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Kikoda Appoints New Director of Application Services, John Long

Kikoda, leading software and Insurtech company, is pleased to announce John Long as their new Director of Application Services.

Bringing 22 years of expertise in enterprise application development and product management, Long is well-versed in business, management, customer-care, and leading efforts in the execution of organizational and architecture enhancement strategies. In his new role at Kikoda, Long will be responsible for leading the company’s technology initiatives, growing their custom software application services, and overseeing all IT development company-wide.

Over the course of his career, Long has worked in a range of environments from startups to the Department of Defense. With a proven track-record of success and a passion for leading teams through technology innovation and process improvement, John will be advancing Kikoda’s application services initiatives to clients nationwide.

“I’m excited and grateful to be working with an amazing group at Kikoda who are passionate about the growth of our team and advancing our services,” said Long. “As we continue to adapt with the ever-changing landscape of software development, my focus will be on empowering our teams to deliver unparalleled value for our customers by establishing strong team dynamics and fostering a culture of innovation and autonomy.”

Long holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Florida State University and is an AWS Certified Solutions Architect.

About Kikoda
Kikoda is a client-focused software company providing comprehensive IT services including: on-demand custom software development, dynamic team scaling, accredited cloud services, and expert data analytics. Kikoda is headquartered in Tallahassee, FL – for more company information, call 850.807.9722 or visit Kikoda.com

Kikoda Named to University of Florida 2023 Gator100

GAINESVILLE, Fla.—Kikoda was named to the University of Florida’s 2023 Gator100 during a ceremony on April 21 in the Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center on UF’s campus.

Each year, the Gator100 recognizes the world’s fastest-growing Gator businesses owned or led by UF alumni. Ernst & Young, independent accounting firm of the Gator100 since the program began in 2015, verifies financial information submitted by each company and calculates the rankings based on compound annual growth rate over the past three years.

Matt Dufek, President and CEO of Kikoda, earned his master’s degree in Decision and Information Sciences from UF in 2001, as well as degrees in Finance and Economics. Chris Korta, Kikoda’s Executive Vice President, is a cum laude graduate of UF, where he earned his bachelor of arts degree from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Kikoda’s proven expertise in custom software development, data analytics, cloud services, and team scaling allows the company to bring successful and innovative project deliveries to partners across the country in a range of industries including insurance, health care, finance, agriculture, genetics, and more. As a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Contract holder, Kikoda also provides technical services to Federal, State, and local governmental agencies nationwide.

“We’re honored to be recognized on the 2023 Gator100, and for the role the University of Florida has played in launching the careers of many of our team members and other successful entrepreneurs and professionals around the world,” Dufek said. “As a Florida-based technology firm, we are grateful for UF, and all of the other incredible universities and educational facilities in the state, for providing a high-quality education in the information technology field and helping to make Florida one of the fastest-growing technology hubs in the country.”

The 2023 Gator100 celebrated companies from over 18 industries, with the top three representing construction and design, health, and real estate. Of the 100 businesses, 77 were Florida companies with other top state headquarters including Georgia, South Carolina, and California.

“These UF alumni-owned or -led companies create jobs, add value to our communities, and make an impact around the world,” said Brian K. Danforth, Assistant Vice President of Development and Executive Director of the UF Alumni Association. “These 2023 honorees represent the very best of our Gator entrepreneurs and business leaders. They shine a bright light on the University of Florida and the graduates it produces—people with vision, drive, and determination.”

View the full list of 2023 Gator100 honorees at https://gator100.ufl.edu/2023-honorees.

About Kikoda

Kikoda is an awarded vendor on the Florida State Term Contracts for IT Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Services as well as IT Staff Augmentation Services, listed on all 130 job categories. Kikoda is also proud to be on the GSA MAS list of technology vendors vetted by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and is an active Amazon Web Services (AWS) Select Consulting Partner.

A client-focused software company, Kikoda provides comprehensive IT services including custom software development, team scaling, cloud and platform solutions (IaaS, PaaS), data analytics, and business intelligence services. Kikoda is headquartered in Tallahassee, FL. For more company information, call 850.807.9722 or visit Kikoda.com.