Iowa
Technology
Summit
Summit Sandbox
Small groups. Real challenges. Peer advice.
APR. 7 / MULTIPLE TIMES / PROBLEM-SOLVING
About
The Summit Sandbox is a small-group, discussion-based experience designed for people who want to talk through real challenges, hear how others approach similar problems, and share what’s worked (and what hasn’t).
Each session is guided by an industry facilitator, but the conversation is shaped by the people at the table. You can bring a question, offer perspective, or just listen and learn.
If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could talk this through with people who get it,” this is for you.
No presentation. No panel. No pressure to be an “expert.” This is not a sales pitch or a lecture.
This is for you if you are:
- Navigating a challenge and want peer insight
- Curious how others approach similar problems
- Willing to share ideas, or just want to listen
- Early-career, mid-career, senior, technical, non-technical, or somewhere in between
Facilitators
Tracey Akins
Director of Shared Services: AP, Payroll & Master Data Management
Wells Enterprises
Tracey Akins is the Director of Shared Services at Wells Enterprises, bringing over 25 years of experience in finance, process automation, and analytics. Since joining the company in 2007, Tracey has made significant contributions to the organization.
In her role, Tracey leads a team responsible for managing transactional volume, scaling growth without compromising quality, and establishing a strong team culture. Her expertise in process enhancements, particularly those embracing technical solutions, has been instrumental in streamlining operations and ensuring efficiency. This dedication to continuous improvement is evident in her current role and her previous position as Director of Sales & Marketing Finance. With diverse experiences, Tracey has led teams in implementing processes for translation, new item introductions, Accounts Payable automation, eCommerce digital shelves, KPI development, M&A integrations, and financial systems.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Tracey is an executive sponsor of the employee resource group, Women of Wells, which aims to empower and support women in the workplace. Additionally, she serves on the board of directors for the Food Bank of Siouxland and was previously the Finance Chair on the board of directors for Heartland Counseling Services, demonstrating her commitment to community involvement and giving back. She has been recognized for her work with the Cardinal Parent Choice Award, Women of Excellence, and South Sioux City Community Pride Award for outstanding volunteer efforts.
Megan Modlin
President Client Services & Operations
Source Allies
Tracey Akins is the Director of Shared Services at Wells Enterprises, bringing over 25 years of experience in finance, process automation, and analytics. Since joining the company in 2007, Tracey has made significant contributions to the organization.
In her role, Tracey leads a team responsible for managing transactional volume, scaling growth without compromising quality, and establishing a strong team culture. Her expertise in process enhancements, particularly those embracing technical solutions, has been instrumental in streamlining operations and ensuring efficiency. This dedication to continuous improvement is evident in her current role and her previous position as Director of Sales & Marketing Finance. With diverse experiences, Tracey has led teams in implementing processes for translation, new item introductions, Accounts Payable automation, eCommerce digital shelves, KPI development, M&A integrations, and financial systems.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Tracey is an executive sponsor of the employee resource group, Women of Wells, which aims to empower and support women in the workplace. Additionally, she serves on the board of directors for the Food Bank of Siouxland and was previously the Finance Chair on the board of directors for Heartland Counseling Services, demonstrating her commitment to community involvement and giving back. She has been recognized for her work with the Cardinal Parent Choice Award, Women of Excellence, and South Sioux City Community Pride Award for outstanding volunteer efforts.
David Ziemann
Senior Solutions Engineer
LaunchDarkly
David Ziemann is a Senior Solutions Engineer and former Senior Director of Software Engineering with more than 15 years of experience helping software teams improve how they deliver value to customers.
In his current role, David works closely with engineering and product organizations to improve delivery performance, reduce operational friction, and build more reliable paths from idea to production. He brings a leadership perspective shaped by years of owning delivery from the inside, with experience spanning software engineering, QA, DevOps, and cross-functional execution.
Before moving into solutions engineering, David led engineering, QA, DevOps, and delivery at GlobalVetLink, where he helped modernize how software was built, released, and operated. He built and led the company’s SOC 2 program across technical and operational controls, resulting in SOC 2 Type II certification, and reduced the cost to release by 70% through QA automation, CI/CD improvements, and stronger operational discipline while significantly reducing failed releases.
David is also the founder of MoreThanCoders.com, a platform that helps engineers and managers build the professional judgment needed to scale technical work. His writing and speaking focus on leadership, communication, and the people-side skills that strengthen technical teams over time.
John Unsen
Senior Vice President of Systems
VGM Homelink
John Unsen is Senior Vice President of Systems at VGM HOMELINK, a Waterloo Iowa based leading provider of integrated specialty services for workers compensation and group health. Prior to May 2023, John oversaw the strategic direction and operational leadership of systems and information technology for VGM Insurance. He has a deep background in website platform architecture, hosting and infrastructure, vendor management, business analytics, security, and creating technical standards across business divisions. John received his undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa and MBA from Loras College. He is a 2023 graduate of the Iowa Technology Leadership Institute.
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