Our Team
BRIAN WOOD
CEO & Chairman of the Board
As co-owner and operating partner of Observint, Brian oversees finance and operations, and provides strategic vision for the company – based on his successful track record for building technology businesses. Brian brings 30 years of experience in leadership and business expertise, in technology and product delivery. Brian spent 18 years with Dell, Inc., where he held a variety of executive and general management roles, including VP/GM of the Dell’s $11 billion U.S. Public Sector business and VP/GM of Dell’s $5 billion Large Enterprise business. Prior to joining Dell, Brian was a faculty member at the University of Texas at Austin. Brian holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Emory University, and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. Brian serves on the boards of directors for Bulb and Hyde Park Schools.
TROY WEST
Operating Partner
As co-owner and operating partner of Observint, Troy oversees sales, marketing and business development, along with supporting segment growth and operational efficiency initiatives. Troy has 25 years of experience in leadership and business expertise in public sector technology solutions. Troy spent 25 years with Dell, Inc., where he held a variety of executive and general management roles, including VP/GM of Dell’s $3 billion Federal business and VP/GM of Dell’s $2 billion EMEA Public Sector business. Troy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin. Troy serves on the boards of directors for Caritas of Austin and Austin Hills Young Life.
SUZANNE TAPPE
Chief Financial Officer
As chief financial officer, Suzanne is responsible for the oversight of all finance, human resource and legal activities for Observint portfolio companies. Prior to Observint, Suzanne was Director of Finance for Creative Action, a local non-profit whose mission is to spark and support the academic, social, and emotional development of young people through the arts. Previously, she spent 20 years at American Innovations in various accounting roles, with over 7 years as the Director of Administration and Finance, reporting directly to the CEO. She enjoys collaborating with all departments to help organizations work through change and discover streamlined, efficient systems – to make the “work” part of work easier, leaving more time for the fun stuff. Suzanne is a native Texan and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from the University of Houston.
ROGER NORMAN
Chief Operating Officer
As chief operating officer, Roger provides the leadership, management and vision necessary to ensure that Observint portfolio companies have the proper operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures, and people systems in place to effectively grow the organization – and to ensure financial strength and operating efficiency. Prior to Observint, Roger spent 6 years in sales and operations at Dell, Inc., in the Corporate and Public sectors. In addition to Dell, Roger has worked in a variety of operations and financial roles for W.R. Grace, Bell South, and Asarco. Roger holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Management from the University of South Carolina and an MBA from Texas A&M University.
GEORGE FARLEY
Chief Marketing Officer
As chief marketing officer, George provides the leadership, management and vision required to grow, differentiate, and position Observint portfolio companies for long-term sustainability and success. Prior to Observint, George spent 5 years in Dell’s Consumer Segment, most recently as Senior Brand Manager of Dell’s premium XPS desktop and notebook product lines. Previously, George was an entrepreneur, operating a chemical sales and service company in Chicago, and spent 5 years in software development & business development for Bloomberg Financial Markets in New York City. George holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rochester and an MBA from the University of Michigan.