PS27 | Our Purpose | Company Profile

Jim Stallings

GP

Jim Stallings is the GP of PS27 Ventures, a firm that invests in companies that utilize AI to solve problems in business. Jim has been directly involved in starting dozens of new ventures in B2B software, FinTech, HealthTech, E-commerce, and ClimateTech solutions. He believes innovation should be the core offensive strategy of any company, “either disrupt or be disrupted.”

Prior to joining PS27 Ventures, Jim served as IBM's General Manager of several major lines of business, including the company's $25 billion global hardware sales division, its $7 billion Linux software business, and its intellectual property division, which held 39,000 patents. He started his business career as a data analyst in the Space Division at General Electric.

Jim earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the US Naval Academy and served as a Captain in the US Marine Corps. He is on the Board of Directors at Fidelity National Information Systems (FIS) and Cannae Holdings (CNNE). Jim lives in Florida with his family and his dog Bentley.

Shannon LoGiudice

Operations & Programs

As Operations Manager at PS27 Ventures, Shannon Mayo is a key driver of organizational efficiency and strategic growth. She oversees critical aspects of daily operations, from talent acquisition and training to robust program management. Shannon is particularly adept at developing and implementing strategic process improvements, ensuring streamlined workflows and timely execution of initiatives. Her dedication to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment is evident in her meticulous adherence to company standards and regulatory compliance. Furthermore, Shannon is integral to orchestrating high-level meetings with PS27's Limited Partners, portfolio founders, and service partners, facilitating crucial collaborations for the firm, which focuses its investments on AI-driven solutions in B2B software and FinTech.

Shannon extends her impact through her role as Program Manager for the PS27 Foundation, where she helps shape and execute impactful community initiatives like the acclaimed PS27 Leadership Week and Female Founders Forum. Shannon holds a Bachelor's degree in business with a major in finance from the University of North Florida, complementing her academic foundation with international experience gained from study abroad programs in Santiago, Chile, and Mendoza, Argentina. Her extensive experience includes guiding hundreds of business start-ups and effectively managing key components of PS27 Ventures' expansion. She brings a strong skill set in Operations Management, Event Management, and Customer Service, and is also a Certified Notary Public.

Tony Cusato

Technology & Security

Tony Cusato (Technical Delivery Manager, IBM Thought Leader - Level 3,The OpenGroup Distinguished Certified IT Specialist) of IBM, has nearly 37 years of experience as a Technologist working with IBM's Fortun 500 enterprise clients in the Information Technology field, specializing in Cloud and IT Datacenters, and Cybersecurity. Tony has worked with the PS27 companies by bringing this experience to accelerate decisions in IT Strategy and Security, as these companies grow in size and IT needs.

Tony is passionate about the development of people. He is a social eminence, personal and career coach for IBMers and IBM Executives, and loves to also bring that experience to the PS27 entrepreneurs and their companies. Tony is a frequent speaker and presenter at IBM Flagship events, as well as nonprofit STEM organizations such as the "FIRST Tech Challenge" and other global IT events.

Tony has held a variety of other roles at IBM such as a World Wide Technical Team Lead for Managing Consultants, World Wide Technical Sales, an IBM Instructor, Strategist, IBM Special Events Webmaster, Global Organization Change Manager, and Stakeholder Manager Lead. Global IT projects Tony has led technology teams for; three World Wide Olympic Infrastructures and websites, PGA & ATP sporting event websites, and IBM's Supercomputer Deep Blue, showcasing IBM Artificial Intelligence event that beat the reigning world chess champion Garry Kasparov. You can connect with Tony on LinkedIn, follow him on Twitter and view his digital credentials on Acclaim.

Ron Burgess

Finance

Ron Burgess joined the PS27 team in early 2017 shortly after his retirement from his role as Chief Financial Officer for Wounded Warrior Project, a Jacksonville headquartered not-for-profit dedicated to serving wounded and injured military veterans. With over 40 years of fiscal and organizational experience, Ron is a U.S. Air Force veteran. He has earned his B.S. in Accounting from Bentley College and MBS from Stetson University.

Ron is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and has worked for public accounting and Fortune 500 technology firms. His most recent corporate position was with Key Technologies, a $100 million, publicly traded manufacturer of automated sorting systems. Shortly after coming to Jacksonville, he joined a small technology company in need of a CFO. During his 2-year tenure there he experienced firsthand the challenges entrepreneurs face and the critical importance of leadership, discipline and support. Seven years ago, Ron assumed the role of CFO for the Wounded Warrior Project. As a Vietnam veteran, it seemed like the perfect way to wrap up a career and give back. He is now working with PS27 to support entrepreneurs and job development.

Steve Sahd

Strategy

Steve Sahd is a highly skilled and experienced business professional who is able to advise PS27 company founders on a wide variety of issues and challenges. With over forty-five years in sales, finance, international business development, operations, and IT leasing he has faced pretty much every type of problem a business can encounter.

As an IBM sales rep, international product team leader, front-line sales manager, business unit executive, business unit CFO, and geographical sales executive, Steve has lived these experiences from a variety of perspectives. His specialties include leadership development, transactional sales, financial analysis, and any form of problem-solving. He possesses excellent communication skills along with exceptional relationship skills that transcend cultural backgrounds. In addition to a three-decade IBM career, Steve was responsible for the Asia Pacific region at ITXchange and started his career in public accounting. Steve earned his Bachelor of Science from Franklin & Marshall College and his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh in addition to being a non-practicing CPA. Steve also serves as a director for the Community Conservation Committee in Lancaster, Pa., and maintains an extensive business and personal network in Latin America.

Christine Caven

Director of Busniess Development and Communications

Christine Caven tackles challenges with creativity and innovation. Whether she is telling her company’s story to key audiences or volunteering in the startup community, she leads with action.

As Director of Business Development and Communications, Caven engages with investors, venture capital firms, incubators, entrepreneurial support organizations, and universities to tell the story of PS27 Ventures and the PS27 Foundation, creating lasting partnerships.

PS27 invests in companies that utilize AI to solve problems in business and focuses on opportunities in B2B software and FinTech sectors.

Additionally, Caven focuses on social media management, videography, and data-driven content marketing for PS27 Ventures and its portfolio companies. Her successes include helping them pitch on Shark Tank, present on Good Morning America, showcase products on The View, and secure features in publications like Forbes, TechCrunch, and Entrepreneur magazine.

Giving back to the community, Christine serves on the board of directors for Women in Technology & Entrepreneurship. She is passionate about women's inclusion in leadership roles and the finance industry and was featured on NPR for helping women find and maintain careers in tech. Christine is a recipient of the 2025 Dealmaker of the Year Award, presented by Merrill Lynch and Bank of America, which honors exceptional individuals who are shaping the business and innovation landscape. She also serves on the Impact Board for Synapse Florida, which has become synonymous with Florida's staggering growth and innovation across industries, technologies, and communities.

Previously, Christine served as vice president of the board of directors for startGNV, an organization dedicated to growing the innovation ecosystem of Greater Gainesville, and was awarded startGNV Board Member of the Year. In 2024, she was awarded the FIERCE Award, celebrating Gainesville's women of influence and community leaders. She's served on the Jacksonville Chamber Professional Women's Council board, helping the group maintain its standing as the Chamber's Largest Council. Christine also helped raise over $100,000 for St. Vincent's Hospital as a board member of the St. Vincent's Shircliff Society. During her term, the organization was awarded the Next Generation Award by the Association for Fundraising Professionals. Christine holds a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations with a minor in Community Leadership from the University of North Florida.

Hale Bullen

Investment Manager

Hale Bullen is the Investment Manager at PS27 Ventures, blending expertise in venture capital, marketing strategy, and nuclear engineering. Holding a Master of Engineering Management (MEM) from Duke University with a focus on AI, machine learning, and data analytics, he combines technical depth with strategic insight. As a United States Naval Academy graduate with a B.S. in Quantitative Economics, Hale brings a disciplined and analytical approach to his work.

At PS27, he played a central role in launching Titan Fund, where he drives portfolio management, diligence, and founder relations to accelerate growth in B2B software, FinTech and other high-impact sectors. His responsibilities include supporting strategic growth, conducting thorough financial evaluations, and advising founders on scaling.

Hale’s professional journey included time in the Navy, where he led operations in complex nuclear reactor systems. He is also the founder and CEO of The Jacket Club, a custom blazer company for Naval Academy alumni and midshipmen.

Outside of work, Hale is an avid surfer, pickleball enthusiast, and commissioner of his family’s fantasy football league, enjoying time with his wife and young daughter.

Kim Crowell

Accountant

Kim maintains the accounting records for the PS27 funds and assists its portfolio companies with their bookkeeping and reporting needs.

Kim came to PS27 Ventures in 2021 with 13 years of experience in accounting and financial operations, reporting, and analytics for various start-up companies and small businesses. Most recently, she assisted the start-up company, Prima Eye Group, from inception through ongoing operations growth. Kim then led the financial due diligence for the eventual sale of the company and assisted in the integration of Prima into the acquiring company.

Kim also worked for KPMG for 4 years in audit and consulting and is a CPA (inactive). She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Missouri Columbia.

Chris Byers

Director of Finance and Investments

As an accomplished finance and operations professional with almost 30 years of diverse experience, Chris Byers has honed his expertise across venture capital, corporate finance, consumer products, and retail industries. His career has been marked by a proven record of strategic financial leadership, investment analysis, and operational optimization. He is passionate about driving business growth and operational efficiency through strategic planning, financial modeling, and process improvement.

As the Director of Finance and Investments at PS27 Ventures, Chris leads finance operations with a strategic focus on identifying and nurturing innovative startups. PS27 invests in companies that utilize AI to solve problems in business and focuses on opportunities in B2B software and FinTech sectors. His role on the investment committee involves comprehensive financial reviews and due diligence, ensuring our portfolio aligns with our investment thesis.

Previously, Chris held senior financial and operational roles at Jarden Consumer Solutions. He provided leadership in financial planning, logistics, sales forecasting, and inventory management across multiple locations. He spearheaded key initiatives to streamline operations, led the integration of new warehouse facilities, and implemented process improvement initiatives. His work also focused on enhancing financial forecasting and supporting multi-site operations.

At Office Depot, Chris served as Director of Merchandising Finance and Director of Marketing Finance, where he led financial evaluations of marketing initiatives, sales and margin planning, and optimized inventory management strategies. Chris supported strategic decision-making for both merchandising and marketing departments.

Additionally, Chris Byers is a licensed Real Estate Broker Associate in Florida and Massachusetts.

Chris holds an MBA in Management and Entrepreneurship and a BBA in Finance and International Business from Florida Atlantic University. His core competencies include strategic planning, financial modeling, and inventory management. He is adept at leading cross-functional teams, driving process improvements, and delivering exceptional financial forecasting.

Venkat Koka

Investment Committee

Venkat Koka is a passionate entrepreneur/executive/investor with a focus on adding positive impact/value to the community at large. He grew up in India and immigrated to the United States in 1993, in pursuit of higher education. He has earned a PhD (Molecular Biology) and an MS (Biostatistics) degrees from NC State, along with an MBA from UC San Diego. He has 15+ years working in Life Sciences/Pharmaceutical industry, 13 of which were with Janssen Pharmaceuticals (a JNJ company).

He moved to Jacksonville FL, 9 years ago, and has been working as an independent medical practice consultant. He is also an executive at Rainbow Pediatric Center that started in 2004 and has grown to mid-size practice with 4 locations.

He is pursuing his interest in creating value as an angel investor and has recently joined PS27.

About PS27

Our Team

Jim Stallings

GP

Shannon Mayo