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.
Boston Office
Onyx
120 Royall Street
Canton, MA 02021
Cheyenne Office
Onyx
7338 Stockman Street
Suite A
Cheyenne, WY 82009
Denver Office
Onyx
4 West Dry Creek Cir
Suite 260
Littleton, CO 80120
Omaha Office
Onyx
1005 S. 107th Avenue
Suite 101
Omaha, NE 68114
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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Mikaela Pappas, CSPO, Chief Operating Officer
Mikaela Pappas
Mikaela has a unique combination of experience in system analysis and design, and content expertise in voluntary benefits. In her role of Chief Operating Officer, Mikaela leads the day-to-day operation of all service teams working on Onyx’s client accounts. Prior to joining Onyx, 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 currently pursuing her MBA at Babson College. She is also a Certified Scrum Product Owner.
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Rene Gates, MBA, PMP, CSM, Solution Consultant
Rene Gates
Rene has a proven track 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 of experience to the Onyx team. In her role of Solution Consultant, Rene starts the service delivery model, guiding business stakeholders in designing systems and translating those business needs into functional requirements. Prior to joining Onyx, 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 MBA and Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Wyoming. She also holds the PMP project management, ScrumMaster®, and Salesforce Administrator certifications.
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Michelle Kern, Vice President – Business Development
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 thirteen years of experience in strategic communication strategies within the information technology space. Prior to joining Onyx, Michelle was the Marketing and 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 and also holds a White Belt certification in Six Sigma. She is currently a member of the Public Relations Society of America and has served on the Board of Directors for the Colorado chapter, in addition to holding various chapter committee leadership roles.
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Arthur Lever, Director - IT Ops, MBA, PMP
Arthur Lever
Arthur is a senior information technology (IT) leader with a career that spans over twenty years. He has provided a wide array of technology expertise and services to organizations working within multiple business sectors. These sectors include academia, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. Prior to joining Onyx, Arthur was the Director of Information Technology at a private psychiatric hospital where he was responsible for technology strategic vision, staff/vendor recruitment and management, and IT project leadership. Arthur earned his Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Management Information System (MIS) from Northeastern University; additionally, he earned a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Southern New Hampshire University. He also holds the PMP® project management certification through PMI.
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Victor Simental, PMP, CSM, Portfolio Manager
Victor Simental
Victor is a leader in helping organizations navigate today’s technology and business demands. Victor brings over fourteen years of experience in business analysis, data and project management to the Onyx team. In his role of Portfolio Manager, Victor oversees the planning, development, and implementation of project efforts. 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. Victor earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Wyoming. He also holds the PMP project management certification and is a Certified Scrum Master.
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Tim Alvarado, Senior Support Specialist
Tim Alvarado
Tim is a subject matter expert in the technical architecture of operational business communication. In the role of Senior Support Specialist, Tim leverages technology to support business operations and ensure a continued level of efficiency in operational process development and execution. Prior to joining Onyx, 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 IASSC Yellow and Green Belt certifications in Six Sigma.
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Susan Anderson, Mainframe Developer
Susan Anderson
Susan has over 30 years of experience in information technology, including systems analysis, design and coding in multiple languages. As a Mainframe COBOL Developer, Susan is responsible for coding and support of a large mainframe system. Prior to joining Onyx, Susan worked for a large mutual fund processing company as a software analyst/developer for 20 years. Susan received her Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from Bentley University.
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Matt Blaney, MBA, Finance Specialist
Matt Blaney
As a Finance Specialist, Matt is focused on the analysis and forecasting of financial data to assist executive management with financial planning. Matt collaborates with the Leadership and Solutions Consulting teams to develop service delivery programs and financial planning process standards. Matt earned his Finance MBA and Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Wyoming.
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Andrea Bruni, Senior Service Delivery Manager, ACS
Andrea Bruni
Andrea has wide-ranging expertise in client services, marketing, corporate communications, and project management within the insurance and voluntary benefits industry. In the role of Senior Service Delivery Manager, Andrea coordinates with clients and project teams to ensure an exceptional client experience and quality outcome on every project and initiative. Prior to joining Onyx, Andrea utilized her extensive insurance knowledge by contributing to corporate communications, strategic communication planning and implementation as a Marketing Consultant for an insurance carrier in Boston, Massachusetts. Andrea earned her Bachelor of Science degree in business management from Lesley University. Andrea also holds a management certification from Crestcom and the ACS professional designation from Life Office Management Association (LOMA).
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Sandra Carraggi, Technical Analyst
Sandy Carraggi
Sandra has deep expertise and aptitude in designing enterprise architecture to meet business needs and solve challenges. She brings over twenty-five years of experience in information technology to the Onyx team. In her role of Technical Analyst, Sandra 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 Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems from Bridgewater State College and an Associate’s degree in Computer Programming from Blue Hills Technical Institute. She also holds a management certification from Crestcom and is a Certified Scrum Product Owner. Sandra is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in project management through Southern New Hampshire University.
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Eric Cheri, Service Specialist
Eric Cheri
Eric brings his knowledge in case implementation and workplace solutions to the Onyx team. In the role of Service Specialist, Eric leverages technology to support business operations and ensure a continued level of optimization and efficiency in operational process development and execution. Prior to joining Onyx, Eric worked for an insurance carrier based in Boston, Massachusetts.
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Richard Gancze, GSEC, GCCC, Senior Systems Administrator
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-five years of experience in information technology to the Onyx team. In his role of Senior Systems Administrator, Richard uses a functional, supportable, and flexible approach to each client implementation. He holds multiple GIAC Security Certifications 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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Shannon Green, Relationship Manager
Shannon Green
Shannon brings over seventeen years of experience in client engagement to the Onyx team. In her role of Relationship Manager, Shannon works to foster and maintain business relationships with Onyx’s clients. 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 Onyx, 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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Jeff Greiling, GSEC, Senior System Administrator
Jeff Greiling
Jeff brings over fifteen 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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Tiffany Jewers, CSPO, Portfolio Manager
Tiffany Jewers
Tiffany brings extensive knowledge in case management and implementation to the Onyx team. In her role of Portfolio Manager, Tiffany oversees client project portfolios and coordinates the planning, development, and implementation of business-driven initiatives. Prior to joining Onyx, Tiffany helped facilitate new business onboarding by coordinating with brokers and sales team members for an insurance carrier based in Boston, Massachusetts. Tiffany earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training from Bridgewater State College. She is also a Certified Scrum Product Owner.
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Daniel Johnson, Support Specialist
Daniel Johnson
Daniel has a unique ability to understand complex system architecture and identify and translate process improvements to business users. In his role of Support Specialist, Daniel leverages technology to support business operations and ensure a continued level of optimization and efficiency in operational process development and execution. Prior to joining Onyx, Daniel 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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Zach Meeker, GSEC, System Administrator
Zach Meeker
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. In his role of System Administrator, Zach combines a vast knowledge base acquired from experience and technical skills with solid business communication. Prior to joining Onyx, 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. He also holds a GSEC security certification.
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Dayton Neill, Senior Developer
Dayton Neill
Dayton brings his broad experience in information technology, specifically enterprise business systems to the Onyx team. As a Senior Developer, Dayton provides development support, integration and updates to legacy systems. Prior to joining Onyx, 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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Stephanie Nichols, MBA, Marketing Specialist
Stephanie Nichols
With a strong foundation in project management and business analysis, Stephanie has a dynamic and balanced approach to business needs and change integration. In her role of Marketing Specialist, Stephanie develops, executes, and monitors internal and external marketing programs across a variety of channels. Prior to joining Onyx, Stephanie managed and implemented several technical projects for a financial transaction solutions company in Omaha, NE. Stephanie earned her Marketing MBA and 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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Michael Perrotta, Senior Developer
Michael Perrotta
With over thirty years of experience as an IT professional, Michael brings extensive knowledge of insurance systems and support to the Onyx team. In the role of Senior Developer, Michael provides development support, integration and updates to legacy systems. Prior to joining Onyx, Michael held various technical roles at an insurance carrier based in Boston, Massachusetts, ranging from Help Desk management, software engineering, network administration, and programming. Michael earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Bryant University.
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Linda Pierce, Project Lead
Linda Pierce
Linda brings over twenty years of experience in insurance operations and client services to the Onyx team. In the role of Project Lead, Linda leads day-to-day project activity for Onyx’s clients. Prior to joining Onyx, 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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Haley Russell, Marketing Specialist
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. In her role of Marketing Specialist, Haley develops, executes, and monitors internal and external marketing programs across a variety of channels. Prior to joining Onyx, Haley initiated the sales cycle and contributed to the marketing efforts for a software-solution company in Boston, Massachusetts. Haley earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Bentley University.
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Steve Soltesz, Technical 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 Onyx, Steve was a Senior Analyst at a technology company in Cheyenne, WY. Steve earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from Benedictine College.
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Chris Stane, Senior Systems Administrator
Chris Stane
Chris brings over ten years of experience in system administration and electronic data interchange (EDI) processes within the insurance industry. In the role of Senior Systems Administrator, Chris seamlessly guides clients through implementing new EDI processes and maintains the infrastructure and data model supporting it. Prior to joining Onyx, Chris contributed to EDI technical analysis 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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Ashley Sullivan, Service Delivery Manager
Ashley Sullivan
Ashley has a wide range of skills and experience in business administration and management. In her role of Service Delivery Manager, Ashley coordinates with client and technical resource teams to manage the IT service delivery portfolio within the organization. Prior to joining Onyx, Ashley worked as the manager of a high-volume coffee franchise where she built and managed a team of twenty-five employees. Ashley also brings administrative experience from working at a large mailing solutions company. Ashley earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Bridgewater State College and an Associate’s degree in Elementary Education from Bristol Community College. She is also a certified Google IT Support Professional.
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Todd Tracy, Service Delivery Manager
Todd Tracy
Todd has wide-ranging knowledge and understanding of operational systems within insurance technology. In the role of Service Delivery Manager, Todd coordinates with client and technical resource teams to manage the IT service delivery portfolio within the organization. Prior to joining Onyx, 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 earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Analysis and Management Bellevue University. He also holds a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) designation.
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Cynthia Zelman, MFA, MA, 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 Onyx, 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 Master’s degree in English from the University of New Hampshire, Master of Fine Arts degree in Writing from Pine Manor College, and Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Stonehill College.
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