8th Light is led by curious and experienced industry professionals, and powered by a global team of innovative developers, designers, and technologists. Together, we partner with clients to craft software solutions that unlock a wide range of opportunities.

Jenny Farver is 8th Light’s CEO. She joined 8th Light as co-CEO alongside founder Paul Pagel in 2020. Prior to that she served on 8th Light’s Board of Directors and has been a CTO or VP of Engineering at several Chicago tech startups.

As a trained storyteller and creator, Kate Hamilton serves as 8th Light’s Vice President of Growth. Kate specializes in driving strategy, building teams and developing a lead-generating function supportive of 8th Light's growth. She helps our teams tell authentic stories about the amazing work we do with our clients and help engage prospective buyers, clients, talent, and the industry at large in compelling ways.

Rich Feller has spent his career in IT leading and developing technology teams. His expertise in driving business and technology transformation serves him well as 8th Light’s Vice President of Client Service.

For over 18 years, Stacey has built teams for international tech companies. Stacey takes a data-driven and heart-led approach to people operations that balances rapid scaling with retention. 

As Head of Business Development at 8th Light, Frank Rodorigo leverages three decades of leadership experience and a proven track record of driving growth and innovation. With a passion for harmonizing technology and business insights, he champions engagements that enable our clients to undergo industry changing business transformations. This knowledge and foresight helps 8th Light stay at the forefront of the tech consultancy landscape.

Jon Wettersten serves as 8th Light’s Head of Design, leading 8th Light’s design strategy and overseeing 8th Light’s design team and capabilities.

Serving as Head of Delivery, Kristin Kaeding is an experienced technology professional who delivers high-quality software solutions in a wide range of technologies, industries, and countries. Throughout her career, Kristin has consulted on and delivered solutions that span from education technology to web applications for clients and nonprofits.

Pia Opulencia has been a product executive at multiple technology companies and has taught Product Management for AI at Northwestern Kellogg University's MBA in AI program. With more than 15 years of experience working with teams and companies of all sizes, Pia specializes in creating valuable, tech-forward products and the operating systems for the teams that build them.

Kevin Kotowski has been a driving force in software development across a wide range of industries and roles for more than 25 years. Currently serving as 8th Light's Executive Consultant, Kevin partners with clients as a successful advisor rooted in his fundamental belief that people are happier when their work is connected to their organization's vision in an authentic way.

As a dedicated and skilled leader with recruitment experience in corporate, startup, and consultancy environments, Camille Shrouder-Henry serves as 8th Light’s Director of Talent Acquisition. Her smart and analytical nature, attention to detail, and innovative recruitment strategies make her an all-star in finding great talent in a competitive labor market.

Jeff Mielke serves as 8th’s Light’s Design Director, bringing a wealth of experience from his work with both prominent and emerging brands over the years. His expertise lies in tackling intricate challenges and infusing a user-centric approach to his design practices. His portfolio spans across a range of applications, from consumer-oriented to enterprise-level solutions.

Ryan Verner is a passionate software craftsman who enjoys the way software allows him to learn new things every day and share that knowledge with others. As 8th Light’s Director of Key Initiatives, he directs and oversees the company’s modern apprenticeship program, helping developers learn new skills and adopt disciplined workflows that produce higher quality software products.

With over a decade of experience as a team lead and project manager, Doug Gapinski is a Seattle-based Account Director managing long-term product builds with volatile scope. He advocates for quality, transparency, and a shared understanding of project constraints while applying agile methodologies across decentralized teams.

Nick Dyer is an experienced software professional with more than a decade of experience managing multidisciplinary teams and delivering high-quality technical products. Nick serves as an account director, bringing a passion for building high-performing teams and growing technical careers.

As a dedicated sales leader, Steve Hennegan has a successful track record selling software solutions to a wide range of organizations. With a focus on solution/consultative selling approaches, Steve develops long-term partnerships with his clients where he drives revenue by solving complex technical challenges.

Tom Kowal joined 8th Light as a software crafter in 2014 and has since grown into a project director who consistently delivers high-quality software solutions in a wide range of languages, frameworks, and technologies.