex accounting and auditing issues. His industry experience includes manufacturing, nonprofits, healthcare, real estate, construction contractors and employee benefit plans.
Frank is a Senior Vice President and Business Information Security Officer (BISO) for a premier financial institution with over $2 trillion in assets, 4300 financial centers, and best-in-class digital banking platforms. In this role, he manages risk for consumer banking, key client-facing applications, and multiple lines of business.
Prior to his current role, Frank was Global Head of Security Operations for Zurich Insurance, one of the largest multi-line insurance carriers in the world with 55,000 people in 170 countries. At Zurich, he set the vision & strategy for Zurich’s global security toolkit and oversaw its daily operation. He also led Zurich’s global Identity Access Management (IAM) program.
An executive with a proven track record of success, Frank has held several significant IT leadership positions throughout his career, including CIO for Barrington Capital, Head of Global Applications for Hewitt, Chief IT Delivery Officer for Sears, and President of Executive IT Advisors, a consulting firm serving the needs of private equity firms and small / mid-sized business (SMBs).
Frank holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Northwestern University and is active in a large number of professional organizations, including serving as co-chair for HMG’s Global CISO Leadership Summits and advisory board member for Gartner / Evanta’s Executive CISO Summits.
Jim Burns, Vice President of Information Technology at GreatAmerica Financial Services, served as the Vice President and General Manager for Collabrance, a GreatAmerica company from 2009-2015 and he stays involved as a mentor at Collabrance. Prior to joining GreatAmerica in 1996, Jim spent 4 years as head of Information Technology at the FREEDOM Group, a company specializing in insurance software. Before FREEDOM Group, Jim worked in IT for a multinational insurance firm. Jim started his career as an IT Systems Integrator, serving many roles including sales, engineering and application development.
Lance is the founder and CEO of Juniper Labs, a fintech startup that is transforming the way the financial services industry views data and underwriting. Prior to Juniper Labs, Lance founded and scaled Maxwell, a leading digital mortgage platform. Lance also has spent a decade on the carrier side of the business as a product actuary. He has a deep understanding of strategy and innovation process and has coached executives at Stanford’s Institute of Design.
Juniper Labs provides SMB risk transparency for insurance companies, lenders and other financial services companies. We have a suite of APIs that answer questions like, “Who are you?”, “What do you do?” and “Has anything in your business changed?” by unlocking risk-laden data hidden in unstructured text.
