CXO Council

VJ Viswanathan is a seasoned global technology executive recognized and awarded for technology innovation, capability transformation and inclusive leadership. Most recently, VJ is the founding partner at CYFORIX, a global cybersecurity research, advisory & strategy firm delivering solutions to public and private sectors. He serves as the CEO at TORQE, a specialized due diligence, advisory and technology services firm delivering value through analytics and automation. VJ is also the co-host of ELEVATEINTEL, a podcast series at the nexus of technology, social and defense. With over 25 years of Enterprise technology, Cyber Security, Privacy, Compliance and Risk Management experience, VJ has a detailed track record of designing, implementing and leading highly successful programs, products & services at multinational brands spanning CPG, Telecom, Media, Supply-chain & Finance segments. As a strategic thought leader, VJ has delivered the first of its kind "Supply Chain Security" & “Omni-channel Risk management” frameworks. As a published author and featured keynote speaker at global industry events, he approaches disruptive digital paradigms with innovation, creativity and active collaboration with his key industry peers, national & international law enforcement and defense groups. VJ is an active advisor, investor at select incubators & accelerators groups. As a strategic advisor to VC & PE firms, he specializes in developing market analysis, competitive product road map and guides in opportunity mapping. As a Board member and subject matter advisor to CEOs and Corporate directors, VJ evaluates and audits cyber security program for veracity and operational effectiveness. VJ is passionate about animal rights and giving back to the technology & security industry. He has created a rescue & foster care group for large breed dogs. He is actively engaged with academic institutions and purpose driven professional groups like ‘Minorities in Cyber security’, where he serves as the Board member and chair of mentorship programs to develop the next generation talent through coaching and facilitating scholarships for cyber security education.

Mr. Grady is a 27 year veteran of the enterprise software industry with proven executive leadership experience. He has a strong track record in global customer service, enterprise software sales and marketing, enterprise software maintenance sales and service delivery. Mr. Grady has led global enterprise software firms and has developed emerging high-growth technology start-ups into successful ventures. Prior to joining Rimini Street, Mr. Grady was president and COO at Altus Corporation, a provider of video search and management software for sales enablement. During his tenure at Altus, Mr. Grady was responsible for overseeing the company’s field operations. Under his leadership, Altus emerged as the leader in enterprise on-demand rich media solutions for sales enablement, events and knowledge-sharing, with global clients including Oracle, SAP, Cisco, GM, IBM and Symantec. Under Mr. Grady’s leadership, Altus experienced a 500-percent increase in revenue over a six year period. Previously, Mr. Grady served as president and COO of Saba Software where he helped drive a 300-percent increase in revenue during his tenure. Prior to Saba, Mr. Grady held several executive positions at PeopleSoft, including most recently vice president and general manager of the $600 million Customer Sales Division, which grew to become the company’s largest and fastest-growing business unit. The Customer Sales Division included global enterprise software maintenance sales and telesales.

As the CIO for HealthIT, Dr. Patel provides leadership for translating VUMC healthcare delivery, quality, and patient safety goals into informatics strategies to optimize the delivery of patient care. He collaborates with operational and clinical leadership to foster systemic adoption and effective use of clinical applications to promote patient safety and high-quality care across the continuum and reduce the costs of care, in support of the VUMC mission. Dr. Patel has extensive experience in the use of healthcare information technology to improve clinical and quality processes, with more than 20 years of experience in implementing and advancing the use of computer order entry systems and electronic health records. He has worked with industry as well as other healthcare organizations to think strategically and proactively about the use of clinical informatics tools to transform the delivery of clinical care. Using the combination of his clinical expertise, knowledge of healthcare information technology and focus on workflow and logistics, Dr. Patel has developed key insights into the intersection of clinical space, workflow and team function. Dr. Patel has been with VUMC since 1997, when he joined VUMC as a faculty member in the Department of Pediatrics (Division of Pediatric Critical Care and Anesthesia) after completing his residency and fellowship at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. He spearheaded the introduction of computerized physician order entry (CPOE) to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). In addition to his CIO role, Dr. Patel is also Professor of Clinical Pediatrics, and has adjacent faculty appointments in Anesthesiology and Biomedical Informatics. Dr. Patel received his M.D. from the University of Southern California. He also has a master's degree in Public Health from Vanderbilt University, which he completed as a full-time physician.

Oversees the Port of Long Beach cybersecurity program to protect the Port’s technical network from cyber risks. Eddie is a seasoned technology executive with over has over 28 years of extensive experience in identifying business needs, designing and developing solutions, and delivering results. A proven leader that continues to adapt and drive transformation across the enterprise, developing tactical and strategic alignments with business divisions/units, developing and implementing methodologies and technology solutions, ensuring fiscal responsibility, audit and regulatory compliance. Prior to joining the Port, Eddie held similar positions at loanDepot, Fremont Investment & Loan, H&R Block Bank/Option One Mortgage and has worked for organizations such as PwC, PacifiCare Health Systems, County of Los Angeles. He is a retired combat veteran from the United States Army. He serves on a number of advisory boards, a frequent presenter and participates in local/national/international information security groups evangelizing his craft through public outreach. Eddie continues to be very active in supporting local youth sports dedicated to the growth and development of student athletes.