James Farhat
CEO
ACTSJames Farhat is the proud founder and CEO of ACTS. Once named a Young Entrepreneur of the Year by the U.S. Small-Business Administration, James helps companies leverage technology to reduce costs and grow market share. His rare combination of business acumen, technical expertise and gregarious nature makes him a sought-after— and trusted—strategic advisor to organizations across multiple industries and geographies.
James has acted as an independent strategic technology consultant for organizations such as Microsoft, Cox Enterprises and Modis Professional Services, providing guidance on everything from CIO succession planning to budgeting and evaluation of organizational structures. Never one to shy away from a microphone, James has spoken at Comdex, the Microsoft Global Summit, Microsoft Ready, Microsoft Inspire, the Visual C++ Conference, the National Advisory Group, the National Restaurant Association Executive Symposium, the ITTA International Technology Training Association, and at multiple Microsoft TechEd events around the world. Always one to share his excitement for technology, he hosted a popular radio show, Tech Chat With Farhat and recently co-authored “Designed To Disrupt” detailing new approaches to technology and transformation.
When he’s not running ACTS or running to the airport to give a speech or meet a client, James can usually be found playing with his son, reading, or traveling the world with his wife, Rema.
Steven Wade
Vice President of Sales
Steven Wade is an experienced sales leader with over 30 years of sales and sales leadership experience. Prior to joining ACTS, Steven has lead sales teams both nationally and internationally for industry leaders such as Microsoft, Sun Microsystems, Kronos and E2open. Steven holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronic & Microprocessor Engineering from The University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. After immigrating to the USA over 25 years ago from his native Scotland, Steven now lives in Orlando, Florida.
Deborah McLeod
Senior Director Client Solutions
Deb is the Senior Director of Client Solutions for ACTS. Deb earned her degree in Computer Programming and Applications from Florida State College and is both a Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO). Deb has built multiple successful professional services organizations and is an active participant in the Microsoft Partner Advisory Council Program. Deb is excited to be developing ACTS Advisory Services Practice and increasing impact on Azure Cloud Transformation. Deb McLeod lives in Green Mountain, NC.
John Farhat
Vice President
John Farhat is one of the founding members of ACTS. John has over 20 years of Operations and Finance experience in the Information Technology Services industry. John has contributed to the Managed Services division by creating new revenue opportunities through partnership opportunities. John earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting from the University of Florida and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of North Florida. John Farhat resides in Jacksonville, FL.
Robin Church Ramirez
HR Manager
Robin Ramirez is a HR professional with over ten years’ experience in HR. A graduate of Florida Atlantic University with a master’s in Education and a BA in Management and Marketing, she is a certified SHRM-CP, active in SHRM National and SHRM Jacksonville. Robin is knowledgeable in all HR disciplines including strategic planning, performance management, employee relations, benefits, payroll, risk management, and coaching. Robin resides in Jacksonville, FL.
Miranda Davis
Account Technical Strategist Director
Miranda started her career as a Logistics Officer in the U.S. Air Force and has been working in financial services and technology industries since 2008 with expertise in Microsoft SharePoint. Miranda earned her B.S in Communication Studies from Towson University, and she completed several Air Force Leadership schools. Miranda is currently building the Account Technical Strategist Team to support the ACTS Sales team and has been instrumental in building go to market strategies for the company. Miranda lives in Jacksonville, FL.
Nashe Jones
Marketing Director
Nashe Jones is an award-winning marketing professional with many years of excellence in the technology industry. Nashe graduated from Florida A&M University and stays current with continued coursework including “Strategic Thinking & Management” from Wharton and “Digital Strategies for Business” from Emeritus & Columbia Business School. As Marketing Director, her goal is to drive exceptional marketing in the digital age that supports customers as they consider their options embarking on their Cloud Journey. Nashe lives in Atlanta, GA.
Bernard Malinis
Cloud Managed Services Manager
Bernard is an accomplished IT professional spanning over 20 years in the IT industry. He has melded his technical experience, workforce management and project coordination to support development of ACTS’ Cloud Managed Services. His emphasis on customer relations has developed a strong and trusted bond with ACTS’ clients. He attributes his positive attitude and propensity for teamwork to his 17 plus years with the ACTS family.
Daneene Marien
PMO Manager
Program Manager with 20 plus years financial services, human resources and small business experience. Senior level project manager with over 10 years in working with technology and financial services projects. Project management skills include: experience with Waterfall and Agile project methodologies, vendor analysis/selection, and client consultation, determining project scope and preparing budgets, developing and managing project plans.
Edward Kench
Cloud Data and AI Manager
Agile thought leader with passion for organizing expert analytics teams and confronting complex information challenges. Authority in broad areas of analytics from Big Data management to Kimball and Inmon warehouse design, ETL frameworks, and self-service BI.
John Landry
Cloud Modern Workplace Manager
John Landry started his IT career as a software developer in 1996, and has produced many creative business solutions in the Financial and Service sectors. John graduated with a degree in Computer Information Science from the University of Mobile. John’s technical and business background gives him a unique understanding of how businesses can use IT solutions to become more responsive and stand out in the marketplace. John is currently leading his delivery teams in utilizing the products offered through Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365. John currently resides in Jacksonville, FL.
Jose Vega
Cloud Application Modernization Manager
Mr Vega has extensive Software Architecture Design, Software Project Management, and Software Architecture Development experience. Mr Vega works on projects that affect the enterprise and he designs solutions to take advantage of the existing assets, follow the enterprise architecture best practices, and solve the business capability issues that make up people, process and technology.
Mark Moore
Cloud Secure Infrastructure Manager
Mark is an experienced IT professional with over 20 years of solving complex business challenges for enterprise, government and broadcast television customers. Mark earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Florida. He combines this background with a wide variety of on-premise and cloud-based IT solutions to drive customer success. Mark currently resides in Jacksonville, FL.
