KC Tech Council shuffles tech veterans among key board positions; their goal: keep KC tech competitive

A leadership transition at the top advocacy group for Kansas City’s tech community aims to continue the organization’s mission, while opening even more doors for companies across the region that are brimming with innovation.

“We plan to broaden our collective impact within the region by providing new opportunities through policy advocacy, tech talent development, catalyzing industry knowledge and driving visibility for the region’s innovation,” said Bill Graff, the newly appointed chairperson of the KC Tech Council’s board of directors.

Graff serves as executive vice president and chief information officer of Clarivate, a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. He succeeds Brian Anderson, chief technology officer at Tyler Technologies, who served in the position for the past two years.

The former vice chair of the tech council’s board of directors, Graff is a tenured tech executive with more than 30 years of experience leading large global teams building, delivering, and operating large-scale software systems and data center infrastructure. He currently leads global technology and security teams supporting over 12,000 employees and 45,000 customers in 40 countries.

“I’m honored to take on this new role and continue collaboration with KC Tech Council’s leadership team and my fellow board members — all seasoned industry experts committed to advancing the organization’s mission,” Graff said.

The tech council also recently installed Nickolette Cole, vice president of Technology, Small Business and Financial Services at H&R Block, and George Brooks, founder and chief executive officer at Crema, as vice chairs, and Neal Schwartz, chief information officer at WellSky, as secretary and nominations chair.

The board of directors also includes Michael Graber, RSM US LLP, Andrea Jones, Diode Ventures, Josh Maxfield, Garmin, Gregory Kratofil, Polsinelli, Michael Hannan, LightEdge Solutions, Scott Morris, NAIC, and Greg Elliott, Zerto.

Brian Anderson, Tyler Technologies

Anderson reflected on his time as board chair as “a remarkable experience.”

“I’ve been honored to closely partner with the widely talented group of individuals and organizations we have here in Kansas City’s business community,” he said. “I have extreme confidence that the new leadership will create new opportunities that will further establish Kansas City as a competitive tech industry hub for years to come.”

The transition allows the tech council to continue and expand its efforts to engage with its membership to overcome challenges and strengthen the organization’s services, said said Kara Lowe, chief executive officer of KC Tech Council.

“The work our board members do drives our progress and ultimately makes our communities a better place to work and live,” she said. “We thank Brian for his ongoing dedicated service and look forward to sustained momentum with Bill in the role of chairperson.”