Forge Institute names new C-suite leaders

Forge Institute has named new officers to its leadership team. Daniel Ross is the new chief growth officer and Jim Schnoes will serve as the chief financial & compliance officer.

Jim Schnoes, a financial executive, will be the new CFO at Forge Institute. Schnoes has built a career in commercial and investment banking, and finance, specializing in transportation and logistics, banking, and consulting.

He spent years as a commercial banker and later as treasurer at J.B. Hunt Transport Services. He was instrumental in the turnaround of Little Rock-based OneBanc.

“We are excited to announce Jim as our Chief Financial & Compliance Officer at Forge Institute. Jim’s proven track record in finance and in steering significant industry expansions will be instrumental as we navigate the complexities of fast growth and expansion. His commitment to operational excellence and his vision for scaling and delivering on collaborative, compliance-focused world-class services aligns perfectly with our mission as we advance cybersecurity solutions,” Forge Institute founder and CEO Lee Watson said.

Daniel Ross joins Forge Institute after a tenure at Blackbaud, where he served as a senior account executive. He has worked in both the non-profit and corporate sectors.

“Daniel is a seasoned professional who has transitioned seamlessly between non-profit leadership, entrepreneurship, and corporate growth. His extensive experience and unwavering passion for education have culminated in his current role as the Chief Growth Officer here at Forge Institute, where he leads the charge in shaping the future of professional development training for cyber defenders across the country,” Watson said.

Little Rock-based Forge Institute is a leader in advancing cyber and emerging technology capabilities through innovative partnerships across the public and private sectors.