AITP Leadership Panel

At AITP San Diego, we take pride in showcasing the outstanding leaders and pioneers of our IT community. Get a chance to meet and hear from these technology experts as they share their insights on the industry. Join us for an exclusive panel discussion and engage with other IT practitioners and enthusiasts to talk about the latest hot topics in technology. Here's a sneak peek at the tech titans who will be joining us for the event:

Shawn Granen | Director of IT at USS Midway

Shawn Granen is a seasoned professional in the Information Technology (I.T.) industry with a proven track record of engineering, implementing, and managing extremely complex one-off projects. As the Director of Information Technology aboard the USS Midway Museum, Shawn is responsible for engineering, development, and implementation of all their mission critical I.T. infrastructure and technologies. He has been instrumental in modernizing an antiquated network and server infrastructure while making key investments into the USS Midway’s digital experience. In his 20 year career he has also worked for Department of Energy at the prestigious Los Alamos National Laboratory as a student intern working in a high-performance compute environment supporting several supercomputer instances.  He then took a role as a System Administrator with the NASA/USRA S.O.F.I.A. project and more. 

For his work at these famed institutions, Shawn has received many accolades and awards for his work in these scientific fields.  He has co-authored several scientific and engineering papers that have been accepted at various scientific and engineering institutions.  Most recently, he was awarded the San Diego Top Tech Cox Exemplary Business Award in 2023 for his work aboard the USS Midway.

In his spare time, Shawn enjoys anything automotive and working towards his private pilot’s license.  He enjoys spending his time traveling both locally and abroad learning about different cultures and ways of life.  He enjoys sharing his passions with his wife and newborn son. He is also a firm believer in giving back to his profession and community. Shawn is a mentor to the STEM and MESA community where he hopes to empower the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Kavita Sharma | IT Manager at Gallagher

Kavita Sharma has accumulated over twenty years of extensive experience in the field of information technology. Her professional journey began as a developer and has since seen her progress through various roles, including desktop support, networking, and leadership in a Security Engineering team. Currently, she holds a crucial position as an IT leader responsible for overseeing Systems, Applications, and Security.

In addition to her corporate pursuits, Kavita is the visionary founder of Taro Technology, a thriving enterprise specializing in IT Managed Services and Cybersecurity. Her entrepreneurial drive has played a significant role in Taro Technology's success and expansion.

Presently affiliated with Arthur J Gallagher, Kavita is deeply committed to supporting the California Schools of VEBA (Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association). Her dedication to utilizing her IT expertise to enhance health insurance for VEBA members demonstrates her passion for making meaningful contributions beyond the corporate world.

Outside of her professional life, Kavita is an avid reader of both nonfiction and fiction, a passionate traveler, and a dedicated learner always eager to acquire new skills.

Younes Benkaci | Fractional Technology Leader

Younes Benkaci is a versatile technology leader with a proven track record across diverse industries, including Telecommunication, Hospitality, Financial Services, SaaS, and Startup environments. With expertise in Execution Excellence, Technology Operations, IT Strategy, and Business Intelligence, Younes has consistently driven innovation and operational efficiency. His skills in integrating technology solutions, leading cross-functional teams, and fostering strategic partnerships have a significant impact in various organizational settings. Passionate about data-driven insights and risk mitigation, Younes excels in reshaping technology landscapes and fostering collaborative, innovative environments within startups and established enterprises alike.

Mitesh Dave | Director of Wireless Technologies at Meta Platforms

Mitesh (he / him) is currently working at Meta Platforms Inc - Reality Labs, as Director of Wireless Technologies for their AR, VR, Wearables product portfolio. With a strong background in wireless communications, Mitesh has over 2 decades of work experience from Nokia, Qualcomm, Motorola, Intel and Google, prior to joining Meta. In his current role, Mitesh and his team work with global telecom vendors and Internet service providers on technology trials and product acceptance as we prepare ourselves for the future of connected consumer electronic devices and the internet revolution.