INNOVATIVE INTERFACES - Key Persons


Eyal Alkalay

Job Titles:
  • VP, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
With over 15 years of service to libraries around the world and a notable career in technology, Eyal leads Innovative's IT teams, including our help desk, information systems, security and privacy, network, and cloud architecture. An engineer by trade and leader by nature, Eyal has led many initiatives for ProQuest over the last 15 years. He brings Innovative a wealth of experience directing global technical and security teams and contributing to a variety of IT functions, including product design and technical support. Eyal's passion for integration and collaboration has ensured the needs of libraries remain the focus of our entire organization. His 25 years of experience in technology and software include computer programming, cloud architecture and design, security and privacy, and DBA. He holds a Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) certification from EC-Council and multiple business and engineering degrees and certifications from respected universities in Israel and the U.K

Hilary Newman

Job Titles:
  • SVP, LIBRARY SERVICES
A librarian by education, Hilary's affinity for libraries runs deep. During her 20-year tenure with Innovative, Hilary has served a wide-range of roles, including Trainer, Help Desk Manager, Product Manager, Manager of the Circulation Team in Product Development, Director of Implementation Services, and Vice President of Development. She's personally experienced the full lifecycle of the Innovative client experience, giving her extensive knowledge and invaluable perspective. Today, she serves as our Client Support and Success Leader with a focus on Library Success. She holds an MLS from the University of North Texas and won a distinguished alumna award from her alma mater in 2015.

Lisa Lee Spicko

Job Titles:
  • Strategic Marketing Leader
  • VP, MARKETING
Lisa's 25 years of experience helps translate customer insights and trends into marketing programs that enable libraries to achieve extraordinary results. Lisa is a strategic marketing leader with expertise in libraries spanning from primary to tertiary markets. Her work in the library information and education sectors includes consulting, marketing, product management, and training. Known for her collaborative nature and strong partnership development, Lisa is adept at effecting positive change to improve the customer journey. She is a true advocate for libraries and learners and values the meaningful experiences and achievements our shared development process creates. Previously both an APAC regional and worldwide field marketer for ProQuest, Lisa contributes an insightful global perspective to Innovative's marketing practices. She holds a B.A. from Purdue University and an MILS from the University of Michigan.

Raena Morrison

Job Titles:
  • VP SALES, NORTH AMERICA
A tireless advocate for the future of libraries, Raena brings efficiency, insight, and inspiration to Innovative's sales force, ensuring the solutions we implement empower libraries to deliver the best possible service to their patrons. Her career in sales spans almost two decades and includes experience building and training teams in sales, sales operations, and business development. Prior to joining Innovative in 2016, Raena worked in highly regulated industries and appreciates the advantages of establishing and achieving high standards. She holds a B.A. from UC San Diego and an MBA from California Lutheran University

Robert Jacobs

Job Titles:
  • VP, INTERNATIONAL SALES
A knowledgeble sales leader with 22 years in the industry, Robert has built a depth of experience and vision serving libraries from every corner of the world. Robert's career began in academic publishing, selling library solutions for Reed Educational and Professional Publishing and Gale (now Cenage). Prior to joining Innovative, he served as the Director of Publisher Relations and the Commercial Director UK at Swets Information Services. British born, but based in Spain, Robert has extensive insight into the shape of the library market on a global level, as well as the growing trends and drivers of key regions. He holds a B.A. in Political Science with honors from the University of Portsmouth.

Shawna Deane - Chief Legal Officer

Job Titles:
  • SENIOR COUNSEL
  • Innovative 's Senior Counsel
Shawna graduated with honors from UC Santa Barbara with a double major in Biology and Environmental Science. She launched her career heading web production for Cabrillo East Media, went on to purchase the business in 2002, and emerged as a significant community leader, serving as the youngest President in the 75 year history of the Junior League of Santa Barbara. Shawna studied Law at the University of Washington, interning for the school's Entrepreneurial Law Clinic, Amazon, and Intellectual Ventures. Her 23+ years of professional experience includes managing Expedia's $225M external contracting business before joining Innovative Interfaces in 2017.

Sherry Stafford - CHRO

Job Titles:
  • DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES
In her four years with Innovative, Sherry has remained diligently focused on strengthening employee engagement, building a strong strategic talent acquisition program and driving comprehensive programs and initiatives that lead to improved job satisfaction and growth. Highly proficient in compensation administration and employee relations, she draws on 25 years' experience working in technology, healthcare and professional services. Sherry holds both a B.S. in Management & Marketing from Union University and an MBA from the University of Arkansas.

Tom Jacobson

Job Titles:
  • VP, EXECUTIVE LIBRARY ADVOCATE & STRATEGIST
As a degreed librarian, Tom holds personal appreciation for the challenges and goals of librarians and libraries. After more than 40 years working with libraries, Tom is well-suited to advise all operations of our organization on the unique needs and opportunities for libraries and their patrons. His experience includes 25 years with Innovative, 2 years as a consultant for OCLC, and running his own consultancy, where he and his partners helped libraries operate and grow with a patron focus. He's proficient in the best practices of ILS/LSP procurement, library workflows and operations, resource sharing and discovery technologies, and library market sizing and analysis. Tom holds a B.A. in International Relations from American University and an M.L.I.S. from the University of Maryland.

Toni Minick

Job Titles:
  • VP, PRODUCT MANAGEMENT
Toni and the global teams she leads are known to take initiative, drive innovation, and seek efficiency, to the benefit of our solutions and the people that use them. Toni joined Innovative in 2019, bringing with her 20 years of success developing strategies, roadmaps, and exceptional user experiences for the product lines of companies such as LexisNexis, Covalex, and Intapp. She's honed skills across the product development cycle including research, wireframes, prototypes, testing, and analysis. Her curiosity and energy have served her well as she enthusiastically embraces her role at Innovative, producing and modernizing technology that helps our customers achieve their visions and goals. She holds a B.S. in Education from George Fox University.

Yariv Kursh

Job Titles:
  • GENERAL MANAGER
  • Innovative in 2020 As Our General Manager
Yariv's impressive legacy as an organizational leader serves Innovative well, as we continue to lead the curve of innovation in library solutions. Yariv joined Innovative in 2020 as our General Manager, after 20 years of experience working with NICE, a leader in enterprise software solutions for businesses and nonprofit organizations of all industries. Over the course of his time with NICE, Yariv held multiple leadership roles, was instrumental in expanding the company's global presence, and worked closely with NICE's customers, which include over 85 of the Fortune 100 global businesses. With Yariv's deep technical knowledge, global experience, and a collaborative, strategic spirit, his work has helped thousands of businesses around the world make smarter decisions and deliver better customer experiences. Yariv holds a technical degree, a business degree, and an MBA from the University of Hull in England.