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• AITP-RTP Meeting | Architecture of Modern AI Systems| April 9, 2026

  • When
    9 Apr 2026
  •  
    5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    NC State University Club, 4200 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27606
  • Registered
    41 registrants

  Register

  Architecture of Modern AI Systems

  Not long ago, the key question was: “Which model should we use?” Today, the model is only part of the story.

  The gap between a great demo and a reliable production system usually comes from system design—how requests flow, components interact, failures are handled, and cost and latency stay controlled.

  This session looks at AI architecture in practice, including model roles, routing and fallback, reusable skills, stable contracts, tool integration, and memory. We’ll also cover common failure patterns and practical principles for building systems that are measurable, testable, and resilient.

  No hype—just an engineering-focused view of designing AI systems that behave like real software.

  Our Speaker: 
  

  Alex Malich Head of Model Manager Team at SAS Alex Malich is an engineering leader with 15+ years of experience building and scaling platform, DevOps, and cloud-native systems across startups and enterprises. In SAS R&D, he works on Model Manager, focusing on modernization, resilient architecture, and practical AI adoption—including agentic systems and MCP-based tooling. Outside of work, Alex volunteers as a firefighter, applying the same calm, systems-thinking approach he uses in production incidents to real emergencies. He founded Triangle Tech Talks and co-hosts the AI on Fire podcast, where AI, engineering, and real-world constraints intersect. He is particularly passionate about modern AI architecture and how LLMs, agents, and platforms can work together in reliable, scalable ways. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coldsv/

  Agenda:

  5:30 – 6:15pm: Check-in & Networking

  6:15 – 7:00pm: Dinner & Networking

  7:00 – 7:10pm: Opening Remarks

  7:10 – 8:00pm: Program

  8:00 – 8:30pm: Close and Additional Networking

  
  

  Photography and Video Policy:
  

  Attendees are permitted to take pictures of individuals or smaller groups as long as permission is given from the subject(s) of the photo. AITP-RTP board members may take pictures or a video recording of presenters and attendees for various purposes.  However, the use of any kind of video recording or video streaming device from attendees is not permitted.  Registration to the meeting implies acceptance of this policy.

  Directions: 

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• AITP-RTP Meeting | IT Leadership Mentoring Event | May 14, 2026

  • When
    14 May 2026
  •  
    5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    NC State University Club, 4200 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27606

  IT LEADERSHIP MENTORING

  Join us for this unique opportunity to meet experienced IT leaders as they share their career and industry experiences. This is a "speed mentoring" event and we'll have several mentor tables and we'll rotate participants from table to table about every 10 minutes. This event is a great way to network, gain career insights, and meet new people. Sign-up early (registration opens a month in advance) as this one tends to sell-out.
  

  We will be in the larger room at the NC State University Club

  Please arrive by 5:45. 
  Event starts at 6:05 -- not 7:00

  Our Mentors

  Mark Dronzek	Mark Dronzek is a CIO, Strategist, Thought Leader, Data Advocate and Talent Amplifier. He is an Interim CIO for multiple sectors and midsize-to-large clients: works with executives on strategy, leadership, digital transformation, operational scalability, roadmap and mentoring. He is also a Board Member and Conference Speaker and Moderator.
  Nick Otto	J. Nick Otto is a strategic technology executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience across both public and private sectors. As CTO at Kimley-Horn, he is instrumental in driving the firm’s growth and innovation, leading product development, and shaping the company’s digital future. His influence also extends beyond the firm through active leadership on industry advisory boards and regional technology initiatives.
  Ken Russell	Dr. Ken Russell is an award-winning technologist, trusted digital transformation leader, and innovation amplifier. He is an author, speaker, and board member known for helping organizations define and pursue their digital transformation journeys with guiding experience, connections, conversations, and collaborations. Senior Roles have included: Chief Information & Innovation Officer, New College Institute Chief Information Officer, Murdock Research Institute Executive roles at Cisco, Bank of America, Duke Energy Private Equity Advisor/Practitioner
  Rich Otteson	Richard Otteson is the Chief Technology Officer for United Bank.  Historically, he supported convergence of the Cyber Security organizations when SunTrust and BB&T became Truist. Prior roles included SVP and VP roles with AIG/United Guaranty, First Citizens and Branch Banking and Trust.
  John Meyer	Jon Meyer is the Chief Technology Officer for CAPTRUST, an independent registered investment advisor firm headquartered in Raleigh, NC. Jon leads the firm’s Information Technology group, which includes teams dedicated to application development, server and workstation infrastructure, network, and information security. He ensures effective and secure technology operations, manages the development and support of proprietary applications, and implements strategies that position the firm for sustained and scalable growth. Jon led CAPTRUST’s transition to a “cloud-forward” architecture leveraging the public cloud to modernize proprietary solutions using serverless constructs. Jon is a hands-on technology leader focused on digital transformation in the financial services industry. He leads the development of innovative solutions in mission critical environments by leveraging leading technologies and developing high performance teams. Jon has a proven ability to build and convey a common vision and gain alignment in complex organizations. Prior to joining CAPTRUST, Jon managed the technology consulting practice for Greenway Solutions and led sizable Application Development departments for both First Citizens Bank and Blue Cross & Blue Shield of North Carolina. Jon began his career with Accenture where he was a senior manager focused on complex systems integration efforts for healthcare clients and SAP implementations for manufacturers.
  Sherri Yerk-Zwickl	Sherri Yerk-Zwickl is the Vice President for Information Technology and inaugural Chief Information Officer at Campbell University.  Ms. Yerk-Zwickl has advanced the goals and aspirations of students for over 35 years at various institutions including serving on the EDUCAUSE Board and other professional IT and community-based organizations. Currently, as a member of the university executive leadership team, she oversees information security, academic and enterprise technology, client support services, infrastructure and operations, and the strategic direction of an institution dedicated to helping prepare students for lives of purpose and meaning. Yerk-Zwickl holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Cedar Crest College, and a Master of Science in Educational Technology from Lehigh University.
  Frank Anastasia	Frank is a seasoned Information Technology and Business Operations professional with more than 25 years of executive experience across for‑profit and not‑for‑profit organizations. He is known for building strong, trust‑based relationships at every level, enabling him to deeply understand organizational strategy, operational dynamics, and the opportunities and risks that shape business performance. Leveraging this insight, he collaborates effectively to oversee the design and implementation of the technology and business services that drive organizational goals.
  Elizabeth Bacon	Elizabeth Bacon, a technology transformation executive, held the position of Chief Information Officer for global companies. She stands at the forefront of driving strategic technology initiatives and digital transformation for global companies. With a business-minded approach, she crafts cohesive strategies blending I.T. with business operations to deliver significant value. Elizabeth’s visionary leadership influences C-Suite Executives, steering companies toward their overarching goals. She champions change, challenges the status quo, and fosters effective communication across cross-functional teams within complex environments to provide technology solutions. Elizabeth holds a BS in Electrical Engineering and an MBA in Global Business both degrees from Georgia Institute of Technology.
  Larry Pickett	coming soon

  Agenda:

  • 5:30-6:05 Arrivals, Check-In and General Networking
    

  • Brook -6:10-6:20 Kick off and explain logistics
    

  • 6:20-6:40 First Mentor  (seated here at 6:05)
    

  • 6:40-7:00 Second Mentor (NCSU puts food in at 7)
    

  • 7-7:20 Third Mentor
    

  • 7:20-7:30 Buffett
    

  • 7:30-8 Dinner and Fourth Mentor
    

  • 8-8:30 Networking

  Photography and Video Policy:
  

  Attendees are permitted to take pictures of individuals or smaller groups as long as permission is given from the subject(s) of the photo. AITP-RTP board members may take pictures or a video recording of presenters and attendees for various purposes.  However, the use of any kind of video recording or video streaming device from attendees is not permitted.  Registration to the meeting implies acceptance of this policy.

  Directions: 

  Show details
• AITP-RTP | AITP RTP and SIM RTP | June 11, 2026

  • When
    11 Jun 2026
  •  
    5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Carolina Exotic Car Club (CECC) 3107 Glen Royal Rd, Raleigh, NC 27617

  Summary:

  Join AITP-RTP and SIM RTP at the Carolina Exotic Car Club in Raleigh, NC. This is our annual summer social with several hours of networking, light hors d'oeuvres, and enjoying the views at this special venue, the Carolina Exotic Car Club (CECC). We expect to have race simulators available, so bring your comfortable shoes and try your virtual racing skills.

  Open to AITP-RTP and SIM RTP members only. Try AITP-RTP's 3-month membership if you'd like to attend!
  

  https://aitp-rtp.org/join-us
  

  We’re not accepting Guests for this event, but members may still delegate their member slot.

  Please note the location and date

  This event is at Carolina Exotic Car club on Thursday, June 11

  REGISTRATION CLOSES ON JUNE 5TH. 
  

  
  

  Agenda:

  5:30 - 6:00 Registration

  6:00– 8:30: Networking (Drinks and apps will be served)

  
  

  Photography and Video Policy:
  

  Attendees are permitted to take pictures of individuals or smaller groups as long as permission is given from the subject(s) of the photo. AITP-RTP board members may take pictures or a video recording of presenters and attendees for various purposes.  However, the use of any kind of video recording or video streaming device from attendees is not permitted.  Registration to the meeting implies acceptance of this policy.

  Directions: 3107 Glen Royal Rd, Raleigh, NC 27617

  Show details