Learn from the Testing Experts
Panel Discussion Speakers

Matt Deakin
Senior SDET, Platform Science
From FinTech to Freight && from startup to going public, Matt has been able to help companies launch a wide array of products, implement next generation testing practices, and even build and deploy an NFL stadium. He currently uses AI at Platform Science to test their streaming data infrastructure.
Kyle Gohres
SDET Team Lead, Verisk
Kyle Gohres is a Quality Engineering leader specializing in modern test automation and AI-driven quality transformation. As an SDET Team Lead at Verisk, he focuses on evolving traditional QA into scalable, engineering-led practices that support rapid, reliable software delivery.
Kyle’s work centers on integrating intelligent automation, data-driven testing strategies, and CI/CD pipelines to improve product quality while accelerating development velocity. He is particularly interested in how AI is reshaping quality engineering—from predictive testing and autonomous frameworks to the ethical considerations of testing AI systems.
With a passion for building high-performing teams, Kyle advocates for human-centered quality practices that emphasize trust, transparency, and long-term sustainability in an increasingly AI-first world.


Dan Petersen
Alianza, Inc.
Sr Software Leadership with a high level of quality and customer focus. High emotional intelligence with a recipe for driving employee motivation. Excellent organizational and project management skills with years of different Software Development Life Cycle methodology IQ. Business minded with MBA
Ratan Sharmacharya
Head of QA, Kipu Health
Experienced IT professional with multi -decade senior management experience in product digitalization strategy, Cybersecurity, GRC and IT Operations built on ITIL, CMMI and lean six sigma best practices. Extensive experience in building geographically distributed cybersecurity, software development and testing teams steeped in DevSecOps best practices. Significant experience in senior IT management and advisory positions, quality assurance, cybersecurity, enterprise architecture, program management. I have successfully orchestrated strategies that have not only elevated organizational efficiency but have also fostered a culture of continuous improvement across five countries. I have an extensive experience in healthcare, banking, insurance, manufacturing and government. Also, played a key role in transitioning several organizations from waterfall to Agile and DevOps.





