People
About Onyx
At Onyx, we strive to solve our client’s technology challenges so they can focus on their core business.
Using decades of experience, we bring forward thinking solutions and fluency in both business and technology to partner with organizations and help them achieve their goals. Focused on people, process and technology, our team has a track record of success in strategic planning, implementations, and delivering end-to-end solutions that meet and exceed business needs.
Dan Blaney, Chief Executive Officer
Dan Blaney
As a seasoned leader in IT solutions consulting for Fortune 500 companies, Dan has the expertise and deep understanding of both the business operations and information technology aspects of organizations. He works with C-level management to convert business strategies into technology solutions with measurable results that positively impact the bottom line as well as to promote top line growth. In his role as CEO and Owner of Onyx Data Solutions, Dan brings this expertise and over twenty five years of experience in providing program development, solution design, and business process efficiency to benefits teams within large employers and mid-sized insurance carriers. Prior to founding Onyx, Dan served as President of OCI, a technology company based in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Dan earned two Bachelor of Science degrees in management information systems and finance from the University of Wyoming. Dan currently serves as a member of the Cheyenne Rotary Club, is a mentor for the Wyoming Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda nonprofit organization, and is also a member of the University of Wyoming Alumni Association.
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Boston Office
Onyx
120 Royall Street
Canton, MA 02021
Sandra Carraggi, Systems Analyst
Sandy Carraggi
Sandra has deep expertise and aptitude in designing enterprise architecture to meet business needs and solve challenges, and brings over twenty five years’ experience in information technology to the Onyx team. In her role as Systems Analyst, Sandra leads the operations and support teams, and guides the vision and planning of complex applications and infrastructures on client projects. Prior to joining Onyx, Sandra oversaw the program development and solution design of all Microsoft stack platforms for an insurance carrier based in Boston, Massachusetts. Sandra earned her Bachelors of Science degree in management information systems from Bridgewater State College and an Associate degree in computer programming from Blue Hills Technical Institute. Sandra also holds a management certification from Crestcom, and numerous certifications in Microsoft.
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Mark Estremera, Project Coordinator
Mark Estremera
In the role of Project Coordinator, Mark leads day-to-day project activity for Onyx’s clients. He combines his knowledge of technical systems with Onyx’s project management processes to support producing high quality deliverables. Prior to joining the Onyx team, Mark coordinated the implementation of IT projects for an educational institution in Massachusetts. Mark earned his Bachelor of Science degree in management information systems from Bridgewater State University.
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Tiffany Jewers, Business Analyst
Tiffany Jewers
Tiffany brings her extensive knowledge in case management, implementation and billing processes to Onyx. In the role of Business Analyst, Tiffany works in partnership with client stakeholders to collate complex business needs into project requirements. Prior to joining the Onyx team, Tiffany utilized her sales and customer service experience as she worked as the Concierge Specialist for an insurance carrier based in Boston, Massachusetts. Tiffany earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from Bridgewater State College.
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Daniel Johnson, Support Specialist
Daniel Johnson
As a Support Specialist, Daniel leverages technology to support business operations and ensure a continued level of optimization and efficiency in operational process development and execution. Daniel has a unique ability in understanding complex system architecture, and identifying and translating process improvements to business users. Prior to joining the Onyx team, he specialized in supporting the technical operations for new and existing business for an insurance carrier based in Boston, Massachusetts. Daniel earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business management from Bridgewater State University.
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Dayton Neill, Senior Developer
Dayton Neill
Dayton brings his broad experience in information technology to Onyx, with a concentration in enterprise business systems. As a Senior Developer, Dayton provides development support, integration and updates to legacy systems. Prior to joining the Onyx team, Dayton spent seven years as Senior IT Manager for a lithium-ion battery manufacturer. He was responsible for all aspects of IT, including the network, business applications, and end user support. In earlier roles, Dayton leveraged his programming background to design, implement and support off-the-shelf and custom applications for a medical device manufacturer. Dayton earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
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Mikaela Pappas, Vice President - Solutions Consulting
Mikaela Pappas
Mikaela has a unique combination of experience in system analysis and design and content expertise in voluntary benefits. In her role as Vice President of Solutions Consulting, Mikaela starts the service delivery model, guiding business stakeholders in designing systems and translating those business needs into functional requirements. With each project, Mikaela gives specific consideration to the user experience and workflow in order to pass projects to the Delivery team. Prior to joining the Onyx team, Mikaela specialized in supporting the ongoing strategy, implementation and maintenance for enrollment solutions at an insurance carrier based in Boston, Massachusetts. Mikaela earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in economics from Bates College and is a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO).
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Michael Perrotta, Senior Developer
Michael Perrotta
With over 30 years of experience as a developer, Michael brings his extensive knowledge of distributed, mainframe, and enrollment systems to Onyx. In the role of Senior Developer, Michael provides development support, integration and updates to legacy systems. Prior to joining the Onyx team, Michael performed various roles at an insurance carrier based in Boston, Massachusetts: software engineer, network administrator, mainframe COBOL developer and help desk manager. Michael earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Bryant University.
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Stephen Rhodes, Senior Support Specialist
Stephen Rhodes
Stephen has wide-ranging experience in information technology, operations and client services and brings over twenty years of experience to the Onyx team. As a Senior Support Specialist, Stephen manages a wide range of network infrastructure, technical documentation and asset management. With each client project, Stephen focuses on providing exceptional support to end users. Prior to coming onboard, Stephen was a support engineer for an insurance carrier based in Boston, Massachusetts. In this role, Stephen provided comprehensive network, software and hardware support and training to external and internal business groups. Stephen holds a CompTIA A+ certification.
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Haley Russell, Executive Assistant
Haley Russell
Haley is a multi-talented marketing professional with wide ranging experience across various industries in market research, data analytics, digital marketing and content delivery. Haley is recognized as a self- starter with strong verbal and written communication skills, a solid business sense, and proven track record of successfully increasing productivity. At Onyx, Haley manages a variety of different projects and initiatives within the Onyx organization. Prior to joining the Onyx team, Haley initiated the sales cycle and contributed to the marketing efforts for a software-solution company in Boston, Massachusetts. Haley graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Bentley University.
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Ashley Sullivan, Executive Assistant
Ashley Sullivan
Ashley has a wide range of skills and experience within administration and management. In her Executive Assistant role, Ashley manages a variety of different IT projects and initiatives within the Onyx organization. Prior to joining the Onyx team, Ashley worked as the manager of a high volume coffee franchise where she built and managed a team of 25 employees. Ashley also worked as the administrative assistant at a large mailing solutions company. Ashley graduated Magna Cum Laude from Bridgewater State College with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Ashley also holds an Associate’s degree in Elementary Education from Bristol Community College.
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Cindy Zelman, Business Analyst
Cynthia Zelman
Cynthia has a strong background in workflow analysis and developing continuous improvement processes. In the role of Business Analyst, Cynthia works in partnership with client stakeholders to collate complex business needs into project requirements. She has more than a decade of experience in process mapping, workflow optimization, statistical analysis, business continuity plan development, and procedural documentation. Prior to joining the Onyx team, Cynthia contributed to continuous improvement efforts for the operations division of a large mutual fund processing operation in the greater Boston area. Cynthia earned her Bachelors degree in journalism from Stonehill College and two Masters degrees in English and Writing from the University of New Hampshire and Pine Manor College.
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Cheyenne Office
Onyx
7338 Stockman Street
Cheyenne, WY 82009
Richard Gancze, GSEC, GCCC, Team Lead - Data Center & Information Security
Richard Gancze
Richard is passionate about leveraging technology to develop innovative strategies to solve security challenges and strengthen security infrastructure for organizations. Richard brings over twenty three years of experience in information technology to Onyx. In the role of Team Lead, Richard uses a functional, supportable, and flexible approach to each client implementation. He holds a GSEC Security Certification, and has successfully managed several information security programs and management systems, including leading numerous security audits, such as SAS70, ISO27001, SOX and HIPAA. Richard also has deep experience in managing a wide range of IT systems and services, including Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), hosted solutions, enterprise applications and other server and end user software and hardware. Prior to joining Onyx, Richard led the security and operations teams at an organization based in Cheyenne, Wyoming in the role as Director of Information Technology.
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Jeff Greiling, GSEC, Senior System Administrator
Jeff Greiling
Jeff brings over twelve years of experience to the Onyx team in implementing and supporting IT system operations. In the role of Senior System Administrator, Jeff engineers and manages a wide range of network infrastructure, continually seeking ways to raise the bar on productivity improvements with each hardware and software build. Prior to joining Onyx, Jeff was a System Administrator for a technology company located in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Jeff earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with an emphasis in computer information systems from the University of Northern Colorado. He also holds a GSEC security certification.
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Zach Meeker, System Administrator
Zach Meeker
In the role of System Administrator, Zach combines a vast knowledge base acquired from experience and technical skills with solid business communication. With over sixteen years of experience in information technology and systems administration, Zach understands the technology hurdles encountered in today’s modern workplace and can quickly identify and communicate solutions to business users. Prior to joining the Onyx team, Zach was a network administrator for a financial services company. Zach earned two Associate of Applied Science degrees in business administration and information technology, both with distinction. He is a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA): Windows Server 2012, and a certified Internet Web Professional. Zach also holds a CIW JavaScript Specialist certification and several CompTIA certifications including network, project and security certifications.
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Steve Soltesz, Data Analyst
Steve Soltesz
Steve is a dedicated information analyst who specializes in turning raw data into actionable business intelligence that is used to support strategic-level business decisions and daily operations. With experience in all stages of the data life cycle, Steve brings over twenty years of knowledge to the Onyx team. He provides expertise in a wide variety of data management practices within the healthcare and insurance industries, including data governance, mining and integration. Prior to joining the Onyx team, Steve was a Senior Analyst at a technology company in Cheyenne, WY. Steve earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics from Benedictine College. Steve currently serves as the local director of the Elks Lodge Hoops Shoot Contest.
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Denver Office
Onyx
7200 S. Alton Way,
Suite B230
Centennial, CO 80112
Rene Gates, MBA, PMP, CSM, Service Manager
Rene Gates
Rene has a proven record of successfully leading a wide range of strategic initiatives for organizations. She is a leader in account, project, product, and program management, and has a comprehensive understanding of customer goals and challenges and what’s needed to implement sound, measurable solutions that drive results. Rene brings over fifteen years’ experience to Onyx. Prior to joining the Onyx team, Rene was Executive Vice President for a technology company based in Denver, Colorado. In this role, she was responsible for the strategic planning and execution for the organization, oversight of all software development projects, and management of the IT, operations, and client services teams. Rene earned her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and Masters of business administration from the University of Wyoming, where she was named outstanding graduate student for the College of Business. Rene holds the PMP® project management and ScrumMaster® certifications and has been a featured author in DMEC’s @Work magazine.
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Michelle Kern, Vice President - Delivery Services
Michelle Kern
As a dedicated communication strategist, Michelle is passionate about implementing programs and identifying effective business solutions. Michelle specializes in content development, branding, corporate communications, project management and business development, and brings more than twelve years’ experience in strategic communication strategies within the information technology space. Prior to joining the Onyx team, Michelle was the Marketing & Communications Manager for a technology company based in Denver, Colorado, where she was responsible for the communication strategy and execution for the organization. Michelle earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in speech communication from Colorado State University. She currently serves on two committees for the Colorado chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, and has previously served in a Director position for the chapter’s Board of Directors.
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Victor Simental, PMP, CSM, Project Lead
Victor Simental
Victor is a leader in helping organizations navigate today’s technology and business demands. Victor brings over twelve years’ of experience in business analysis, data and project management to the Onyx team. In his role as Project Lead, Victor uses his expertise to partner with organizations to identify their business needs and deliver solutions that are instrumental to their business. Victor earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and a minor in management information systems and decision science from the University of Wyoming. He also holds the PMP® project management certification and is a Certified Scrum Master. Prior to joining Onyx, Victor oversaw the Client Services Team at a technology organization based in Denver, CO in the role of Director of Client Services.
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Omaha Office
Onyx
1005 S. 107th Avenue
Suite 101
Omaha, NE 68114
Tim Alvarado, Implementation Coordinator
Tim Alvarado
Tim is a subject matter expert in the technical architecture of operational business communication. In the role of Implementation Coordinator, Tim facilitates the operational area of new business onboarding for one of Onyx’s cornerstone clients. Prior to joining the Onyx team, Tim advised on a variety of electronic data interchange (EDI) projects for an insurance carrier based in Omaha, Nebraska. Tim earned his Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Dana College. He also holds an IASSC Yellow Belt certification in Six Sigma.
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Jennifer Cleveland, MBA, ACS, ALMI, Vice President - Operations
Jennifer Cleveland
Jennifer has extensive knowledge in people and process management and organizational workflow. With over fifteen years’ experience in solution implementation and strategic planning, Jennifer has refined a keen sense of business acumen and leadership talent to help identify what’s needed to ensure project success. Prior to coming onboard, Jennifer was a Senior Consultant and Project Lead for an insurance carrier based in Omaha, Nebraska. In this role, Jennifer led and managed the integration of several technology solutions to support both long and short term business goals. Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska and Masters of business administration from Cameron University. Jennifer also holds the ACS & ALMI professional designations.
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Chad Eadie, Project Lead
Chad Eadie
In the role of Project Lead, Chad brings over fifteen years’ experience in project management, strategy innovation and implementation. Chad’s strong business acumen coupled with technology experience supports him in identifying and delivering high quality, timely, cost effective solutions. Prior to joining the Onyx team, Chad was a Project Manager and Team Lead for a large technology company based in Omaha, Nebraska. In this role, he managed technology solution implementations, process improvements and resiliency planning. Chad earned his Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from Bellevue University.
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Tim Fairman, Implementation Coordinator
TIm Fairman
Tim brings over eight years’ of experience in leading technology projects within the insurance industry. In the role of Implementation Coordinator, Tim focuses on program development and solution delivery for Onyx’s clients. Prior to joining Onyx, Tim led client implementations for an insurance carrier based in Omaha, Nebraska. Tim graduated summa cum laude and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in english and psychology from Buena Vista University. Tim also holds an IASSC Yellow Belt certification in Lean Six Sigma and the LOMA Level 1 certification.
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Shannon Green, Project Lead
Shannon Green
As a dedicated account management professional, Shannon brings over seventeen years’ of experience in client engagement within the group insurance and technology industry to Onyx. Shannon’s strong skills in stewardship, technology and business process efficiency are displayed through her past partnerships with a variety of large insurance carriers based in the Omaha and Chicago areas. Prior to joining the Onyx team, Shannon was in a client-centric role for a technology company based in Omaha, overseeing deliverables for one their largest, most complex clients. Shannon earned her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the College of Saint Mary.
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Stephanie Nichols, Implementation Coordinator
Stephanie Nichols
With a strong foundation in database systems, business analysis, and project management, Stephanie has a confident understanding and aptitude of project implementation and technology. In the role of Implementation Coordinator, Stephanie facilitates the onboarding of new business for Onyx’s clients. Prior to joining the Onyx team, Stephanie managed and implemented a variety of technical projects for a financial transaction solutions company in Omaha, NE. Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in business analysis and management from Bellevue University and served in the United States Air Force as an airborne linguist.
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Linda Pierce, Team Lead - Onboarding Services
Linda Pierce
Linda is a results-oriented senior manager and brings over twenty years’ of experience in insurance operations and client services to Onyx. In the role of Team Lead of Onboarding Services, Linda oversees the implementation and onboarding of new and existing business for Onyx’s clients. Prior to joining the Onyx team, Linda was responsible for the customer service and support functions of new groups and ongoing business for an insurance carrier based in Omaha, Nebraska.
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Joey Pulverenti, Delivery Manager
Joey Pulverenti
In the role of Delivery Manager, Joey works closely with clients to strategize long term strategic goals and project roadmaps at the account level. He liaises between the client and the project delivery team to provide a top-tiered customer experience. Prior to joining Onyx, Joey led a team in executing a variety of corporate project initiatives surrounding process improvements for an insurance carrier based in Omaha, Nebraska. Joey earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and marketing from the University of Nebraska. He also holds an IASSC Yellow Belt certification in Six Sigma.
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Chris Stane, System Administrator
Chris Stane
Chris brings over eight years’ of experience in system administration and electronic data interchange (EDI) processes within the insurance industry. In the role of System Administrator, Chris seamlessly guides clients through implementing new EDI processes and maintains the infrastructure and data model supporting it. Prior to joining the Onyx team, Chris was an EDI Technical Analyst for an insurance carrier based in Omaha, Nebraska, where he was a subject matter expert on system support and process improvement strategies. Chris earned his Bachelor of Science degree in management information systems from Iowa State University.
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Todd Tracy, Team Lead - Implementation Services
Todd Tracy
Todd has wide-ranging knowledge and understanding of operational systems within insurance technology. In the role of Team Lead of Implementation Services, Todd facilitates the operations of new business onboarding for one of Onyx’s cornerstone clients. Prior to joining the Onyx team, Todd led a variety of projects focused around new process development for enrollments and claim processing projects for an insurance carrier based in Omaha, Nebraska. Todd holds a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® designation.
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Michelle Van Dyke, Product Manager
Michelle Van Dyke
In the role of Product Manager, Michelle provides a strategic vision for Onyx’s clients’ software solutions. Michelle’s strong background in technology and training drives her unique ability to successfully liaise between client business and operations teams, and translate business needs into solution roadmaps. Prior to joining the Onyx team, Michelle managed enrollment system operations for group benefits at a brokerage firm based in Omaha, Nebraska. Michelle earned her Bachelor of Science degree in education and human services from the University of Nebraska and is a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO.)
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