PIYUSH PATEL

CEO, FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, KYRA SOLUTIONS, LAKELAND

Founded by Patel in 1997, Kyra Solutions helps state and local agencies achieve digital transformation of their information technology systems so that they can serve their constituents more efficiently and effectively. Kyra has been named by Inc. magazine as one of the fastest-growing companies on several occasions. Patel is the current chairman of the board of trustees of Florida TaxWatch.

EDUCATION: Gujarat University (BE), Stevens Institute of Technology (MS)

FIRST JOB: My first job was to develop and calibrate sensor software for automobile airbags.

DREAM ALTERNATE CAREER: Culture, food and history-focused travel guide around the world.

MENTEE IMPACT: I have had several mentees over the years who are doing well, but one mentee has been phenomenally successful. He founded a Silicon Valley-based company that has attracted investments from Google, Mitsubishi and other multinational companies. I'm glad I encouraged him to take the plunge and follow his dream of being an entrepreneur.

HOBBY: Golf — trying to break 90 without using the foot wedge or mulligans.

NONPROFIT PASSION: I have been the chairman of Florida TaxWatch's board since December 2022. As a non-partisan government watchdog group, TaxWatch’s data-driven policy research not only focuses on the wise use of people's money, but it also safeguards our businesses, citizens and environment.