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.

Cheryl Moss oversees all aspects of financial management for 8th Light and provides strategic financial guidance to the company’s management team and board. Cheryl brings to the role 20 years of experience building corporate enterprise value alongside founders and management teams. Prior to joining 8th Light, Cheryl was a private equity and growth capital investor for 17 years. Cheryl began her career as a private placement debt and mezzanine debt underwriter.

Serving as Partner, 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.

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 Partner, bringing a passion for building high-performing teams and growing technical careers.

As 8th Light’s Vice President of People, Michelle Markus brings to her role extensive experience as a steward and architect of organizations’ most critical imperatives across people, business, operations, and strategy domains during times of change and growth. Known for her open-hearted leadership, Michelle is a builder of engaged and inclusive teams and has a unique talent for connecting people, ideas, and strategies to deliver impactful and sustainable results.

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.

As an experienced software consultant, Amanda Graham has built a number of organizations from the ground up and helped numerous companies leverage technology and deliver stellar customer-focused programs.

As a seasoned sales leader and relationship builder, Jon Paradise serves as 8th Light’s Director of Sales and Strategic Solutions. He specializes in driving revenue growth for companies of all sizes — from startups to Fortune 500 enterprises — by identifying challenges, fostering connections, and delivering tailored solutions.

As Design Director at 8th Light, Agustin Sanchez drives design excellence, strategic thinking, and team growth across a multidisciplinary organization. He leads design initiatives that bridge human-centered design, product strategy, and engineering execution, ensuring that every solution is as impactful as it is well-crafted.

A staple in the Chicago tech scene since 2005, Brad Ediger serves as an Executive Consultant, serving clients with his technical expertise. He joined 8th Light in 2019 when he merged his independent consultancy with the company.

With over a decade of experience as a team lead and project manager, Doug Gapinski is a Seattle-based Senior 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.

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.

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.