About the Panelists

Pete Massiello
President, iTech Solutions

Pete Massiello has been working with the AS/400, iSeries, and IBM i since 1989, focusing on systems management and technical support. He is the President of iTech Solutions, delivering solutions and services to IBM i shops throughout the world. He is a member of IBM’s certification test-writing team, an IBM Certified Systems.

He is a COMMON Hall of Fame speaker and a frequent speaker at user groups all over the world. In 2011, IBM established the Champions award for Power Systems, and Pete was one of the first recipients. In 2018, Pete was recognized as the first Lifetime IBM Power Systems Champion. 

Richie Palma
Tech Solutions Consultant

Richie has spent most of his professional time working with clients running IBM i on IBM Power Systems. With a background and passion for lean manufacturing, his mind is wired to seek the most efficient means toward producing the desired result. When he was introduced to the IBM i architecture in 2012, he found a technology that lives by lean principles.  

Richie has been recognized as an IBM Champion for Power (2017-2018), IBM Fresh Face of IBM i (October 2017), Member of the Common S.E.T. (Strategic Education Team), founder of the “Midrange Meetup” in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on the steering committee for YIP’s (Young i Professionals), and on the board for SEMIUG (South East Michigan IBM i User Group).

Laurie LeBlanc
Account Executive

Laurie has over 20 years of experience in the IBM i market, first as a Systems Administrator who learned RPG III and later in sales roles for software companies that focus on IBM i. With a unique blend of technical and business skills, Laurie can build trust with technology teams and communicate the business advantages to the C-Level. She focuses on building lasting relationships with her accounts, learning about their business challenges and helping to find ways to solve the issues.

Laurie earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Franklin Pierce University. She enjoys spending free time with her husband and grown children. She is the New Hampshire Ambassador for The Spastic Paraplegia Foundation.