NASTD Names Karen Robinson 2020 Corporate Affiliate Committee chair: Texas IT Veteran Known for Building Bridges Between Public & Private Sectors

Our Team

Karen W. Robinson

CEO & Founder

With over 30 years of government and private sector experience to her name, Karen Robinson’s expertise in cultivating connections between ideas, information technology solutions, and leaders in various fields is unparalleled. Karen notably served as the Director of Administration & Technology for the Office of the Texas Governor, and during this time, she was integral in helping organize the Border Governors’ Conferences, worked closely with several state agencies, and served as the Information Resource Manager, all while overseeing the technology within Governor Perry’s office.

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Texas CIO
of the Year
Computer World
Premier 100
IT Leaders
Texas Public
Sector Executive
of the Year
NASTD Life
Membership
Award

Bob Smock

Cyber Security Professional

Bob Smock is a cyber security executive advisor and consultant with 40 years of IT experience, including 30 years in information and cyber security risk management.

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George Rios

Chief Technology Officer – Strategic Growth

George Rios is a technology strategist and an executive coach who has experience partnering with business and technology leaders to advise, guide, and provide insight to advance organizations to their desired business outcomes.

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Matt Van Syckle

Chief of Staff

Matt Van Syckle brings over two decades of technology leadership and strategic execution experience to his role as Chief of Staff at KWR Strategies.

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Tava Michalik

Senior Government Strategist

With over three decades of professional experience, Tava Michalik specializes in enterprise solutions, privacy initiatives, and program management, currently contributing as a Senior Government Strategist at KWR Strategies LLC.

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Blake Auer

Business Development & Account Management Specialist

A highly effective business development strategist, Blake Auer helps technology leaders succeed in the public sector.

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Sandy Hazzard

Account Manager

As an Account Manager at KWR, Sandy Hazzard serves as the operational and strategic connector across multiple client teams, ensuring alignment, accountability, and results.

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Kaitlin Tabar

Executive Assistant

Kaitlin Tabar has spent her career mastering the art of keeping things running smoothly—from coordinating complex advertising campaigns to managing leadership priorities at agencies large and small.

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