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.

As 8th Light’s VP 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.

A staple in the Chicago tech scene since 2005, Brad Ediger serves as our Head of Technology with a focus on growing 8th Light's profile as a software consultancy. He joined 8th Light in 2019 when he merged his independent consultancy with the company.

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.

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 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.

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, 8th Light’s Director of Operations, is an experienced software engineer and business leader dedicated to enhancing organizational systems and processes. With a focus on improving efficiency and fostering growth, Ryan guides cross-functional teams and projects toward excellence. Specifically, Ryan works with leaders throughout 8th Light to support organizational initiatives, often focusing on the collection and organization of data and the processes that support various teams across the company. In support of 8th Light’s vision and mission, Ryan helps craft the strategy for how the organization gets where it’s trying to go.

Tina Indalecio is passionate about people and creating inclusive and high-performing cultures that drive business outcomes. As 8th Light’s Director of Learning & Development, she leverages her extensive experience in organizational development, learning strategy, and DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging), to build capabilities that benefit our people, business and clients.

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.

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.

At 8th Light, Tom Kowal brings a blend of technical expertise and leadership to his role as Project Director. His decade-long journey in full-stack programming has been marked by significant contributions across a diverse array of tech stacks. An experienced software professional, Tom has a passion for not just improving software systems, but also the processes that create them. From a new platform for the U.S. Department of Defense to APIs at the heart of international entertainment companies, Tom has worked with a variety of clients.