Meet The Team
Ganna Makarkina
DSc
CEO and Founder
Dr. Makarkina, founder of TechHope Transitions Inc., is a passionate leader with a deep understanding of the Ukrainian IT landscape. Her career began as a software developer, and later transitioned to academia, culminating a 30-year educational career to lead the Department of Intellectual Decision-Making Systems at the Donbass State Engineering Academy, shaping the next generation of Ukrainian IT-professionals. Ganna's own experience in IT ignited a fire to help empower Ukrainian women in building successful careers in IT.
Shane Molinari
CISSP, CIPM, PMP, SSMBB
Chair of Operations
As an impassioned advocate for TechHope Transitions (THT), Shane brings over 15 years of leadership in global cybersecurity, data privacy, governance, risk, and compliance. His expertise lies in strategic operations, embracing agile methodologies to enhance operational efficiency, and spearheading innovative solutions in complex environments. He is dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and supporting THT’s mission to empower Ukrainian women in IT.
Maryna Nehrey
Prof., PhD
Chair of International Relations
Prof. Nehrey is a highly respected researcher with over 20 years of experience in economics and finance, holds a Ph.D. in Economics with a focus on Mathematical Methods, Models and IT in Economics. She relocated to Zurich as a Guest Professor at ETH Zurich and then became a Collegium Helveticum Fellow at ETH Zurich, leading a high-impact research project on agricultural sustainability through digital technologies. Marina also serves as an Associate Professor in Ukraine, demonstrating her commitment to the next generation of scholars.
Oleg Koval
MSc
Chair of Information Technology
With over 20 years of experience in systems and software engineering, Oleg Koval is a hands-on technical leader and expert in information systems, full-stack development, and system architecture. He currently leads the video platform team at Meazure Learning and has previously served as co-founder and CTO of SkySoft.tech, scaling the company to 80 employees in under two years. His professional background includes leadership roles at both international enterprises and high-growth startups, where he managed the end-to-end development process—from architectural design to the successful delivery of fully implemented solutions. At THT, he oversees IT mentorship and ensures students gain the practical, high-demand skills needed for today's tech landscape.
Ezio Sabatino
CPP, CEIP, COIP
Chair of Marketing
With over 30 years of experience, Ezio is a dynamic marketing leader excelling in integrated marketing and communications. He closely collaborates with the Cialdini Institute, leveraging his expertise to coach individuals and businesses in ethical influence and persuasion. Certified by the institute, he specializes in marketing and sales consulting within the Individual Insurance space. Ezio is passionate about driving revenue and expanding market share through strategic marketing initiatives.
Jim Packer
JD, CISSP, CIPP
Chair of Legal & Compliance
Jim Packer brings over 18 years of experience in data privacy, compliance, and information security. He has a proven track record of leading and advising multinational organizations across tech, finance, and healthcare on navigating complex legal and regulatory landscapes. Jim's expertise lies in mitigating risk and ensuring compliance through practical solutions and program development. His strong leadership skills and experience managing large teams make him a valuable asset to the THT program.
Larysa Zomchak
Prof., PhD
Chair of Education
Dr. Zomchak is an successful academic and thought leader with deep expertise in economic cybernetics, modeling, and digital transformation. As an Associate Professor at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, she has authored over 100 academic publications and led numerous international educational projects, including grant-funded programs with European institutions. Her research spans machine learning, financial modeling, sustainable development, and digital agriculture. Recognized with a regional award for academic excellence in 2023, she is also a mentor to award-winning student teams. At THT, she leads the educational strategy, ensuring academic excellence and global relevance in every program.