Keith Schaefer of smart grid technology company BPL Global Ltd. was named CEO of the Year on Thursday night as the Pittsburgh Technology Council presented its annual Tech 50 awards.
Schaefer, with nearly a quarter-century of experience leading businesses ranging from startups to global corporations, received the award at an event in the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown.
BPL Global itself was named the region's top "green" technology company in the council's annual honors for 50 leading technology companies in eight categories.
The Sewickley-based company that Schaefer co-founded five years ago sells smart grid software and equipment that helps utilities worldwide to manage electricity demand for maximum efficiency, and detect outages and other problems. Its products also run broadband systems that allow consumers to access the Internet over power lines.
BPL Global is "leading the transformation of energy delivery," said Audrey Russo, the technology council's president, before last night's program.
Other finalists for the CEO award were Jim Cashman of engineering simulation software maker Ansys Inc., of Cecil; Dr. Brandon Chan of diagnostic imaging services company Foundation Radiology Group PC, Downtown; Ilana Diamond of consumer electronics maker Sima Products Corp., Oakmont; and Sean McDonald of cancer treatment innovator Precision Therapeutics Inc., South Side.
Tech 50 honorees must be headquartered in Allegheny or 12 nearby counties. Companies can be public or private, and the awards are based on product advancements, sales and employment growth and other areas.
Before BPL Global, Schaefer was senior partner at Constellation Partners in San Francisco and held positions with Viacom, Paramount Communications Technology Group and other companies.
He co-authored "Net Results," an Internet marketing book used as a reference text at business schools.
List of award winners
Advanced Manufacturing
Winner: Universal Electric Corp.
Finalists: All Water Systems Inc., Classic Industries Inc., Converteam, Data Science Automation Inc., Kurt J. Lesker Co., LaBarge Inc.
Art + Technology
Winner: Bright Innovation LLC
Finalists: Bally Design Inc., DeepLocal, Sim Ops Studios Inc., The Mattress Factory.
Green Technology
Winner: BPL Global
Finalists: Cardinal Resources, Eaton, Epiphany Solar Water Systems, Fossil Free Fuel LLC.
High Rise
Winner: Ansys Inc.
Finalists : McKesson Automation Inc., Vocollect Inc.
Information Technology
Winner: Vivisimo Inc.
Finalists: 4C Technologies, Apangea Learning Inc., BitArmor Systems Inc., Carnegie Speech Co., Confluence, KIT Solutions LLC, Netronome Systems.
Life Sciences
Winner: Net Health Systems Inc.
Finalists: Blue Belt Technologies Inc., ClearCount Medical Solutions, Cohera Medical Inc., invivodata Inc., Starr Life Sciences Corp., Wright Therapy Products Inc., Zoll Lifecor Corp.
Rising Star
Winner: Bossa Nova Robotics
Finalists: ATRP Solutions Inc., Bossa Nova Robotics, Cognition Therapeutics Inc., Foundation Radiology Group PC, ShowClix LLC, Sierra w/o Wires Inc., Synergy Staffing Inc.
Service Provider
Winner: Guru.com
Finalists: Cogent Infotech Corp., Ideal Integrations Inc., L. Robert Kimball & Associates, Newton Consulting LLC, Precise Technology, SDLC Partners LP.
