TechPoint Youth
Board of Directors
Our board is comprised of a dynamic group of professionals who are passionate about the TechPoint Youth's mission. They actively commit the time, talent, and resources necessary to influence the lives of Indiana's future STEM leaders.
Gail Farnsley
Company and Title: Retired IT Executive & Board Member
Board Committees: Executive Committee
What inspires you about the TPY mission?
As an immigrant and first generation college student, it was my high school math teacher that told me I could and should go to college. He thought a computer class that opened the door to a career I could never have imagined. I want every young person, especially those not typically represented in tech, to be exposed to opportunities to spark their imagination and to help them find those special mentors that can help them find their path.
A little bit me: In retirement, I spend as much time as possible with young people - whether that is my grandchildren or as Board President for Techpoint Youth. I also serves Purdue as an active member of the Diversity Advisory Council and the Dean’s Advisory Council at the Purdue Polytechnic Institute as well as the Krenicki Center Advisory Board at the Daniels School of Business. In the hours that are left, I am committed to saying yes to advising leaders and mentoring young women whenever asked.
Floyd Alcorn
Company and Title: NextGear Capital / AVP, Product & Engineering
Board Committees: Program Committee
What inspires you about the TPY mission?
The mission of reaching out to our underserved and under represented youth through STEM activities and initiatives simply resonates with me. I was fortunate enough to have a career in this arena and it's my turn to give back.
A little bit me: I hold a BS in Medical Technology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and Masters in Public Administration, concentration Health Care from Rutgers University. Focusing in healthcare has always been my passion and after several years working at a hospital I switched careers and joined Roche Diagnostics. During my 30+ years at Roche I've had the great privilege to lead and mentor individuals and teams across the Commercial organization, Roche Diagnostics Corporateion (RDC), as well as T and Quality & Regulatory. Having a strong connection with Roche's business purpose has always been a strong factor in what what drives me both professionally and personally.
Originally from New Jersey, I've spent the past 20+ years in Indiana in Fishers with my son, Nicholas. I love to travel and am on a quest with my son to visit as many U.S States and National Parks as possible. In addition, I've volunteered my time with a focus on our youth as part of the ReadUP program and the Youth Mentoring Initiative.
Ben Phillips
Company and Title: Katz, Sapper & Miller, Director, IT Risk Advisory Services
Board Committees: Governance
What inspires you about the TPY mission?
Volunteering with TechPoint Youth allows me to use my expertise to inspire and empower the next generation of STEM leaders, helping bridge the gap for underserved youth in STEM. I’m passionate about creating equitable access to education and making a tangible difference in shaping a diverse and inclusive tech workforce. This opportunity also enables me to connect with like-minded professionals who share a commitment to innovation and social impact in Indiana.
A little bit me: My wife (Brittany) and I just relocated from Indianapolis back to my hometown of West Lafayette (proud Purdue grad) after welcoming our daughter, Sloane Isabella. I commute to Indy roughly 3x a week and it allows my wife to manage her 3rd generation family business in Delphi and spend more time with our new baby!
Steve Ehrlich
Company and Title: Software company executive and advisor
Board Committees: Governance
What inspires you about the TPY mission?
I volunteer for TechPoint Youth because I believe in its mission. The Indiana technology industry has been very good to me over the years, and I want to make sure that ALL children in the state have access to STEM-based career opportunities.
A little bit me: My history with the Techpoint Youth goes back to its origin. I am very proud of all of the lives we have touched over the 25+ years since its founding.
Theresa Hall
Company and Title: Vice President, Midwest Region, College Board
Board Committees: Program Committee
What inspires you about the TPY mission?
I joined the Techpoint Youth Board of Directors because this work offers the chance to make a tangible impact on young people's lives by promoting STEM education and opportunities. Being a part of a dedicated team working to bridge the gap in tech education, and empowering the next generation to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital world is work worth doing.
A little bit about me: For over 30 years, I have driven transformational education by creating innovative solutions that empower students and educators nationwide and I'm still inspired every day by the work we can all do together to clear a path for students to have the future of their choosing! By chance, each of my three boys work in a STEM field and I'm grateful they had the opportunity to be prepared for these fields both in and out of school!
Kristina Simkins
Kristina is Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer at Denim, a software solution transforming the work experience of the frontline, deskless workforce. She is passionate about the future of work and developing a more engaged and empowered workforce and leads product and engineering at Denim.
With two decades of experience building and scaling SaaS businesses, Kristina has built a successful career in technology leading product, user experience, engineering and data operations to deliver leading software solutions. Her previous experience includes leading product strategy and execution as VP of Product at Lessonly (acquired by Seismic) and building and scaling product and technology at onPeak.
Kristina is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago and lives in Indianapolis, IN. She has been a volunteer with Techpoint Youth since 2021 and believes in the power of providing underrepresented students with access to STEM programs.
Mary Beth Meyers
Mary Beth is an award-winning marketing, customer experience, and communications professional with experience leading teams for the world’s largest biotech company, Roche Diagnostics. She began her career as a Medical Technologist at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. In 1986, she joined Roche Diagnostics and attained positions of increasing responsibility in marketing, business development and communications. In 2015, she was named Director of Customer Engagement, accountable for driving business results by leading Roche’s customer visit program and virtual customer research community.
After 32 years at Roche, Mary Beth decided to retire from the corporate world to focus on family and personal interests. In 2019 she joined the TechPoint Youth communications committee where her broad background in science and business has supported the communications strategy for the organization.
Mary Beth has a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology from Purdue University and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
Jeff Barron
Jeff M. Barron is a partner in the Indianapolis, Indiana office of Barnes & Thornburg LLP and a member of the firm’s Intellectual Property Department. Mr. Barron counsels clients who need to overcome complex legal challenges. Most of Mr. Barron’s practice involves two areas: As a trial lawyer representing clients in disputes over patents or other intellectual property rights and as a counselor for clients facing claims of fraud or other wrongdoing.
About two-thirds of Mr. Barron’s practice involves patent or other intellectual property disputes, with a current emphasis on telecommunications, VoIP, and on-demand data applications. Over the course of his career, however, Mr. Barron has assisted clients with disputes involving a variety of technological arts.
Mr. Barron also works with Barnes & Thornburg’s patent prosecution teams to assist clients in weighing the benefits of various patent office proceedings, both as a part of and as a corollary to patent litigation. Mr. Barron has assisted clients in evaluating when to provoke interferences or pursue inter partes (and in rare casesex parte) reexaminations as part of a broader litigation strategy. With the enactment of the America Invents Act, Mr. Barron’s global approach to patent litigation strategy now includes evaluating the inter partes reviews and other proceedings under the Act.
Although Mr. Barron’s current practice focuses on IP disputes, an important additional component of Mr. Barron’s work consists of assisting clients in the defense of complex fraud claims. For example, Mr. Barron has represented a government contractor in connection with various government inquiries and alleged violations of the False Claims Act. Mr. Barron was also part of a global defense effort for a manufacturer accused of fraud and RICO violations, which included depositions in London, Mexico City, Hong Kong. See Banco del Atlantico, S.A. v. Woods Industries, Inc., 519 F.3d 350 (7th Cir. 2008). Notably, Mr. Barron took one of the two depositions cited by the Seventh Circuit as leading to the dismissal of Banco del Atlantico lawsuit.
In addition to his involvement with TechPoint Youth, Mr. Barron also occasionally guest lectures to law students and attorneys, including before the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC), the Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum (ICLEF) and students at the IUPUI School of Law.
Mr. Barron graduated cum laude from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where he was a member of the Law Review. Mr. Barron received his B.A. in economics and a certificate in journalism from Indiana University - Bloomington. He is a member of the Bars of the States of Illinois and Indiana, as well as several federal courts.
Akilah Darden
Akilah Darden joined Indiana University Health Design & Construction as Program Director, Diversity and Inclusion, Supplier Diversity in late 2021. She is leading diversity and inclusion initiatives for design and construction leveraging her 23 years of construction and intentional diversity initiatives. This position works closely with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Governmental Affairs offices within IU Health.
Prior to IU Health, Akilah founded The Darden Group, LLC a construction management and training firm, where she was instrumental in leading the team to 100% minority participation on her most recent construction project. Before becoming a business owner, Akilah had over 21 years of construction experience working with general contractors, such as Clark Construction and Gilbane Building Company. She is passionate about creating equitable opportunities in spaces that include design and construction, education, mentoring and philanthropy. Akilah completed her undergraduate studies at North Carolina A&T State University in Architectural Engineering, and her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in finance from Marymount University. She is also a LEED Accredited professional.
Giving back to the community is something Akilah is very passionate about. She enjoys spending time empowering girls, women, and minorities within and interested in STEM careers. She serves as Board of Directors President for the ACE Mentor Program of Indiana, Vice-Chair and President-elect for Pass the Torch for Women, Inc and is active as an Advisory Council member with Stanley K. Lacy (SKL) and Stand for Children. She enjoys travelling, finding great restaurants, cooking and entertaining, cultivating relationships and watching movies with her husband and four children – two boys and identical twin girls.
Akilah was named a 2021 Women of Influence by the Indianapolis Business Journal, 2022 TechPoint Mira Award Winner for Community Impact, 2022 Minority Business of the Year by the City of Indianapolis, was part of the Inaugural Indiana 250 – Most Influential and Impactful Leaders in Indiana, awarded 2022 ‘You Inspire Us’ Leading Light Award by Women & Hi Tech, 2022 TechPoint Mira Nominee for Rising Entrepreneur, and most recently announced 2023 Champion of Diversity by Indiana Minority Business Magazine.
Timothy F. Coleman
Tim is currently Vice President and Information Officer, Medicines Development, at Eli Lilly and Company where he is responsible for delivering IT strategies and solutions for research & development business areas. In this role, he directs a global portfolio of digital change initiatives and IT assets in partnership with Lilly senior business and research executives.
Tim began his career with Lilly in 1990 as a Systems Analyst and has held several positions in the Global Information Technology organization supporting US and Global sales & marketing, manufacturing, and clinical development. In addition, he has held business roles in the Human Resources and Sales & Marketing components, including serving as District Sales Leader for the Lilly Osteoporosis Specialty Business Unit in the southeastern part of the United States.
Tim is a passionate advocate for STEM youth programs and enjoys giving back to support his community. He currently serves as Executive Champion for BDPA Indianapolis and on the board of directors for the TechPoint Youth and the national BDPA Education Technology Foundation. Tim has also served on computer science corporate advisory boards for Purdue University, North Carolina State A&T University, and Howard University. Tim was recently recognized by Diversity MBA Magazine with the “Top 50 Under 50” Young Corporate Executives Award, and one of his projects was honored by the Bio-IT World Conference with a Best Practices Award in Clinical Research. He was also previously honored as one of “40 Under 40” by the Indianapolis Business Journal. Tim earned his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management and Computer Science from Purdue University and his Master of Management (MBA) degree from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. Tim is married and the father of two children.
Rob Dorocke
Rob Dorocke is Vice President of Global IT Strategies for Cook Medical, a global manufacturer of minimally invasive medical devices with global headquarters in Bloomington, IN. Rob leads a team that researches, develops use cases, prototypes, and defines pathways for the appropriate implementation of key emerging technologies, IT trends, and new vendor solutions that will provide value within the organization.
Rob began his career with Cook Medical in 1997 as a Webmaster and has held several positions within Marketing Communications and Information Technology, primarily in the areas of web and mobile application design and development, and technology innovation. Rob earned his Batchelor of Arts in Telecommunications and Public & Environmental Affairs from Indiana University. He currently resides in Bloomington, IN.
Dave Hallgarth
Company and Title: Sallie Mae Vice President, Office of the CIO
Board Committees: Program Committee
What inspires you about the TPY mission?
STEM offers boundless opportunities for the students of our future generation to discover their paths to success. I firmly believe that every student should have access to these opportunities. TechPoint Youth is effectively opening doors with impactful programs, and I am eager to contribute to this journey.
A little bit about me: With over two decades of experience as a transformational technology leader at Sallie Mae, I am passionate about witnessing others thrive through opportunities and the art of the possible. Despite undergoing a hip replacement at a young age, I remain an avid golfer and tennis player. I also enjoy home construction projects, family activities, and once even caught a pickpocket on the subway in Rome.
Kelsey High
Company and Title: Senior STEM Coordinator for Indianapolis Public Schools
Board Committees: Program Committee
What inspires you about the TPY mission?
I am passionate about giving all students access to STEM opportunities. This gives students transportable skills they can take with them into any profession.
A little bit me: This is my eleventh year in education, sixth year in IPS in STEM education and programming. I was previously a STEM teacher, and now I get the opportunity to work with educators in STEM schools throughout the district. We are pursuing STEM Certification for two additional schools next school year through the IDOE.
When I am not in a school, I am spending time with my Nana, daughter, and husband.
Morgan Lavelle
Company and Title: VP of Finance for IEA
Board Committees: Governance Committee
What inspires you about the TPY mission?
As a woman in Construction, I aspire to bring more woman into STEM professions. I believe education and connections are the path to success and I love how TechPoint Youth makes this a reality for so many.
A little bit me: I am a full-time working mom of three beautiful girls. My family is my pride and joy and I hope one day they have the same passion about STEM related careers as I do.
Kate Maxwell
Company and Title: Microsoft | General Manager, Worldwide Education
Board Committees: Communication and Marketing Committee
What inspires you about the TPY mission?
I volunteer for TechPoint Youth because I believe in empowering and inspiring young people through STEM education opportunities. As a STEM professional, I know firsthand how transformative STEM education can be. I'm passionate about providing those same opportunities to others and inspiring the next generation to consider STEM career pathways.
A little bit about me: Kate Maxwell is General Manager of the Worldwide Education industry at Microsoft, where she delivers on Microsoft’s mission to empower every person and organization on the planet to achieve more.
Maxwell is an accomplished engineering, technology, and sales leader with 20+ years of experience supporting Public Sector customers around the world. She currently manages a $4B+ global Education portfolio, with specialization in digital transformation and delivering impact through cloud, SaaS, and mission products. Additionally, Maxwell is a sought-after speaker, storyteller, and innovator. She holds two patents in the unmanned air domain, and she inspires audiences on keynote stages around the world.
Prior to leading the Education industry at Microsoft, Maxwell served as Chief Technology Officer for the Microsoft Worldwide Defense & Intelligence industry (2020-2023). Before that, she held various Defense Industrial Base leadership positions at Raytheon (RTX), including Technical Director of the Navigation & Modernization Solutions product line ($2.4B), Chief Engineer of the Product Support business ($700M), and Director of the Raytheon Innovation Center.
Maxwell is a passionate advocate for STEM education and diversity in tech. She serves on the Board of Directors for TechPoint Youth, an Indiana-based non-profit connecting underprivileged students with opportunities in STEM. She also facilitates the annual Maxwell Scholarship for Women in Computing & Engineering in the state of Indiana.
Maxwell is a recipient of the prestigious Microsoft Platinum Club Pinnacle Award, Microsoft’s top award recognizing exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact. She was named the Indiana Tech Trailblazer of the Year by TechPoint in 2024, and #1 of the Top 100 Women in Tech by Technology Magazine in 2023. She was honored as the Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ) Tech Executive of the Year in 2022, was a Forty Under 40 recipient in 2021, and a Woman of Influence in 2019. Kate is active in the Society of Women Engineers and is a two-time SWE award winner.
Maxwell holds a Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering from George Mason University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown. She is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys skiing, paddle boarding, traveling, and finding adventure wherever life takes her.
Dr. Crystal Morton
Company and Title: IU Indianapolis, Professor Mathematics Education
Board Committees: Program Committee
What inspires you about the TPY mission?
The mission of TPFY aligns with all aspects of my work in my personal and professional life.
A little bit me: I am most proud of the program I founded, Girls STEM Institute.
Lynn Murphy-Dubbink
Company and Title: Meta Platforms, Inc; Director, Enterprise Products
Board Committees: Communication and Marketing Committee
What inspires you about the TPY mission?
I volunteer for TechPoint Youth because I’m passionate about empowering the next generation of technology leaders and ensuring that all young people, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, have access to STEM education. As technology, particularly AI, advances rapidly, the digital divide poses serious risks for those without opportunities to gain critical skills, leaving them at a disadvantage. By providing hands-on STEM experiences, TechPoint helps bridge this gap, fostering creativity, collaboration, and the technical skills necessary for Indiana’s success in the 21st-century workforce.
A little bit about me: Lynn Murphy-Dubbink is the Director of Enterprise Products at Meta Platforms, Inc., where she drives efficiency and innovation through product strategy, transforming bespoke, custom-built solutions into scalable enterprise software.
Murphy is an accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience in enterprise business systems, IT strategy, and digital transformation. She has successfully led large-scale technology initiatives that drive growth, optimize operations, and deliver outsized impact across global organizations while managing complex application environments at an expansive scale.
Before joining Meta, Murphy was recruited by Salesforce to accelerate business transformation initiatives and drive scalable and durable growth. As Vice President of Business Technology, she played a key role in establishing the product management function for enterprise enablement while also overseeing the development of IT Risk Management capabilities.
Murphy’s earlier career includes serving as the Global Head of Technology at Dorel Industries, where she led cybersecurity, data analytics, global infrastructure, and IT operations for a global network of leading child safety brands. Murphy's leadership experience also includes her tenure at CNO Financial, where she led IT transformation initiatives, modernized critical business systems, and managed large-scale programs in financial systems and insurance operations.
Prior to joining CNO, Murphy was a CPA and Assistant Vice President at JPMorgan Chase, where she held various financial positions, including roles in financial management and strategy.
Murphy earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, Bloomington, and her MBA from Anderson University. She holds the CIO Certificate in Federal Executive Competencies from the Carnegie Mellon CIO Institute and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). She is also a licensed CPA (inactive).
A strong advocate for women in technology, Murphy has served as a board member for Women and Hi Tech and was nominated for the 2013 Leading Light Award for Outstanding Achievement in Science, Technology, or Engineering.
Murphy is passionate about supporting youth and empowering the next generation of leaders. She believes strongly in the power of technology to open doors and create new opportunities for young people. As an active member of the Scouts BSA, Murphy has held various leadership positions, and she is particularly proud to be the parent of three Eagle Scouts. Her commitment to mentorship and community involvement fuels her dedication to organizations like TechPoint Youth, which are focused on creating pathways for youth to pursue careers in technology.
Beyond her professional work, she enjoys traveling and outdoor activities, including biking, hiking, kayaking, gardening, boating, and fishing.
David Reed
Company and Title: Global Account Manager-Amazon Web Services
Board Committees: Governance Committee
Renee A. Thomas
Company and Title: Associate Vice Provost Student Access and Community Engagement
Board Committees: Program Committee
What inspires you about the TPY mission?
I am inspired by the mission of TechPoint Youth and its commitment to provide all students, particularly those from historically marginalized communities opportunities in STEM education. The Robotics experience helps build a successful foundation for future academic and career success for our youth.
A little bit me: Thomas has three decades of experience in higher education. Her professional accolades include the Purdue University Special Boilermaker Award and the Indiana Civil Rights Commission Achievement in Education Award. She enjoys outdoor activities including gardening and bass fishing.
Elyse Viola
Company and Title: Roche Diagnostics - Q&R BPO Training Lead and ASPIRE Indianapolis Wave Deployment Lead
Board Committees: Program Committee
What inspires you about the TPY mission?
I volunteer for TechPoint Youth because I am inspired by the curiosity young people bring to STEM, which fuels innovative thinking and fresh perspectives. Seeing how STEM education fosters a problem-solving mindset in youth, motivates me to support their learning journey. The potential for positive change associated with a STEM mindset is critical to our long term journey in not only our country, but across the world.
A little bit me: I hold a BS in Medical Technology from Fairleigh Dickinson University and Masters in Public Administration, concentration Health Care from Rutgers University. Focusing in healthcare has always been my passion and after several years working at a hospital I switched careers and joined Roche Diagnostics. During my 30+ years at Roche I've had the great privilege to lead and mentor individuals and teams across the Commercial organization, Roche Diagnostics Corporateion (RDC), as well as T and Quality & Regulatory. Having a strong connection with Roche's business purpose has always been a strong factor in what what drives me both professionally and personally.
Originally from New Jersey, I've spent the past 20+ years in Indiana in Fishers with my son, Nicholas. I love to travel and am on a quest with my son to visit as many U.S States and National Parks as possible. In addition, I've volunteered my time with a focus on our youth as part of the ReadUP program and the Youth Mentoring Initiative.
Adam Weber
Company and Title: Adam Weber Coaching - Executive Coach
Board Committees: Program Committee
What inspires you about the TPY mission?
I believe Tech Point for Youth is the organization in Indiana that has the best opportunity to create a more equitable workforce in the long-term by instilling critical STEM and team building skills across a wide range of demographics (gender, income, race). More opportunities for all, a more equipped workforce for Indiana.
A little bit about me: Adam Weber is an executive coach who helps leaders manage pressure and sift through competing inputs to assert meaningful change and lead as their authentic selves.
Adam knows the pressure of leadership firsthand. He’s co-founded and sold two tech companies, Bluebridge Digital & Emplify. He’s the best-selling author of “Lead Like a Human,” was named a “Top Voice in Executive Leadership" by LinkedIn, and his expertise has appeared in publications such as Forbes and Fast Company.
He holds a master’s degree in organizational communication from Ball State University and lives in Zionsville, IN with his wife, two sons (who are both in robotics!), and dog Poppy. He's also an avid pickleball player.
Aaron Williams
Aaron Williams is the Regional Partner Manager at Google. He is responsible for managing and enhancing the partnerships with Google's most important clients and serving as the primary liaison for all matters pertaining to Google.
His leadership extends to the orchestration of significant community and civic involvement, such as serving as a Trustee and Secretary of the Board for Ivy Tech Community College (Indianapolis), receiving the IBJ's 40 Under Forty award, being a member of the Board of Directors for Teen Works, serving on the Board of Directors for Whitestown Economic Development Commission, and being a member of the 2024 NBA All-Star Committee, among other notable roles. Williams selflessly shares his expertise and mentorship with both aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs, delivering essential perspectives on current trends and technology that can drive their businesses to success.
Williams organizes a roundtable on several occasions throughout the year, which gathers prominent elected and appointed officials from the federal, state, and municipal levels, as well as religious members, business leaders, corporate executives, and community activists. This forum provides a place for engaging in meaningful interactions with minority communities. The aim is to facilitate efficient cooperative dialogues to tackle existing difficulties and develop mutually beneficial solutions.
Williams and his wife are the esteemed parents of two children and the owners of two successful entrepreneurial endeavors on the near-west side of Indianapolis. Their drive to generating positive transformation is evident through their commitment to their faith, community upliftment, and entrepreneurial empowerment.
Muhammad Yasin
Muhammad is the VP of Marketing at High Alpha a venture studio that conceives, launches, and scales next-generation technology companies. High Alpha has invested over $70M into Indiana-based companies and brought nearly a billion dollars worth of economic value back into the state of Indiana.
He has won multiple national marketing awards and is recognized by the Indianapolis Business Journal as one of Indy’s Forty Under 40. His work has been covered in publications such as INC, MSNBC, Huffington Post, VentureBeat, ReadWriteWeb, and Vice.