CEI Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

CEI has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, financial management, sales, and corporate leadership.

Focused on delivering high-impact IT solutions, CEI empowers organizations to modernize business processes through expert consulting, custom application development, and strategic staffing services across diverse global markets.

Leadership Roles at CEI

  • Chief Executive Officer - Helene Lerner
  • Chief Financial Officer - Dale Gilardi
  • Chief Operating Officer - Erika Tong
  • President - Chris Champeny
  • Chief Sales Officer - Prathap Rao
  • Helene Lerner - Chief Executive Officer

    Helene Lerner, the Chief Executive Officer at CEI, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. By aligning IT consulting services with evolving client needs, Lerner ensures the company maintains a competitive edge in the technology sector. The Chief Executive Officer oversees the integration of custom application development and staffing solutions to drive enterprise-wide efficiency. Through constant engagement with the Board, Lerner shapes the trajectory of service delivery models. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of innovation that supports digital transformation for diverse clients. Helene Lerner directly influences the expansion of market reach by identifying emerging opportunities in the IT landscape. Ultimately, Lerner secures the stability and growth of the firm by prioritizing client success and operational excellence across all North American and international service engagements.

    Dale Gilardi - Chief Financial Officer

    Dale Gilardi, the Chief Financial Officer at CEI, governs the financial health and fiscal strategy of the organization. Managing capital allocation and budgetary planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources support the company's core mission of IT transformation. Gilardi oversees financial reporting and risk management to provide a stable foundation for business expansion. This leadership role involves collaborating with executive peers to evaluate the profitability of new service offerings and staffing models. By implementing robust financial controls, Dale Gilardi directly impacts the long-term sustainability of the firm. The Chief Financial Officer analyzes market trends to guide investment decisions in technology and talent acquisition. Through precise fiscal oversight, Gilardi maintains the financial integrity required to support large-scale client projects. This commitment to fiscal discipline enables the company to pursue strategic growth initiatives while managing operational costs effectively.
    Dale Gilardi

    Erika Tong - Chief Operating Officer

    Erika Tong, the Chief Operating Officer at CEI, manages the internal infrastructure and daily execution of IT service delivery. Overseeing the alignment of consulting teams with project requirements, the Chief Operating Officer optimizes resource allocation to maximize productivity. Tong architects scalable workflows that support custom application development and application management initiatives. This leadership role requires constant coordination with department heads to ensure seamless project transitions and high-quality output. By refining operational processes, Erika Tong directly impacts the speed and reliability of client solutions. The Chief Operating Officer monitors performance metrics to maintain high standards across all service lines. Through rigorous oversight of internal systems, Tong drives the operational efficiency necessary for sustained growth. This focus on internal scaling ensures that the company meets complex technical demands while maintaining consistent service delivery standards.

    Chris Champeny - President

    Chris Champeny, the President at CEI, executes the tactical implementation of corporate goals and oversees the integration of diverse business units. By bridging the gap between high-level strategy and daily execution, the President ensures that all departments remain focused on delivering superior IT consulting and staffing services. Champeny manages cross-functional initiatives that enhance the company's service portfolio and market presence. This leadership role involves mentoring senior management and fostering a collaborative environment that drives innovation. Through the oversight of key business functions, Chris Champeny directly impacts the quality and consistency of client engagements. The President monitors industry shifts to adapt service delivery models to changing technological landscapes. By maintaining a focus on operational agility, Champeny supports the firm's ability to scale effectively. This leadership ensures that the company remains a trusted partner for organizations seeking comprehensive digital transformation.

    Prathap Rao - Chief Sales Officer

    Prathap Rao, the Chief Sales Officer at CEI, drives revenue growth and market penetration for the company's IT solutions. Overseeing the development of client relationships, the Chief Sales Officer identifies opportunities for consulting and custom application development services. Rao architects sales strategies that align with the specific needs of enterprise clients across various industries. This leadership role involves managing the sales pipeline and ensuring that service offerings meet current market demands. By fostering strong partnerships, Prathap Rao directly impacts the company's ability to secure long-term contracts. The Chief Sales Officer coordinates with the delivery teams to ensure that sales promises translate into successful project outcomes. Through proactive market engagement, Rao expands the footprint of the firm in competitive technology sectors. This focus on revenue generation and client acquisition supports the overall growth objectives of the organization.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CEI Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CEI?
    CEI is led by Helene Lerner (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Dale Gilardi (Chief Financial Officer) and Erika Tong (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of CEI’s executive team?
    The executive team of CEI includes leaders such as Helene Lerner (Chief Executive Officer), Dale Gilardi (Chief Financial Officer), Erika Tong (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does CEI have?
    CEI has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in CEI’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of CEI includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Chief Sales Officer.