Jeff Scheper \ Founder
Scheper began his career as a programmer and project manager for a start-up software company that provided custom applications to the consumer package goods industry. His early experience working directly with top executives at Fortune 500 companies combined with his strategic role in the software start-up provided valuable insights into large and small business management at a young age. Scheper leveraged his experience and entrepreneurial energy to found Better Software Design and at the age of 26 was delivering custom applications to large corporations. It didn’t take long for him to see that there was great potential to expand his sole proprietorship, and in 1996, Scheper founded Prescient Solutions with his mentor and friend Jim Lagattuta.
James E. Lagattuta \ Founder
Lagattuta started his career in sales in the consumer package goods industry. He later gained valuable IT and entrepreneurial experience and played a major role in the creation of a start-up software company. Lagattuta moved into health care, accepting a role as director of marketing for a leading Chicago-area health care system. He was involved in practice development and imaging for physicians and the health system. Lagattuta was recruited by his former software business colleague and friend, Prescient chairman Jeff Scheper, to build Prescient from the ground up. Lagattuta holds an undergraduate degree from DePaul’s Driehaus College of Business & an MBA from DePaul University Kellstadt Graduate School of Business.
Jerry Irvine \ Founder
CISSP, CHISSP, GICSP, CISM, CISA, CGEIT, CRISC, CBCP, CASP, CIPT, ITIL, MCSE, CCNA, CCNP, CCDA, CCDP, CeH
Irvine has been deeply involved with the IT industry since 1987. As a result of his early experience, he became an expert in network communications and protocols when others in the industry were just learning how to use their first computer. Armed with this expertise, Irvine entered the consulting world working for companies like Network General and Advantis, performing detailed network analysis, design and troubleshooting. Since then, Irvine has filled MIS and CIO positions at multiple facilities and has managed more than 100 technicians and thousands of devices. He has led multiple project teams, such as the largest Microsoft Directory migration project ever. In 2008, Irvine was selected to join the National Cyber Security Task Force, a joint operation between the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This task force is responsible for advising federal decision-makers on cyber security policy and sharing best practices related to this urgent and ongoing need. His expertise on cyber security has been featured in a number of national and industry publications, including The New York Times, WGN Radio and Wired magazine.
Jodi Kohler \ Chief Executive Officer
As CEO, Jodi Kohler oversees the financial, operational, and strategic direction of Prescient Solutions, a business unit within the Link 1 IT Solutions platform. Kohler is a proven chief executive and board member with extensive experience leading PE-backed companies in business services, technology, and distribution.
Prior to joining Prescient, Kohler served as CEO of Performance Systems Integration, where she drove organic growth and led M&A execution across multiple acquisitions. Earlier roles include Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Operating Officer, giving her a well-rounded command of both growth strategy and operational excellence. She has delivered two successful exits and has a track record of scaling businesses through both organic growth and acquisition.
Kohler holds an MBA in International Business from Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business, where she was a Nita Robinson Scholar, and a Bachelor of Arts from Syracuse University.
Chris Watkins \ Chief Operating Officer
As COO, Chris Watkins oversees the organization’s IT and client service operations including on-site engineer teams, remote managed support, technical sales, and project work. Watkins ensures implementation of efficient IT best practices within our customer’s technical environment, balancing strategic initiatives with cost effective solutions. Watkins joined Prescient in 2007 as an IT engineer and held progressive roles expanding his technical and leadership skills.
Watkins brings more than 15 years of experience in the IT field and over 20 years of business management experience. Prior to joining Prescient, Watkins worked for several Fortune 500 companies such as Pennzoil, AT&T, and FTD. He held management and leadership positions in each of these organizations focusing on process improvement and staff development.
Jon Bindert, CPA \ Chief Financial Officer
As CFO, Jon Bindert is responsible for financial planning and reporting, budgeting, cash-flow forecasting, financial modeling, and accounting operations for Prescient Solutions, a business unit within the Link 1 IT Solutions platform. Bindert brings over a decade of progressive financial leadership experience spanning public accounting, corporate controllership, and executive financial management across industries including energy, fire protection, and technology.
Prior to joining Prescient, Bindert held senior financial leadership roles including VP of Finance, overseeing financial planning for a portfolio of eight companies with consolidated revenue exceeding $70M, and Corporate Controller for National Fire & Safety. He began his career in public accounting as an Audit Associate at RSM US LLP.
Bindert earned dual Bachelor of Applied Science degrees in Accounting and Economics from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and is a Certified Public Accountant licensed through the Colorado Board of Accountancy.
Colleen Klehr \ Chief HR Officer
SHRM, SCP
As CHRO, Colleen Klehr provides strategic and practical guidance for the business owners, management team, and employees at Prescient Solutions, a business unit within the Link 1 IT Solutions platform, in all HR areas. Klehr has over 25 years of HR generalist experience including providing training and professional development, identifying strategic HR best practices that support risk management, designing performance management systems, and managing daily HR operations.
Prior to joining Prescient, Klehr was a strategy and human capital consultant at RSM McGladrey for 10 years, providing HR consulting services to middle-market organizations across all industry sectors. She also has experience working as a Human Resources Director for a Chicago based non-profit organization and was an HR generalist for Cooper Industries, an international Fortune 500 manufacturing company.
Jeffrey Lindeman \ VP Business Development & Strategic Relationships
VCP, CCNA, MCSE, VMCE, DCSE, M365 Certified: Fundamentals
As Vice President of Client Relations and Account Management, Jeff Lindeman leads strategic client engagement initiatives, working closely with enterprise and mid-market clients to deliver customized IT solutions that align with their business objectives. Lindeman has over two decades of experience in IT strategy, client management, and business development. He combines technical insight with a consultative approach and serves as a trusted advisor to Prescient’s executive stakeholders. Furthermore, Lindeman has been instrumental in expanding the client base across the US since joining Prescient in 2003.
Lindeman holds a BS in Business Administration, Management Information Systems (MIS) from Augustana College. He actively serves on the Augustana College President’s Advisor Council, representing technology and athletics.
Gemma Goffinet \ Manager, Recruiting and Talent Planning
As Manager of Recruiting and Talent Planning, Gemma Goffinet is responsible for sourcing, interviewing and negotiating with candidates, she is responsible for proactively ensuring that all of Prescient’s client accounts are optimally staffed. Furthermore, she supports the Chief HR Officer with onboarding, training and development, and employee engagement.
Goffinet has over 25 years of IT recruiting experience, having founded and operated her own boutique Recruiting Services firm. Her technical recruiting experience spans outsourcing services to ERP, including SAP and Oracle. Earlier in her career, Goffinet was a Project Manager for a database marketing company as well as a Management Consultant. Goffinet holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Cornell University.