EXECUTIVE TEAM
Sunny Bajaj
SUNNY BAJAJ
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Sunny Bajaj, DMI’s Chief Executive Officer, founded DMI in 2002 with the vision to create a global leader in innovative, next-generation technology solutions. Sunny has since led DMI from a humble startup to become the expansive, worldwide organization it is today, with hundreds of clients and thousands of employees.
Sunny was born and raised in the technology industry, where both of his parents independently built successful IT services businesses. Sunny learned the IT services business from the ground up, even starting in the proverbial mailroom when he was 13. Before beginning his career at DMI, he worked at e-business pioneers, AppNet and CommerceOne, as well as Goldman Sachs.
As Founder and CEO, Sunny is a proven leader and committed to helping clients around the globe achieve high performance in digital business. In his 20-year career, Sunny has repeatedly been recognized as an award-winning culture builder and Smart100 CEO winner, an exclusive group of 100 top-performing and highly respected CEOs in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region.
Over the past 18 years and through a half-dozen acquisitions, Sunny has successfully built a respected, fast-growth business that is pioneering digital, mobile-first transformation for government agencies and commercial enterprises around the world. DMI has received numerous awards for both rapid growth and corporate excellence, including being named a 10-time winner on the Inc 5000 list of fastest growing private companies in America, GovCon Government Contractor of the Year, and Washington Post Top Work Place three of the past four years. Notably, DMI owes its uniquely bold and energetic culture to Sunny’s passion for the business and commitment to his customers and employees.
Sunny holds a BA in Economics from the University of Maryland with relevant coursework at the London School of Economics. Since 2016, he has served on the Board of Advisors to the University’s Robert H. Smith School of Business.
Rocky Thurston
ROCKY THURSTON
Chief Operating Officer
As Chief Operating Officer of DMI, Rocky Thurston drives day-to-day company operations and is responsible for overall program delivery excellence and business growth.
Rocky has vast, successful leadership and management experience across the commercial, defense, intelligence, federal civilian, national security, and state and local market segments. He has deep knowledge and experience in software, infrastructure, cloud, cybersecurity, network and analytics. Prior to DMI, Rocky served as the President for the $1.3B Peraton Citizen Security and Public Services business sector.
Prior to Peraton, Rocky held leadership positions of increasing responsibility at Perspecta, Accenture, Lockheed Martin and Booz Allen, where he gained valuable experience in P&L management, business development, capture management, and merger and acquisition activities.
Rocky is a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force with a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the United States Air Force Academy. He also holds an MBA with a concentration in finance.
Michael Altshuler
MICHAEL ALTSHULER
Chief Financial Officer
As DMI’s Chief Financial Officer, Michael Altshuler is responsible for leading financial operations, including financial planning and analysis, operational and financial accounting and compliance, as well as treasury and risk management. Mike also works closely with the executive leadership team to set the company’s strategic financial direction and shape the finance organization to support the company’s business goals.
Prior to joining DMI, Mike served as Vice President and Global Controller of Algeco Scotsman, a leading global business services provider focused on modular space, secure portable storage solutions, and remote workforce accommodation management. At Algeco, Mike leveraged his capital markets background to help Algeco navigate through several capital transactions in both the public and private markets. Prior to Algeco, Mike served as Chief Financial Officer for Sallyport Global, Controller for ASRC Federal, and an executive with Ernst & Young LLP.
Mike holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bucknell University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Michael S. Deittrick
MICHAEL S. DEITTRICK
Chief Strategy Officer
Michael Deittrick leads DMI’s strategic focus as an organization, both internally and externally, working with our executive leadership, partners and technology practices to develop and support our strategic initiatives. In this capacity, he also leads our Office of Innovation and Strategy that drives our digital thought leadership and innovative transformation strategies for our customers while working with our technology product, practice and information systems organizations to deliver best in class services and solutions for our entire portfolio of customers and employees.
Michael has over 25 years of industry experience having been at the core of several strategic initiatives and solutions that revolutionized the way companies conduct and adopt new business models and technology practices. During his tenure with DMI, Michael has also served as our chief digital officer, chief marketing officer and president of our artificial intelligence, machine learning, data and AI products incubator division.
Prior to DMI, Mike was the global industry chief technology officer for DXC Technology’s Travel and Transportation division overseeing a $1.2B book of business and investments in product and services development.
Mike started his early career as liaison to the MIT Media Lab for the General Motors MediaLab focused on media and technology convergence or as we have come to know it today, digital transformation.
John E. Welch
JOHN E. WELCH
Chief Legal Officer
John Welch is DMI’s Chief Legal Officer and an Executive Vice President. He oversees DMI’s global legal and regulatory compliance teams and serves as a member of DMI’s executive management team. As the head of DMI’s Legal Department, he is the principal counsel to DMI’s senior management and Board of Directors. His responsibilities include legal strategy, corporate governance, M&A, securities, contracts, regulatory compliance, litigation, and IP and employment law.
John has more than three decades of experience representing clients in sectors including high tech, IT, financial services, real estate, aerospace and defense, telecommunications and energy, while based in Washington, D.C., London, Los Angeles and Florida. Prior to joining DMI, John served as a Managing Director and principal of a boutique investment firm where he oversaw and managed capital raising and related investment banking services. He was also a partner in global law firms where his practice focused on structuring and negotiating complex international transactions ranging from financing to M&A and joint ventures, for both publicly traded and private domestic and foreign clients. In addition, John previously served as an Executive Vice President and General Counsel of a telecommunications firm, where he led the company’s legal and governmental affairs, risk management and contracts administration groups.
John currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Diplomacy Center Foundation, a non-profit foundation that is partnering with the U.S. Department of State to create the United States Diplomacy Center. Also, he has provided pro bono legal services to the congressionally chartered World War One Centennial Commission, the U.S. Foundation for the Commemoration of the World Wars and other organizations.
John is a member of the California and District of Columbia bars. He has been recognized in various publications, including Chambers USA and Washington SmartCEO, as a leading corporate lawyer.
Mr. Welch graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School where he served as a member of the Board of Editors of The Harvard Law Review.
Marion Ticknor
MARION TICKNOR
Chief People Officer
As DMI’s Chief People Officer, Marion is responsible for leading human capital and talent management operations including recruiting, performance management, compensation and benefits, training and development, employee relations, and health and safety. Working closely with the executive leadership team, Marion sets the people strategy for the organization and aligns the human resource and talent management function to support DMI’s business goals.
Prior to joining DMI, Marion served as Chief People Officer at KeyW, an innovative national security solutions provider to the intelligence, cyber, and counterterrorism communities. At KeyW she set the direction for human resources, talent acquisition and management, and corporate communications, and was recognized for her thought leadership in developing innovative and engaging people programs and execution models. Prior to KeyW, she served as Senior Vice President of Employee Care and Development at Novetta, an advanced analytics solutions provider.
Marion holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and is a Senior Professional in Human Resources (HRCI).
Nelson Fernandez
NELSON FERNANDEZ
Chief Information Officer
As Chief Information Officer and interim Chief Information Security Officer, Nelson Fernandez is responsible for overseeing the Information Technology Center, Corporate Quality Assurance, and Information Security. With nearly 30 years of experience managing information technology and computer systems, he is responsible for all corporate systems as well as adherence to ISO, CMMI, GDPR, SOCII, and CMMC.
Nelson has been with DMI for over eight years. Prior to joining DMI, he served as Director of Information Technology at Community Connections and Netstar-1 Government Consulting where he oversaw IT operations and modernization.
GLOBAL BUSINESS TEAM
Sanjeev Kumar
SANJEEV KUMAR
Senior Vice President, Europe
As the lead for DMI’s European business, Sanjeev is responsible for managing and expanding DMI’s integrated digital offerings in Europe. He works in conjunction with the executive team to define and implement the go-to-market strategy and is responsible for client management and delivery.
With a relentless passion to maximize peoples’ potential and technology investments, Sanjeev specialises in helping businesses realise value from Digital transformation by providing a combined focus on strategy and execution.
Prior to joining DMI, Sanjeev was a management consultant. Most recently he was a Director in the CIO Advisory Practice of KPMG UK. Prior to that Sanjeev was a Managing Consultant at PA Consulting. During his time at KPMG and PA Consulting, Sanjeev worked at C-level with a number of large global enterprises to help drive their Digital agenda.
Sanjeev graduated from Oxford University with honours degree in Engineering Science.
Tracy Hobiena
TRACY HOBIENA
State, Local and Education
Tracy serves as General Manager for DMI’s State, Local and Education business. She brings over 20 years of sales, consulting and program management experience in the information technology industry spanning state & local, commercial and federal customers.
Prior to joining DMI, Tracy worked at SMX (formerly Smartronix) as the Director of Programs. She was responsible for delivery, growth, profitability and client satisfaction of cloud transformation across the state, local and education vertical. Tracy managed program and technical delivery teams, instilling predictable and repeatable frameworks aimed at improving customer experience, operational efficiency and loyalty; while driving revenue and enhancing market position.
Other notable career highlights include Intrepid Performance Partners where Tracy was the Founder and Managing Partner/Principal Consultant. Her work focused on business performance and process optimization, organizational turnaround and strategic planning expertise for commercial, federal and nonprofit clients.
Tracy holds a BA in Sociology from Saint Mary’s College.
John Blackburn
JOHN BLACKBURN
Health Innovations & Cybersecurity
John Blackburn is working to help DMI clients become Digital Leaders in their industry and markets. With extensive experience in strategy, consulting and technology, John is driving new digital initiatives for DMI and our clients. His deep industry experience in Retail, Travel, Hospitality and Consumer Goods enhances DMI’s strength in these industries and also brings these consumer insights to other industries striving to engage consumers more effectively.
Prior to joining DMI, John served as the EVP of Digital Commerce at Zensar Technologies, a digital solutions and technology services company where he focused on tier one Commerce, Order Management and Digital Transformation. John served as Global Vice President and General Manager of Consumer, Retail, Travel and Transportation for CSC, where his efforts established CSC’s presence in these industries and brought the analytics, supply chain, digital transformation, cloud and eCommerce business to these clients. He also was responsible for North America Consulting at CSC prior to joining Zensar. In 2015, John left a 14-year long career at IBM (previously PwC Consulting) where he moved from Associate Partner to Industry Vice President and held positions in multiple business units with Strategy through Delivery functions and led teams in the US, China, South America and Europe prior to leaving for CSC.
John holds an ME from University of Virginia, as well as a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Providence College.
Tony Garcia
TONY GARCIA
Defense & National Security
Tony Garcia has over 21 years of experience providing mission critical service delivery to transformational IT programs in the government sector.
Tony is responsible for the management and delivery of comprehensive solutions in IT Service Management, Mobility, Agile Software Development, Cloud Computing Services, Business Intelligence, Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity.
Prior to joining DMI, Tony held numerous senior leadership positions at companies such as Lockheed Martin and Janus Research Group where he focused on the application of ITIL-based Service Strategy, Delivery and Operations for large, enterprise engineering and operational environments such as the Pentagon; the application of human-in-the-loop Command and Control systems for autonomous robotic and sensor systems; and tactical edge network communication systems. His previous clients include the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Pentagon Joint Service Provider (JSP), U.S. Army Information Technology Agency (USAITA), Program Manager, Warfighter Information Network – Tactical (PM WIN-T) and the Joint Program Executive Office, Joint Tactical Radio System (JPEO JTRS).
Tony holds an MBA in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from George Mason University. He is also an ITIL certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and an HDI Certified Support Center Manager (HDI-SCM). In 2014, he was recognized by Lockheed Martin and the Career Communications Group’s Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) as a Modern Day Technology Leader.
DJ Oreb
DJ OREB
Managed Services Group
DJ provides guidance and customer insights while retaining loyal and satisfied customers in today’s mobile-connected world. He possesses extensive industry experience in mobile lifecycle management, mobile strategy, help desk, telecom expense management, procurement and MDM management. DJ helps build strong reputable relationships to develop robust mobile programs for customers that drive business results to enhance and grow their mobile eco-system and user experience.
Upon joining DMI, DJ brought with him an extensive background of Information Technology, operations management, mobility management, managed services, systems administration, and project management experience. His customer-focused approach has brought customers new insights on how they manage their mobile programs today.
Marc Irish
MARC IRISH
Commerce Group
Marc Irish leads DMI’s Commerce Group, where he is responsible for advising clients on omnichannel business strategy and delivering solutions that enable major retailers to accelerate business growth through omnichannel customer engagement. He brings over 25 years of high tech sales, marketing and professional services leadership to DMI.
Marc is one of the founding members of KnowledgePath, a leading ecommerce consultancy, which was acquired by DMI in January 2014. Before founding Knowledge Path, Marc spent more than five years establishing the business innovations and professional services practice during ATG’s hyper-growth period. He was responsible for selling and delivering both full-lifecycle solutions for clients such as John Hancock, EMC, Merrill Lynch, J.Crew and IHG, to name a few.
Since that time, Marc managed a successful professional services turnaround and held senior positions in two Internet-based startups focused on driving new ecommerce and loyalty business models. Prior to ATG, Marc worked for IBM. Marc holds an MBA from Boston College and a BSME degree from Clarkson University.
Allison Mataya
ALLISON MATAYA
Experience Group
For over 20 years, Allison has been leading and growing successful relationships with brands and their customers. In doing this, she has also built talented teams to conceptualize and advance award-winning ideas. Her experience runs from mentoring CX innovation programs, and overseeing the development of applications to guiding digital marketing through online media and mobile experiences. She understands that the key to staying modern and relevant in what we do lies in the seamless integration of strategic, creative, technological and executional excellence. Allison stewards her team in creating an energizing agency environment that encourages exploring new opportunities and challenges the status quo to drive real business outcomes for our clients.
Most recently, Allison led the North American Client Services Team at DMI, with a portfolio including Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies, Campbell’s Soup Company, Metropolitan Airport Authority (MWAA) and Hyundai Capital America. Before she came to DMI, Allison led campaigns and strategies for several leading agencies, including Arnold Worldwide, Merkley + Partners, Y&R and Grey. She developed creative programs for many Fortune 500 and other iconic brands such as The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Mercedes-Benz, Kraft Foods and Xerox.
Allison graduated from Bowdoin College with a double major in Art History and Government. Allison lives in Bethesda with her husband and son.
Kyle Klimek
KYLE KLIMEK
Transformation
Kyle Klimek leads DMI’s Digital Transformation Services business where he is responsible for all aspects of growth and client service delivery, partnering with DMI’s enterprise clients to solve critical business problems by envisioning, designing & creating software solutions.
He brings 20+ years of experience in software development and engineering, including 9 years with DMI and previously Allegient.
Prior to DMI, Kyle was a principal for AD/Solutions Group, a boutique Chicago based software development company serving Fortune 500 enterprises and led their expansion into the Indianapolis market. Kyle holds a BS in Computer Information Systems and Technology from Purdue University.
Olivia Crowe
OLIVIA CROWE
AI, Data and Analytics
Liv leads DMI’s AI, Data and Analytics group where she is responsible for all aspects of growth and client service delivery. She has over 20 years experience in business operations, client service, sales and marketing across global digital agencies, digital start-ups and consultancies.
Prior to DMI, Liv held roles including International VP for global digital advertising giant ‘Digitas’, Sales & Marketing Director, ’Twofour Digital’, and Head of Production/Client Partner at ‘AnalogFolk’. As VP at Digitas, Liv sat on the International Strategic Growth board and the UK leadership growth board.
Liv has extensive cross sector experience with particular depth of knowledge in Automotive, Retail, Government and Health industries.
Thotakura Kishore
THOTAKURA KISHORE
IT Transformation Services
Thotakura Kishore is the business unit head for DMI’s IT Transformation Services. An innovative, growth and results-driven executive with 26 years of IT industry experience, Kishore – as he’s known – has spent the past 20 years of his career, progressively increasing leadership role building and managing cross functional global delivery teams in Canada, Europe, Asia, and the U.S. He has dedicatedly served customers across Automotive, Public Sector, Finance and Insurance, Commercial, and Healthcare industries.
Praveen Pahwa
PRAVEEN PAHWA
Commerce Group
Praveen Pahwa provides and leads the customer experience transformation division for DMI’s Commerce Group. As the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pragiti, an eCommerce solutions company acquired by DMI in 2019, Praveen developed a stellar reputation delivering innovative, efficient and strategic results to global brands. Under his leadership, Pragiti grew exponentially year after year and emerged as a leader in redefining how eCommerce implementations are delivered, and client’s brand value can be unleashed.
Praveen has nearly three decades of experience delivering solutions for international brands. Prior to founding Pragiti, as Vice President, Multi Channel Retailing for SkillNet, Praveen built and managed a business unit helping retailers engage with their customers across different channels. Prior to SkillNet, Praveen had a very successful decade long career in different leadership roles and across business units, regions and solution lines with Microland Limited.
Praveen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Mathematics from BITS, Pilani, India. Praveen is an avid reader, a music buff, an intrepid traveler and a self-taught wine enthusiast and loves to experiment with food to hone his amateur cooking skills.
Shaji Joseph
SHAJI JOSEPH
Bids & Proposals and Strategy
Shaji Joseph is an Executive Vice President and responsible for DMI’s Bids & Proposals (B&P) and Strategy. Shaji is a technology executive and thought leader with more than 25 years of experience in Strategy, Digital Transformation, Operations, and Bids & Proposals. He is responsible for crafting innovative and compelling business transformation solutions using emerging technologies to bring organic growth for DMI in the Federal, State & Local, and Commercial sectors. Shaji joined DMI in 2009 and initially led the operations for the Enterprise Solutions Division that spearheaded the digital transformation of several Federal and Commercial organizations. Before joining DMI, he held management positions in Information Technology for various Fortune 500 and startup firms.
Shaji received his M.S. in Computer Science with honors from The Johns Hopkins University.
Jesse Humphrey
JESSE HUMPHREY
Marketing
Jesse Humphrey is the VP of Marketing for DMI where she oversees all aspects of the company’s global brand and marketing strategy, demand generation and thought leadership. A DMI veteran, Jesse has been at DMI for over a decade leading digital marketing initiatives, partner Go-To-Market strategies, and brand acquisitions and integrations across business units to create awareness, drive demand and build a modern marketing engine focused on agility and growth.
Most recently as Director, Digital Marketing and Brand Management for DMI, Jesse has played an integral role within the Marketing organization by expanding on the strategy and tactical execution of DMI’s brand growth through inbound, outbound and account-based marketing programs.
Jesse holds a BA in Management from Antioch University and an AAS in Marketing Management.
Molly Mays
MOLLY MAYS
Global Employee Resources and Talent Acquisition
Molly is the Vice President of Global Employee Resources and Talent Acquisition for DMI which is committed to reigning as a top workplace. She leads a team invested in and accountable for talent acquisition compliance, professional development, workplace culture and total rewards as the company continues to guide enterprises toward digital transformation. Molly is responsible for DMI’s human resources strategy and services globally, which includes Learning and Leadership Development; Inclusion and Diversity; Total Rewards; Employee Engagement; and cultivating DMI’s Culture.
As a human resources and talent acquisition professional with over 15 years of experience, Molly arrived at DMI after managing human resources and the office for a local law firm. Prior to that, she acted as the Human Resources Director with a major food industry company as well as managed the office. Molly’s experience includes the reorganization of Human Resources departments to include expansion of job duties and full life cycle recruiting, developing and revising human resources policies and procedures, executing payroll, employee engagement efforts, performance management as well as facilities management.
Molly has been with DMI since 2011 when she was hired as a Human Resources Manager responsible for enhancing and developing processes in DMI’s growing Human Resources department. As her career progressed within DMI, she now acts as a Global HR Senior Partner across DMI and trusted strategic partner and coach. Her main initiatives include talent management, M&A diligence and integration, performance management, compensation and total rewards, and organization development.