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2026 C-SUITE AWARDS B14 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | OCTOBER 19, 2026 contact: contact: Keisha S. Palmer Keisha S. Palmer | kpalmer@rc.com | 860.275.8392 | kpalmer@rc.com | 860.275.8392 www.rc.com www.rc.com © 2026 Robinson & Cole LLP | Attorney Advertising © 2026 Robinson & Cole LLP | Attorney Advertising The law firm of Robinson+Cole proudly congratulates Jason M. Grant on being named a C-Suite honoree by the Hartford Business Journal. We celebrate his achievements, as well as the achievements of all of this year's honorees. WINNER CATEGORY | CHIEF TECHNOLOGY/INFORMATION/SECURIT Y OFFICER Gopichand Mannava Chief Data Architect State of Connecticut Employees: 58,000 Education: Master's degree, engi- neering, University of Hartford G opichand Mannava is chief data architect for the state of Connecticut and an independent researcher in responsible artificial intel- ligence and public-sector data systems. He leads work on how data is organized, connected, managed and analyzed across more than 56 agencies, public higher education and the judicial branch. His research examines oversight of AI systems that perform tasks autono- mously, data origins and identity. He is a Forbes Technology Council member and contributes to CDO Magazine. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments over the past year? Over the past year, I advanced enterprise data architecture, statewide enterprise resource planning analytics, governance, integration and modernization supporting Connecticut's public-sector operations. I expanded my independent research and thought leadership on responsible AI by publishing "The Public-Sector CDO's Playbook for Agentic AI: Governance Lessons from Modernizing State Enter- prise Systems" in CDO Magazine. Oracle recognized me as a 2026 Analytics and AI Leader Worldwide, and I received the AI150 Award at MachineCon USA 2026. I also served as a Claro Awards judge and Women in Machine Learning peer reviewer, contrib- uting to professional communities advancing AI governance, data manage- ment, enterprise architecture, cyberse- curity and public-sector technology. In what ways are you involved in the community? I contribute through AI, data and architecture communities, including West Hartford AI, DAMA International, the American Council for Ethical AI and professional advisory boards. I volun- teer with the American Red Cross and provide subject-matter support to public- sector finance, HR and executive leaders on responsible technology adoption. WINNER CATEGORY | C H I E F I N F O R M AT I O N O F F I C E R Jason M. Grant Chief Information Officer Robinson+Cole Size of Organization: $206 million (2025 gross revenue) Employees: 509 J ason Grant is chief information officer at Robinson+Cole, where he oversees the law firm's technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, software development, litigation support, training, support desk operations and Information Resource Center. He is also heavily involved in the firm's artificial intelligence initiatives. Drawing on 30 years of law firm technology and leadership experi- ence, Grant leads the planning and implementation of technology that supports the firm's lawyers, business professionals and clients. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments over the past year? One of my greatest accomplishments over the past year has been positioning Robinson+Cole's technology function to support a period of significant growth and transformation. Working alongside an exceptional team, I helped advance key initiatives ranging from cybersecu- rity and infrastructure modernization to strategic AI adoption. Achieving ISO 27001 certification was a particularly meaningful milestone, demonstrating our commitment to protecting client information and main- taining the highest information security standards. I also oversaw technology efforts supporting four office buildouts and the successful relocation of our Hartford data center, ensuring seamless operations while continuing to deliver high-quality service across the firm. In what ways are you involved in the community? My focus on community is the one at Robinson+Cole. I am committed to supporting this community by fostering collaboration, mentoring team members, and creating an environment where people can succeed. Through technology initiatives, cross-functional partnerships and leadership develop- ment, I work to strengthen connections across the firm's offices and support a true "one firm" culture.