Award-Winning Innovation: 2025 HoustonCIO ORBIE Celebrates Top Tech Executives

Houston became the epicenter of technology admiration as the 2025 HoustonCIO ORBIE Awards dazzled attendees at the Marriott Marquis. Here, the city’s finest tech executives were celebrated for their unparalleled contributions to leadership, innovation, and business transformation.

Honoring Transformative Leadership

The ORBIE Awards, hosted by the HoustonCIO chapter of the Inspire Leadership Network, recognized outstanding CIOs from industry giants like Chevron, NOV, and Nabors. Each winner was a beacon of excellence, embodying leadership that harmonizes innovative technology with strategic business value. From Chevron’s Bill Braun to Nabors’ Aparna Mathur, these technology leaders have maneuvered their industries toward a promising future.

Categories of Excellence

The ceremony paid homage to executives across nine distinct categories—Leadership, Global, Enterprise to name a few. Each category underscored the diverse arenas where technology intersects business, healthcare, and public sectors. Their pioneering efforts are a testament to the impact of visionary leadership in today’s digital landscape.

A Star-Studded Ceremony

Matt Anderson of Chevron emphasized the importance of industry collaboration during his keynote interview with award recipient Bill Braun. With nearly 500 guests, including leading organizations and technology partners, the event fostered an atmosphere of collaboration and celebration.

The prestigious event was backed by sponsors such as Google Cloud, Cisco, and T-Mobile, which are pivotal in shaping technology’s frontier. Networking with such luminaries offers invaluable opportunities for collaboration and growth within the C-suite community.

The Pulse of Innovation

As Shachella James, HoustonCIO Chair, remarked, “Amazing CIOs understand how connections drive transformation.” This essence of connectivity was palpable throughout the event as leaders forged bonds that promise to steer technological advancement and industry-wide innovation.

The Legacy of ORBIE

Since 1998, the ORBIE Awards have consistently set the standard for excellence, selecting finalists through a rigorous, peer-led adjudication process. It is this commitment to rewarding leadership and innovation that continues to define and inspire subsequent generations.

A Vision for Tomorrow

HoustonCIO is more than just an awards program—it’s a commitment to fostering an environment where excellence thrives, cultivating a network where technology leaders can push boundaries and redefine their industries. According to GlobeNewswire, strong leadership is essential in navigating the complexities of our evolving global economy.

HoustonCIO ORBIE was not just an award ceremony, but a celebration of those who stand at the technological helm, steering their ships through uncharted waters toward a future ripe with possibility.