Tech Titans
In an ever-changing world, technology remains at the forefront of how we evolve and grow. Whether it’s a business utilizing advanced capabilities to improve efficiency and performance, or a company providing tools to keep up with modern-day demands, our professional and personal lives are tethered to technology. In recognition of this, South Jersey Biz is once again pleased to present its annual Tech Titans list, a gathering of leaders in the field who are helping simplify things with innovation and expertise.
Tony Bawidamann, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs, Comcast
For 25-plus years, Bawidamann has led legislative and public affairs campaigns for some of the nation’s most recognized companies, including Comcast, Bristol Myers Squibb, McDonald’s and more. He is currently vice president of government and regulatory affairs for Comcast. He also serves as chairman of the New Jobs PAC, New Jersey’s oldest and largest business PAC, which supports pro-business elected officials.
Tony Bawidamann, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs, Comcast
For 25-plus years, Bawidamann has led legislative and public affairs campaigns for some of the nation’s most recognized companies, including Comcast, Bristol Myers Squibb, McDonald’s and more. He is currently vice president of government and regulatory affairs for Comcast. He also serves as chairman of the New Jobs PAC, New Jersey’s oldest and largest business PAC, which supports pro-business elected officials.
At Bristol Myers Squibb, he led the national State Government Affairs and Alliance Development teams. Prior to that, he managed the public affairs practice at Florio, Perrucci, Steinhardt & Fader, and as vice president of public affairs at MWW, he guided some of the nation’s highest-profile campaigns.
In addition to serving three members of Congress, Bawidamann has played a pivotal role in some of the state’s most competitive campaigns, including those for Senate President Steve Sweeney (2001), Assemblyman John Burzichelli (2001), Senator Paul Sarlo (2003) and Assemblyman Gary Schaer (2005).
Tony earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and a master’s degree from The George Washington University.
Michael A. Barson, Chief Technology Officer & Co-Founder, VoIP Doctors
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Barson brings a steady, service-first mindset shaped as a New Jersey EMT who served during 9/11. At VoIP Doctors, he leads engineering and systems architecture, translating fast-moving innovations into secure, scalable communications technology that people enjoy using. Over two decades in telecom and IT he has guided organizations from legacy limitations to modern cloud solutions—UCaaS, CCaaS, and Microsoft Teams Direct Routing—always tailoring the technology to the business, not the other way around. He co-founded VoIP Doctors in 2019 to pair deep engineering rigor with a human touch and a relentless focus on outcomes.
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Barson brings a steady, service-first mindset shaped as a New Jersey EMT who served during 9/11. At VoIP Doctors, he leads engineering and systems architecture, translating fast-moving innovations into secure, scalable communications technology that people enjoy using. Over two decades in telecom and IT he has guided organizations from legacy limitations to modern cloud solutions—UCaaS, CCaaS, and Microsoft Teams Direct Routing—always tailoring the technology to the business, not the other way around. He co-founded VoIP Doctors in 2019 to pair deep engineering rigor with a human touch and a relentless focus on outcomes.
Barson’s civic engagement includes appointments to the Moorestown Township Telecommunications & Technology Committee and service on Beacon Networking for Life’s Technology Committee. He also supports workforce and economic development initiatives through prominent South Jersey and Greater Philadelphia organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey and WBEC-East.
Grounded, curious and collaborative, Barson is at his best in the moments that matter—diagnosing root causes quickly, simplifying the path forward and building resilient communications that help teams do their best work.
Keith Tessler, Owner, CMIT Solutions
Tessler is known for two things: the expert team he has built and the humanity he brings to technology. With decades of hands-on experience, he leads an award-winning company—CMIT Solutions of Cherry Hill—that transforms everyday “tech headaches” into business advantages.
Tessler is known for two things: the expert team he has built and the humanity he brings to technology. With decades of hands-on experience, he leads an award-winning company—CMIT Solutions of Cherry Hill—that transforms everyday “tech headaches” into business advantages.
Tessler has earned a reputation for plain-English problem-solving, careful hiring and what he calls “right-now responsiveness”—traits that keep his firm’s client satisfaction among the highest in the industry. “I may enjoy speaking in acronyms with engineers,” he says, “but most clients shouldn’t have to. My job is to make technology simple, so they can focus on running their business.”
He views technology not as devices or jargon, but as a way to help companies grow, protect their assets and keep people working smoothly. That balance, between technical expertise and practical business sense, is what makes Tessler stand out.
Whether working with startups or long-established firms, Tessler focuses on removing obstacles, creating clarity and helping leaders build confidence in their systems. It’s this people-first approach that has made him a trusted advisor who has earned wide recognition in his field.
Greg Gutos, President and General Manager, USA Phone
With over 40 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, Gutos has steered USA Phone through dramatic shifts in technology from analog systems to digital, then Hosted VoIP, UCaaS, CCaaS and AI Powered solutions. His leadership philosophy centers on employing talented individuals and maintaining a customer first approach all while delivering cost effective and high-performance business communication solutions.
With over 40 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, Gutos has steered USA Phone through dramatic shifts in technology from analog systems to digital, then Hosted VoIP, UCaaS, CCaaS and AI Powered solutions. His leadership philosophy centers on employing talented individuals and maintaining a customer first approach all while delivering cost effective and high-performance business communication solutions.
Under his guidance, USA Phone has become known for its comprehensive ROI reviews. This service delivers a cost comparison analysis demonstrating how to reduce operating costs by up to 50% while upgrading services to a modern, feature-rich business phone service. The company serves small to enterprise level businesses across the entire country offering HIPAA compliant services, mobile and desktop softphone apps, SMS and SMS marketing tools, SD-WAN/LTE failover solution, AI call transcription/summaries and AI-powered receptionist, just to name a few. USA Phone’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has earned it glowing client testimonials and long-term client relationships.
Gutos’ hands-on approach includes regular client account reviews and personalized service plans, ensuring USA Phone remains a trusted partner in business communications.
Dr. Ashanti Holley, Superintendent, Burlington County Institute of Technology
Dr. Holley is a visionary educational leader committed to preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving world. As superintendent of Burlington County Institute of Technology (BCIT) and Burlington County Special Services School District (BCSSSD), she has championed innovation by expanding programs, upgrading facilities and integrating emerging technologies aligned with workforce demand.
Dr. Holley is a visionary educational leader committed to preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving world. As superintendent of Burlington County Institute of Technology (BCIT) and Burlington County Special Services School District (BCSSSD), she has championed innovation by expanding programs, upgrading facilities and integrating emerging technologies aligned with workforce demand.
Under her leadership, BCIT has invested in cutting-edge labs and expanded career pathways that blend traditional trades with modern fields such as video game design, e-sports, robotics, engineering and machine learning.
Nationally recognized, Dr. Holley serves as a Google Education Lead Facilitator and has positioned BCIT in the League of Innovative Schools, shaping South Jersey as a model for future-ready education.
Drew Polin, Vice President of Mobility Solutions, OpDecision
Starting in business development with T-Mobile, Polin quickly developed a comprehensive understanding of the wireless industry. In 2003, seeing an opportunity in the under-serviced cellular market, he co-founded Global West Communications to help companies understand their options in the wireless landscape.
Starting in business development with T-Mobile, Polin quickly developed a comprehensive understanding of the wireless industry. In 2003, seeing an opportunity in the under-serviced cellular market, he co-founded Global West Communications to help companies understand their options in the wireless landscape.
Polin sold his equity in Global West in 2006 and started OpDecision shortly after in 2007. OpDecision focuses on reducing overall wireless costs for clients with their current carriers and provides day-to-day management and end-user help desk support, making the company a one-stop resource to reduce costs and receive top tier wireless support.
Nidhal C. Bouaynaya, Ph.D., Professor; Associate Vice President for Artificial Intelligence; Director, MAVRC, Rowan University
Bouaynaya’s is the associate vice president for artificial intelligence, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Rowan University, and the director of Rowan’s Machine, Artificial Intelligence & Virtual Reality Center (MAVRC). Her research focuses on machine learning and AI. She co-authored more than 120 refereed journal articles, book chapters and conference proceedings and been recognized with numerous awards for her findings.
Bouaynaya’s is the associate vice president for artificial intelligence, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Rowan University, and the director of Rowan’s Machine, Artificial Intelligence & Virtual Reality Center (MAVRC). Her research focuses on machine learning and AI. She co-authored more than 120 refereed journal articles, book chapters and conference proceedings and been recognized with numerous awards for her findings.
She is also the co-founder of MRIMATH, LLC, an FDA-cleared startup that leverages artificial intelligence to enhance patient oncology outcomes and treatment responses, and the founder of Deep AI Solutions, LLC, an IBM-protégé startup that provides trustworthy machine learning solutions to government and industry clients.
Anthony Mongeluzo, President & CEO, PCS
Mongeluzo is a visionary entrepreneur and technology leader. At just 20 years old, while studying at Rowan University, he founded PCS from his parents’ home. What began as a small startup quickly scaled into a thriving IT services firm with over 250 employees operating across eight states. Under his leadership, PCS has been recognized nationally as one of America’s fastest-growing companies.
Mongeluzo is a visionary entrepreneur and technology leader. At just 20 years old, while studying at Rowan University, he founded PCS from his parents’ home. What began as a small startup quickly scaled into a thriving IT services firm with over 250 employees operating across eight states. Under his leadership, PCS has been recognized nationally as one of America’s fastest-growing companies.
A serial entrepreneur, Anthony has launched or partnered in eleven businesses, eight of which are technology ventures focused on cybersecurity, software development, and IT solutions. His ventures have collectively created hundreds of jobs, fueling innovation and economic growth.
Dave Roberts & Dave Ewall, Co-founders, radius180
In 2009, Roberts and Ewall co-founded radius180, LLC, a Marlton-based managed IT services provider specializing in cybersecurity, network support and strategic IT consulting. What began in a garage with two partners has grown into a thriving company with more than 30 employees, serving businesses across South Jersey, Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania.
In 2009, Roberts and Ewall co-founded radius180, LLC, a Marlton-based managed IT services provider specializing in cybersecurity, network support and strategic IT consulting. What began in a garage with two partners has grown into a thriving company with more than 30 employees, serving businesses across South Jersey, Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania.
Together, Roberts and Ewall have built radius180 on a foundation of trust, reliability and partnership. Their mission remains clear: to deliver secure, scalable and client-focused IT services that allow businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Dr. Beth Simone Noveck, New Jersey State Chief Artificial Intelligence Strategist
New Jersey’s first chief AI strategist, Dr. Noveck focuses on ensuring the state leads the nation in the advancement of AI in both the private and public sectors. She has served as a co-chair of the governor’s Task Force on AI and chair of the governor’s Future of Work Task Force. She previously was the state’s first-ever chief innovation officer.
New Jersey’s first chief AI strategist, Dr. Noveck focuses on ensuring the state leads the nation in the advancement of AI in both the private and public sectors. She has served as a co-chair of the governor’s Task Force on AI and chair of the governor’s Future of Work Task Force. She previously was the state’s first-ever chief innovation officer.
Dr. Noveck is a professor at Northeastern University and also directs the Governance Lab, an action research center studying the impact of technology on governing. Previously, she served in the White House as the first U.S. Deputy Chief Technology Officer, and as director of the White House Open Government Initiative under President Obama.
Author: Madeleine Maccar, Carly Murray and Peter Proko
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