OUR TEAM
Our Team
BOARD MEMBERS
Chuck Capel
Founder & Senior Advisor to the CTO
Chuck Capel is the founder of IBT Apps and Senior Advisor to the CTO. With over 40 years of industry experience, he is responsible for significant movement in the banking technology space. Prior to directing the development of the IBT Core platform, Chuck developed the first widely accepted Windows-based core banking system. As the Senior Advisor, Chuck focuses on designing industry-leading banking solutions and engages with customers to support further product development. He also actively contributes to the IBT Apps’ long-term vision and guides IBT Apps’ strategic initiatives, ensuring we leverage technological advancements in the current market.
Scott Evans
Chief Executive Officer
With nearly two decades of experience in software engineering, product leadership, and business transformation, Scott Evans serves as the Chief Executive Officer of IBT Apps. His leadership focuses on delivering solutions that enhance user experiences, streamline operations, and support customers in serving their communities.
Before joining IBT Apps, Scott held senior roles at Lloyds Banking Group, one of the UK’s largest banks, where he led transformative technology initiatives, including major system integrations and modernization projects. His strategic vision and focus on operational efficiency continue to guide IBT Apps’ commitment to innovation, customer success, and service excellence.
Mark Dittman
Chairman
Mark Dittman specializes in cultivating strategic partnerships that elevate the services offered to community financial institutions. He leads mergers and acquisitions within the financial services portfolio, ensuring each initiative aligns with broader strategic goals and supports continued innovation and growth. Mark collaborates closely with the executive management team to identify and pursue new opportunities that further IBT Apps’ commitment to delivering exceptional service to its customers.
In addition to his leadership role, Mark is deeply involved in organizations that advocate for community financial institutions. He actively contributes to various community service and business boards in the Austin area and engages with key industry associations.
Kristy Emmerich
Director of Compliance & Human Resources
With 20 years of experience in the banking industry, Kristy works alongside our board members to ensure our company is compliant with all regulatory and compliance related items. This includes ensuring our company is current with regulatory guidelines, internal compliance, and that vendor relations are prioritized. As the liaison for all employee relations, Kristy implements the culture, systems and training that develop key qualities needed amongst our staff. Her focus on improving internal processes and building an environment at IBT Apps that encourages employee retention and advancement, contributes to the culture and values within our company.
EXECUTIVE TEAM
John Cortez
Chief Information Security Officer
John Cortez, is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at IBT Apps. With over 25 years of experience, John is responsible for overseeing and implementing IBT’s information security and cybersecurity programs. John works closely with IBT’s Compliance team to ensure security best practices and regulatory adherence within the organization. Before joining IBT, John served in multiple technology leadership roles at several fortune 500 companies and currently holds numerous IT and cybersecurity industry certifications. John attended the University of California Irvine and holds an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University.
JD Kussow
Chief Information Officer
JD Kussow is the Chief Information Officer at IBT Apps. With over 17 years of experience in software development and cloud hosting, JD is responsible for leading all technology and infrastructure, including IT operations, logistical access security, and IBT’s client-facing Managed Network Services offering. As CIO, JD is dedicated to optimizing technology support and enhancing service delivery for IBT and its clients. Before joining IBT, JD served as Solution Architect at Emphasys Software, where he drove innovation in technology and development processes. JD holds degrees in Computer Science and Computer System Science from Michigan Technological University.
Simon Waters
Chief Technology Officer
Simon Waters is the Chief Technology Officer at IBT Apps, bringing a wealth of experience in software development, product innovation, and customer-focused solutions. Simon has been instrumental in the development and launch of IBT Apps’ modern online banking platform, where his technical expertise and leadership played a critical role in delivering exceptional value to customers. Previously, Simon worked at Lloyd’s Banking Group in the UK, specializing in technical innovation and data sciences. His strong work ethic, technical acumen, and ability to connect with customers position him as a key leader in driving our technology vision forward and ensuring continued excellence in our product offerings.
Phil Layher
Director of Business Development
Phil Layher has over 25 years of management experience working in the financial industry for large retail credit card sectors, FinTech start-ups, and early stage growth companies. As an accomplished leader in numerous executive, business development, and account management roles, Phil led client-focused teams to develop and build relationships for major brands like The Home Depot, Sears, and Sony. Most notably, Phil launched a specialty finance company from the ground up and grew it to over $75 million in receivables. At IBT Apps, Phil joins the sales and account management team in their mission to continue offering excellent customer service and support. In his role, Phil is responsible for managing new and existing client relationships and exploring opportunities for business growth. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business from Montana State University and currently resides in the Austin area.
Tara Alvarez
Director of Finance
Tara Alvarez is the Director of Finance at IBT Apps and ensures the accuracy of all financial reporting, along with assisting the CEO with strategic fiscal planning. With 20 years of financial industry experience, her career spans both front and back-office roles, including three years as IBT Apps Support Manager. She attended the University of Texas at Austin School of Civil Engineering, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Phoenix, and achieved her Master’s in Business Management from Texas A&M Corpus Christi, graduating with honors.
Tara is as passionate about the successful future of grassroot financial institutions as she is about numbers.
Greg Hunter
PowerLender CEO
Greg Hunter has over 15 years of experience in financial management, business analysis, and fiscal services automation. Currently serving as the PowerLender CEO and having previously served as the Director of Finance for IBT Apps, Greg has been instrumental in driving financial strategy and performance since March 2023. His role involves remote leadership and oversight of financial operations, ensuring the company’s fiscal health and compliance.
Before joining IBT Apps, Greg held various finance leadership positions in the software space, working at Emphasys Software, Altair Software, and FAME Inc. During his extensive tenure, he was an intricate resource in enhancing development efforts and automations within fiscal processing. Additionally, he served as a liaison between the Department of Education and FAME for Title IV reporting and issue resolutions, significantly contributing to the success of these organizations.
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