Local Technology Expert & Acclaimed Author Receives Wharton Club's "2015 Benjamin Franklin Innovator's Award"

Redlands, CA, May 11, 2015 (Newswire.com) - CONTACT: Jasmine Ayres

Redlands-native Christopher Surdak, J.D. was awarded the “Benjamin Franklin Innovator’s Award” from the Wharton Club of D.C. at the 2nd Annual Wharton D.C. Innovation Summit held April 28th and 29th. The Summit featured private, public and academic thought leaders, plus inspirational entrepreneurs, connections to funding sources and potential partners, and aimed to help innovators network, connect and succeed.

Christopher Surdak, J.D. is the author of “Data Crush: How the Information Tidal Wave is Driving New Business Opportunities,” recipient of getAbstract’s International Book of the Year Award, 2014. He is also an industry-recognized expert in Collaboration and Content Management, Big Data, Information Security, Regulatory Compliance, and Cloud Computing with over 20 years of professional experience. While he is currently an executive at Hewlett-Packard, Mr. Surdak has held similar roles with other leading companies such as Accenture, Siemens, Dell, and Citibank. He began his career with Lockheed Martin Aerospace, where he was a spacecraft systems engineer and rocket scientist. Although his background places him among a global corporate elite, he remains humble regarding his achievements.

In light of his receipt of the “Benjamin Franklin Innovator’s Award” from the Wharton Club of D.C., Surdak remarks, “I was honored, and certainly surprised, to receive this award. Being accepted to, and graduating from, Wharton were two of the proudest moments of my life. To now be recognized by my fellow alumni in this way tops them both. The Club has my sincere thanks.”

Alan Schlaifer, President of Wharton Club of Washington, D.C. says that “He [Surdak] was selected for this award in view of his achievements, professional versatility, and education efforts for executives at all levels. Like Benjamin Franklin, Chris has a capability to see where things are today and potential opportunities in the future.” He adds that, “Chris’ keynote speech was exceptional. We received tremendous feedback and would love to have him back next year.”

Mr. Surdak provides talks, guidance and advice to global leaders on a range of technology, policy and business topics. He is also contributing editor and columnist for European Business Review magazine.For more information about Chris Surdak, J.D., his accomplishments or for his expert insights for an upcoming article, please contact Jasmine Ayres at (951) 743-9260 or [email protected].