IAS has assembled a uniquely talented management team, pulled from both the top financial advisory and technology leaders of the day. This experienced leadership, combined with our highly talented development team, has provided the impetus to our success.
Herzl L. Hyton, CEO, prior to founding Optima in 1989, gained management experience at Univac and at Computer Sciences Corporation where he directed their professional services division in Canada. He successfully started and managed several software development organizations during his 35 years in the computer industry. His strong technical background is well complemented with general management skills, as well as an understanding of the market dynamics and user requirements in a solution oriented market place.
Peter E. Dios, Chairman, took his current position when IAS and Optima combined in 2002. He has served as President and CEO of Optima since 1991. Pete has been involved with the information systems business since 1968, having held various executive management positions at companies including Global Software, Gerber Alley, Interactive Financial Services, UCCEL and IBM.
David W. Grace, President, has spent the last 30 years of his career automating the financial services industry. Following a successful career with such industry leaders as IBM, Prudential Bache and Robinson Humphrey, Dave formed his own software company, IFS, in 1981. IFS provided the first fully integrated software solution for the independent financial planner. Under Dave’s leadership, IFS was purchased in 1991 by an insurance company entering the bank marketplace. Dave assisted in the transition until 1994 when he created an independent consulting firm providing system design, development oversight, training and implementation services to broker/dealers and financial institutions. In 2001, Dave joined forces with Optima to redesign and develop an IFS replacement product capitalizing on Optima’s current advanced technology and CRM platform. Interactive Advisory Software was born.
Glenn S. Flego, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, joined IAS in January of 2007. Glenn has spent the majority of the last 18 years in senior sales and marketing management positions, assisting major financial services entities in their dealings with the financial advisory community. His knowledge of the needs of firms offering investment and wealth management services has been solidified while directing various business and market initiatives of Fidelity Investments and Charles Schwab.
Eric S. Eason, Chief Technology Officer, offers unequaled development expertise cultivated during his 22 years in the technology industry. He was one of two key architects of Optima's original CRM offering and developed Optima's Optimation platform for both Windows and the Internet. Eric's early experience includes the International Calling and Assistance Center from ATT Long Lines while working with Data General followed by cutting-edge development projects with Interactive Financial Services, including the ADP Stock Quote System, Financial Planning software, and the FX technology platform, of which he was one of the principal architects.
Linda M. Grace CFP, Vice President Training and Product Management, brings to IAS extensive managerial experience in client service and training. In 1983, Linda joined IFS where she managed software design, training, customer service and client accounts. In 1994, she started an independent consulting firm with Dave Grace where their combined expertise spanned the needs of investment sales programs from order entry to sales to client service. Prior to entering the financial services industry, Linda built a strong career in counseling and psychological services, including management of family counseling programs for the state of Georgia.
Ann Galloway, Vice President Customer Services, brings to IAS extensive managerial experience in customer service, quality assurance, training and documentation. Most recently she was vice president of customer service at Communications Central and prior to that she was vice president of customer support services at Brock International.
Stephen M. Derbis, Vice President Professional Services, has led the Professional Services organization at Optima since 1999. Steve has nearly 20 years of diversified experience working with high-technology companies, primarily in technical and business leadership positions, producing leading-edge software products. Steve has drawn upon his background in software engineering at companies such as FileNet Corporation to lead application design and development. He also pioneered the introduction of Java in 1995 to build a web based customer relationship management system and helped lead another software company through a successful IPO.
Bob Barton, Vice President, Finance, joined IAS in July of 2006. He brings more than 20 years of financial experience to IAS, having provided financial guidance to organizations as both a controller and Vice President of Finance. He has successfully performed in both start ups and billion dollar enterprises including Fresenius Medical Care, Bio Clinic Corporation, Polson Manufacturing and J Co Energy, Inc.