TechPoint Announces New CIO Network Leadership

New leaders will guide statewide community of IT executives navigating security, innovation and digital transformation

INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 20, 2026) TechPoint, the industry-led growth initiative for Indiana’s digital innovation economy and overall tech ecosystem, today announced new leadership for the CIO Network advisory board, which supports a peer community for senior technology leaders from across the state.

The CIO Network convenes chief information officers and senior IT executives to share insights, discuss common challenges and learn from one another in a trusted environment. The network supports collaboration among technology leaders as organizations face increasing demands around cybersecurity, infrastructure modernization, talent and emerging technologies. 

The CIO Network will be led by President Heather Darring, chief information officer at Kappa Alpha Theta, and Vice President Todd Bandauski, chief technology officer at Weaver Popcorn.

Darring, who begins her two-year term effective immediately, succeeds Matt Belanger, CIO of Republic Airways, who completed his two-year term as president. 

“CIOs are operating in an environment where technology decisions directly impact business performance and risk,” said Heather Darring, president of the CIO Network. “The CIO Network creates space for open and rich conversations among peers who understand the complexity of the role, while adding value to our members and the broader tech community. Having served as vice president, I am honored to step into this role and guide the network forward during a time of transformational change in the digital innovation economy.” 

CIOs play a critical role in aligning technology with business strategy. They oversee enterprise systems, manage risk, protect data and lead digital transformation efforts that enable growth and resilience across industries.

“The value of this network is the opportunity to learn from other leaders facing similar challenges,” said Matt Belanger, CIO Network president emeritus. “By bringing CIOs together from across Indiana, we are strengthening technology leadership and the broader innovation ecosystem. It has been a highlight of my professional career to lead the network, and I am excited for its future.” 

The CIO Network meets regularly throughout the year, offering curated programming, peer discussions and connections to Indiana’s innovation community. Founded in 2011 by Jeff Ton as the Indy CIO Network, the initiative partnered with TechPoint in 2022 to expand statewide. Sponsorships are available.

About Heather Darring

Heather Darring is an award-winning technology executive with more than 17 years of experience leading IT transformation in the nonprofit sector. As chief information officer for Kappa Alpha Theta Fraternity, Inc., she oversees enterprise technology for a global organization serving more than 240,000 members. Known for her calm, solution-oriented leadership, Darring specializes in modernizing systems, strengthening data governance and driving operational excellence, including leading award-winning digital transformation initiatives that significantly increased philanthropic impact. She is recognized for her collaborative leadership style and ability to guide organizations through complex change with clarity and trust.

About Todd Bandauski

Todd Bandauski is an IT and cybersecurity executive with more than 25 years of technology leadership experience across enterprise environments. He has served as chief information officer at Crew Carwash and most recently as chief technology officer at Weaver Popcorn, leading efforts in infrastructure modernization, security, governance and risk-based technology strategy. Bandauski is known for his practical, hands-on leadership approach and his ability to deliver secure, scalable outcomes that support business growth and operational resilience.

In addition to the CIO Network, TechPoint also convenes the CDO Network, the Indiana Founder’s Network and the Indiana Innovation AI Network.

About TechPoint

TechPoint is the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership’s branded initiative for Indiana’s tech-powered ecosystem driving the digital economy through talent, innovation and community with the overall goal of making Indiana a leader in digital adoption. TechPoint works with public, private, and industry partners to strengthen the tech talent pipeline, enhance resource connectivity for enterprise organizations and startups alike, and elevate the industry by activating the community and amplifying stories of success. For more information, visit techpoint.org.

Media Contact:  Lara Beck, lara@beckcommunicationsgroup.com