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.

With a commitment to client outcomes, Shawn DeVries provides revenue-focused leadership as Managing Director at 8th Light. Shawn’s guiding belief in client service is that when transparency and authenticity are paired with curiosity, any outcome is possible. Throughout his career, Shawn has been an empathetic mentor and humble guide for those that wish to serve clients through growth-oriented roles.

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.

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.

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.

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. Jon has over 25 years of experience designing and developing software solutions with substantial experience across healthcare and medical devices, financial services, consumer products and retail. Jon also has extensive expertise guiding companies through the design-to-delivery process to build and scale modern product teams in service of digital transformation.

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.

Adam Milligan is a technology leader with over 20 years of experience in software development and executive management. He has a track record of driving innovation, scaling high-growth companies, and delivering strategic technology solutions across a wide range of industries, while focusing on building effective and scalable technology teams.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.