12 local leaders win 2023 Top Tech San Diego awards

Twelve technology innovators were recently honored at the 16th annual Top Tech Awards held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The awards honor local tech leaders in business, education, government and nonprofit organizations. This year's honorees are:

• Top Tech of the Year – Nimer Saikaly, CEO, Ciprus Consulting

• Future of Tech Award – Ryan Kari, chief technology officer, Magcanica

• Cox Business Exemplary Award – Shawn Granen, director of information technology, USS Midway

• Education category – Dewayne Cossey, director of information technology, Vista Unified School District

• Government category – Maria Callander, information technology director, City of Carlsbad

• Nonprofit category – Rob Honma, chief technology officer, Santa Fe Christian

• Small/medium Business (private) – John Rolando, vice president of technology, Development Division, Spectral Labs Incorporated

• Large Business (private) – Lance Onken, chief technology officer and co-founder, Measurabl

• Start-up category – David Penalva, co-founder, Heliovolta

• Hospitality category – Colton Barlow, chief information officer, Viejas Casino

• Healthcare/biotech category – Rob Kaufman, senior vice president of engineering, Scientist.com

• Public category – Prena Mayor, director of global operational systems, Nuvasive Inc.

Bui appointed CEO at Yulex

Elizabeth Bui, J.D., PH.D., has been promoted to chief executive officer at Yulex LLC.

Bui joined Yulex in January 2022 as chief business officer. She has more than two decades of leadership experience in diverse areas including corporate development, intellectual property and licensing, research and development and diversity and inclusion, according to a company news release.

A former Vietnam War refugee, Bui has spent more than three decades engaged in communityimpact work and environmental activism, serving on numerous boards, women's symposiums and mentorship programs.

She has also served as an adjunct law professor and patent clinic supervisor at the University of San Diego School of Law.

More career news

Erica Lara is starting a new position as director of employment services at The Arc of San Diego.

Summer Shoemaker is the new resort general manager at San Diego Mission Bay Resort.

Zoe Denckla is starting a new position as a pathology technician at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

Sara Soto is the new office operations manager at Armed Services YMCA San Diego. option