2023 Keynote Speakers

Erik Swierk

Erik Swierk is an experienced technology leader with a passion for delivering quality products to market. With over 15 years of experience in software development, Erik has honed his skills in areas such as project management, agile methodologies, and software architecture.
Currently, Erik serves as the Chief Technology Officer at Prominence Advisors, a consulting firm specializing in healthcare technology solutions. In this role, he leads the technical team responsible for building and implementing custom software solutions for clients in the healthcare industry.
Prior to his role at Prominence Advisors, Erik worked as the Director of Software Engineering at HealthMine, a healthcare technology company. In this role, he led the development of the company's flagship product, a digital health platform that helps individuals manage their chronic conditions.
Erik holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and a Master's degree in Software Engineering from the University of St. Thomas. He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM).
Outside of work, Erik enjoys spending time with his family, playing sports, and volunteering in his local community. He is a mentor for the University of St. Thomas' software engineering program and has volunteered with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Feed My Starving Children.

Lyle E. Gibson is a well-rounded historian, Fulbright Scholar, genealogist, and documentary filmmaker who has devoted more than 24 years to higher education and 32 years to genealogy.
He has authored several books, including "Black Tie White Tie: Chronicle of an American Family 1739-1940," "We Are the American People: Our Nation's History Through Documents" (co-authored with William Young and Greg Sanford), and is a contributing author in the recently published "Black Homesteaders of the South."
Lyle has worked with independent filmmakers to produce documentaries focusing on American life, culture, and history.
Lyle is actively involved in various community organizations such as the National Sons of the American Revolution-Delaware Crossing Chapter, the Midwest Afro-American Genealogy Interest Coalition, the International African American Museum, Black Achievers of Kansas City, and is a board member of the Elijah Adkins Reed Historical Preservation Society.
Lyle has received numerous awards, including the Senior Service Award, 2021 Missouri Community College Association, Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award, 2021 American Association of Community Colleges, NISOD Excellence Award, 2021 National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development, and a George Washington Fellow, National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution 2009.