First Cohort of Certified Private Equity IT Leaders Successfully Complete PE-ITL Certification Program

IT Ally, in partnership with the IT Ally Institute, today announced that 10 IT professionals have successfully completed and passed the inaugural PE-ITL Certification Program, an industry-leading credential designed specifically for IT leaders serving lower middle market private equity firms, family offices, and independent sponsors that focus on “Buy and Build” strategies. The program focuses on risk identification, future scalability and alignment with the financial value creation thesis and validates their expertise in leveraging the IT Ally Quality of Technology™ framework.

The first cohort represents IT leaders from diverse industries including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and business services, all serving lower middle market companies backed by private equity investors. These professionals work directly with IT Ally PE firm clients and their portfolio companies, family offices, and independent sponsors, to increase enterprise value throughout the investment lifecycle demonstrating the program’s critical relevance across the lower middle market investment landscape.
Participants completed a comprehensive curriculum featuring real-world case studies, hands-on value creation scenarios, and rigorous assessments designed to test practical knowledge of IT’s role in increasing enterprise value.

“This first cohort represents the caliber of IT professionals who are redefining the role of technology leadership in lower middle market companies,” said Michael Fillios, Founder and CEO of IT Ally. “These certified leaders have demonstrated mastery in critical competencies based on the IT Ally Quality of Technology (QoT™) framework spanning technology due diligence, IT value creation plan development within PE investment timelines, cybersecurity risk management, and technology-driven business transformation. They understand how to leverage technology as a strategic tool to increase enterprise value and drive successful exits. They are well-positioned to drive significant impact within their portfolio companies.”

These leaders are now eligible to use the “QoT™ Certified Practitioner” designation and join the growing community of recognized Private Equity IT experts. The Private Equity IT Leader Certification Program will launch its second cohort in 2026 for its next wave of IT Ally advisors and will explore open enrollment options in the future.

Congratulations to the inaugural QoT™ Certified Practitioners!

Alan Ariel
Elliott Friedman
John Anderson
Lincoln Heacock
Marc Johnson
Mark Lavasseur
Mary Burr
Robert Broomandan
Tom Painter
Tony Bezilla

About IT Ally

Founded in 2017, IT Ally is a market leader in Quality of Technology (“QoT™) advisory and consulting services as a trusted ally to lower middle market private equity firms, family offices and independent sponsors and their portfolio companies. IT Ally establishes wide-ranging partnerships that focus on deal advisory, value creation and value preservation throughout the transaction lifecycle, leveraging its QoT™ framework, deep business, industry, and technology expertise. For more information or to learn more, contact Michael Fillios at michael.fillios@itallyllc.com or visit itallyllc.com.