AIM Institute Former and Present CEOs Gather; from left, Dr. Kandace Miller, Dr. Bob
Sweeney, Dala Alphonso
The CEOs of AIM Institute’s past and present came together to celebrate the
organization’s legacy and future at a recent AIM Team meeting. Founding President and
CEO Dr. Bob Sweeney and former President and CEO Dr. Kandace Miller, joined newly
appointed President and CEO Dala Alphonso to reflect on AIM’s 32-year journey and its
transformative impact on workforce development in tech and education across Silicon
Prairie.
Dr. Sweeney took the helm in building AIM from 1992 to 2007. Dr. Miller, who joined
AIM in 1993 as a grant writer, was promoted to Chief Operating Officer; she succeeded
Dr. Sweeney as President and CEO from 2007 to 2022. Dr. Miller then became interim
CEO for part of 2024 prior to Dala Alphonso joining AIM in December 2024 as current
President and CEO.
Their discussion revisited AIM’s origins—how business leaders identified the need for a
stronger tech talent pipeline and how AIM responded with innovative workforce
solutions, recruitment strategies, and tech education initiatives. Under the leadership of
each CEO, AIM has evolved to meet the changing demands of our region’s business
community, ensuring that career changers, aspiring tech professionals and youth have
access to the training and opportunities needed to succeed and contribute to
organizations’ needs for tech-proficient employees.
The gathering underscored the continued importance of AIM’s mission and the
excitement surrounding its next chapter under Dala Alphonso’s leadership. With a
legacy of innovation and a future focused on expanding opportunities in tech, AIM
remains a driving force in building a skilled and diverse workforce.