Iowa Technology Summit 2025 — Transformation Track — 1:15 PM
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Modernizing Legacy Systems with GenAI
TRANSFORMATION TRACK / AUDIENCE-DRIVEN PANEL

ROOM 319-320 / APR. 8 / 1:15 PM - 2:15 PM
About this session

How can organizations break free from the constraints of legacy systems? Executive leaders from diverse industries will discuss the risks of outdated infrastructure, the challenges of digital transformation, and strategies for leveraging GenAI to drive efficiency and scalability. Through real-world examples, they’ll explore AI-driven modernization approaches that balance speed, cost, and long-term impact. This interactive panel will provide insights into the future of IT modernization and how technology leaders can successfully navigate AI-powered transformation. Come ready to participate—this session invites questions from attendees looking to navigate AI-powered transformation.

Panelists
Dave Ashton
Chief Information Officer
Holmes Murphy

As a transformative leader with deep insights into the ever-evolving world of information technology, Chief Information Officer Dave Ashton plays a crucial role in propelling Holmes Murphy into the future. Dave strives to align our IT team’s capabilities with business needs through clear communication and strong collaborative relationships with leaders and employees. Before joining Holmes Murphy in 2022, Dave spent nearly three decades with Principal Financial Group, serving as Head of Hong Kong for Principal International and Chief Executive for Principal Trust Company (Asia) Ltd. and Principal Insurance Company (Hong Kong) Ltd. Dave was actively involved with multiple areas of the business and held several leadership roles, including Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer of Principal International.

Dave earned a bachelor’s in Management Information Systems with a minor in Computer Science from the University of Iowa, and he’s a Fellow, Life Management Institute (FLMI) and Associate, Customer Service (ACS). Beyond work, Dave enjoys traveling, attending live sporting events and concerts, and spending time with his wife, Ann, and their sons, Jacob, Tyler, and Nicholas.

Brianne Schulte
Vice President of Strategy, Risk, Information Technology & Financial Planning
Vermeer Corporation

Brianne Schulte is the Vice President of Strategy, Risk, Information Technology and Financial Planning at Vermeer Corporation, a global manufacturer that delivers a real impact on the way important work gets done through the manufacture of high-quality industrial and agricultural equipment backed by localized service and support. In her current role, Brianne oversees the enterprise risk management portfolio, the internal audit team, the information technology team including digital products, the financial planning and analysis team, companywide planning and review through facilitation and design of quarterly business meetings, annual business planning and strategic plan development & execution.

Prior to coming to Vermeer Corporation in 2012, Brianne spent nine years with Pella Corporation, a window and door manufacturing company in Pella, Iowa. Brianne received her B.A. Accounting and Executive MBA from the University of Iowa. Brianne is currently on the AEM finance committee, HAI Board, The Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) Board and the Pella Regional Hospital Board. She has served various roles within civic and nonprofit organizations such as Iowa District 5A Judicial Nominating Committee, Bethany Christian Services and Pella Early Learning Center. She also has experience in the farming industry, running her family’s farm for a period of time. In her free time, Brianne enjoys spending time with her family, foot races, reading, landscaping and being a youth group leader for middle school girls.

Shawn Swaner
SVP & Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
Athene

Shawn Swaner is a veteran technology leader and Athene’s Chief Technology Officer. Since joining Athene in 2015, Shawn has focused on building technology to support Athene’s producers and customers. In addition, Shawn led transformational projects to modernize data center infrastructure, upgrade policy administration, introduce cloud-based technology, and drive adoption of Generative AI. Shawn is responsible for technology architecture, industry technology initiatives, digital technology, and system modernization at Athene. Shawn enjoys living in Waukee, Iowa with his family. In his spare time, he competes in cycling races around the country and volunteers with the American Red Cross.

Moderator
Aaron Horn
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Benchmark, Inc.

Aaron Horn is the Chief Information Officer at Benchmark, a roof and pavement consulting company headquartered in Cedar Rapids. Prior to Benchmark, Aaron was the Executive Director at the nonprofit NewBoCo. Aaron earned his degrees in Management Information Systems and Entrepreneurial Studies at Iowa State University. He has also led the IT teams at the Iowa Interstate Railroad, healthcare startup Radiology Protocols, and global ag companies Becker Underwood and BASF in Ames. Aaron is on the Board of Directors for Miracle Travel Works in Des Moines and also serves as Board Chair for Candlelighters NYC in New York City, Co-founder and President of Beat Cancer Today in Cedar Rapids, Board Secretary for NewBoCo in Cedar Rapids, and District 9EC Childhood Cancer Chair for Lions Club International.

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