Unum’s Julio Ortiz (center), who was on the auction block, talks with guests during the VIP Reception prior to the auction
photo by J. Adams, Letterbox CMG
Nick Coussoule is titled, “The Big Cheese” of ChaTech’s 2017 CxO Auction. Carla Askonas (left), executive director of ChaTech, presented the award.
photo by J. Adams, Letterbox CMG
Kacee Nazor and Brent Messer, CIO, City of Chattanooga
photo by J. Adams, Letterbox CMG
Leslie Smith, event planner and marketing specialist for ChaTech; Vincent I. Phipps, MC for the event; and Carla Askonas, executive director of ChaTech
photo by J. Adams, Letterbox CMG
ChaTech’s Big Cheese for 2017 is Nick Coussoule, senior vice president and chief information officer at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. This is the fourth time in six years that he has earned the title of “The Big Cheese” at ChaTech's annual CxO Auction, making him the winningest chief information official in the Chattanooga area.
The fundraiser, held at Stratton Hall, was a full house of contributors, sponsors and other supporters, including the event sponsor Comcast Business, and DC BLOX, runway sponsor.
"Internet technology vendors and professionals bid on coveted B2C or B2B expertise from eight local technology leaders (the CxOs). The individual receiving the highest bid is crowned, 'The Big Cheese. Proceeds will benefit programs and services, including coding camps for youth, scholarships for college students in IT majors and educational programs for professionals," officials said.
Other IT leaders on the auction block included, Chris Bursch, CBL Properties; Knut Hilles, Volkswagen Chattanooga; Steve Hitchings, Kenco Group; Brent Messer, City of Chattanooga; Julio Ortiz, Unum; Shane Pilcher, Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation; and Jeff Seibenhener, U.S. Xpress.