Two Indian-American technology leaders have been honored with prestigious accolades at the 2025 Chicago ORBIE Awards, which recognize excellence in leadership, innovation, and business impact within the tech industry. Abhi Dhar, currently the Chief Digital Officer at HealthBridge, and Milind Shah, Chief Technology Officer at Xerox IT Solutions, were among this year’s recipients for their notable contributions to the field.
Abhi Dhar was presented with the “Leadership ORBIE” award, highlighting his exceptional role in advancing technological innovation across the healthcare and financial services sectors. Meanwhile, Milind Shah received the “Corporate ORBIE,” a recognition reserved for executives leading technology organizations with annual revenues of up to $500 million. Their achievements underscore the continued influence and leadership of Indian-American professionals in shaping the digital landscape of American industries.
Dhar is widely regarded as a visionary executive with a keen strategic mindset and a transformative approach to digital leadership. At HealthBridge, he currently oversees product engineering and user experience, steering efforts to enhance the company’s technological foundation. His impact extends far beyond his current role, with a career that includes high-level leadership positions at companies such as TransUnion, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and several startup ventures.
Throughout his career, Dhar has successfully led large-scale global technology operations with budgets running into the billions. He has been responsible for the development of groundbreaking digital products, some of which have earned acclaim at The Webby Awards, an international recognition of excellence on the internet. This accomplishment reflects both his creative approach and technical expertise in crafting user-centric digital experiences.
His professional journey also includes notable board-level roles, including with CIBIL, India’s leading credit information bureau, and Hawaiian Airlines. These appointments demonstrate his wide-ranging influence across industries, as well as his deep knowledge of corporate governance, strategy, and technology. Dhar’s inclusion in this year’s ORBIE winners underscores his pivotal role in transforming businesses through digital solutions and innovative thinking.
Milind Shah, with more than two decades of experience in the technology sector, has likewise distinguished himself through a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. As CTO of Xerox IT Solutions, Shah has been instrumental in promoting a culture that embraces new technologies and efficiency. One of his most notable achievements has been the implementation of “Tech Tuesday” sessions, where AI tools were introduced and explored with employees.
These sessions have had a far-reaching impact. More than 500 employees have been empowered to independently develop automated processes, driving productivity and streamlining operations. The result has been substantial, with over $1 million in cost savings attributed to the program, along with significant gains in operational efficiency. Shah’s leadership reflects a blend of technical know-how and a forward-thinking approach to employee engagement and innovation.
Reflecting on the purpose of the ORBIE Awards, Kevin Boyd, Chair of ChicagoCIO, emphasized the importance of connection and collaboration in driving technological transformation. “Great CIOs understand how connections drive transformation. The ORBIE Awards recognize CIOs who leverage relationships to drive innovation, solve complex challenges, and shape the future of Chicago,” Boyd stated.
The 2025 Chicago ORBIE Awards ceremony took place at the Marriott Marquis Chicago, a venue befitting the celebration of some of the region’s most accomplished technology executives. Established in 1998, the ORBIE Awards have grown to become one of the most respected honors for Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), celebrating those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and made meaningful contributions to the field of technology.
This year’s event continues a tradition of recognizing individuals who have not only led significant digital transformations within their organizations but have also served as catalysts for broader industry change. Dhar and Shah’s inclusion among the honorees highlights the growing diversity and talent within the tech sector, and their stories serve as an inspiration to aspiring leaders across industries.
Dhar’s multifaceted career and ability to manage billion-dollar operations have placed him in a category of executives who drive both innovation and value at scale. His background in developing award-winning digital platforms and serving on influential boards illustrates a unique capacity to blend business strategy with technological advancement. His work at HealthBridge exemplifies this balance, with a focus on creating seamless digital experiences in sectors critical to public well-being.
Meanwhile, Shah’s practical approach to engaging his workforce and promoting AI-driven solutions speaks to a modern leadership style that prioritizes empowerment and agility. His ability to foster innovation from within the organization—by giving employees the tools and knowledge to solve problems independently—has yielded measurable success. The over $1 million saved through process automation is a testament to how smart leadership can result in tangible financial and operational improvements.
Both Dhar and Shah represent a broader trend of Indian-American leaders taking on key roles in shaping the future of global technology. Their recognition at the ORBIE Awards not only affirms their individual accomplishments but also signals the continuing impact of the Indian-American community in driving innovation and leadership in the United States.
As the tech industry evolves, the role of CIOs and CTOs becomes increasingly complex, requiring a blend of strategic vision, technical expertise, and people leadership. The ORBIE Awards aim to spotlight those who excel in all three dimensions, and this year’s honorees embody those qualities fully. Their work is helping to define the next chapter of digital transformation, not just in Chicago but across the broader landscape of American business.
The recognition given to these leaders is more than symbolic—it represents a growing need for excellence and innovation in an age where technology touches every part of our lives. From healthcare to enterprise services, leaders like Abhi Dhar and Milind Shah are setting benchmarks for what effective technology leadership looks like in the 21st century.
In a world increasingly dependent on digital tools and platforms, the stories of Dhar and Shah show how individual vision and team collaboration can converge to create significant impact. The ORBIE Awards, by celebrating such contributions, continue to elevate the importance of thoughtful, strategic technology leadership in shaping a better, more efficient, and connected future.