Executive Team

John Hansen, Chairman / Chief Executive Officer

Passionate about helping organizations create workplaces where employees are engaged, respectful, and committed to company success, John Hansen is chairman and CEO of Atana, a company that is redefining workplace culture and training. In this role, John leads Atana’s growth and innovation initiatives while providing strategic insight and guidance to its customers, analysts, and investors.

John is an eight-time CEO with 30+ years of experience developing world-class organizations that disrupt industries. These include GoAhead Software and Vallent, which were acquired by Oracle and IBM, respectively.

John received his B.S. in Computer Science from Brigham Young University and his MBA from the University of Washington. He is a lecturer at UW’s Foster School of Business, teaching Strategy and Entrepreneurship. He previously served as Colorado Institute of Technology's president and Secretary of Technology.

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Amanda Hagman, PhD., Chief Scientist: Behavioral Data Science

Dr. Hagman leads the behavior intervention science at the core of the Atana philosophy. Her work ensures that client organizations receive dependable, high quality, and actionable data insights as they seek to train and upskill their employees.

With an M.S. in Human Development and a Ph.D. in Quantitative Psychology, Dr. Hagman is a seasoned expert in applied analytics in the context of real-world human behavior. She specializes in crafting tailored strategies for lasting behavioral transformations.

Over 15 years, Dr. Hagman's work in intervention and evaluative science has been pivotal for individuals and organizations. In addition to her key role at Atana, she is a lecturer in the Department of Analytics and Information Systems in the Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University.

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Michael D. McNally, Chief Financial Officer

A corporate finance veteran with more than 20 years of experience, Mike began his career in the legendary back office of global multi-strategy fund Stark Investments, working his way up from kickable intern to Private Equity Controller over the course of 10 years. At its peak, the PE portfolio contained $1.4 billion in assets ranging from major motion picture bundles to natural gas power generation. Since 2015, Mike has functioned as finance chief for private venture and PE-backed companies in industries as diverse as cardiac medical devices, candy manufacturing, cash deposit management, online direct-to-consumer wine clubs, and women's industrial footwear.

Mike is passionate about his role as a fiduciary and thrives when responsible for financial performance transparency, strategic business insights, and enhancing cash flow. He has been the point-person on dozens of audits from Big 4 (and big enough) accounting firms, the SEC, and IRS, none of which were fun.

Mike is a certified public accountant (CPA) and holds a Master of Science in Accounting from Lubar College of Business at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee as well as a Bachelor of Arts in History and Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He also passed the Series 65 Uniform Investment Advisor Law Examination a few years ago but hasn't really told anyone.

David Hansen, Chief Technology Officer

David manages all technology for Atana, specializing in the ongoing development of the company’s learning content delivery platform as well as incorporating data analytics into the learning cycle. He brings a wide range of expertise in the architecture, design, and development of software systems with an extensive background in protocols and networking.

David’s broad experience includes working on many complex systems such as satellite tracking software for the DoD Space Command, aircraft ground proximity warning systems that are outfitted in many of today’s modern airplanes, systems for billing collection and provisioning in wireless cellular networks, and building internet routers that connect corporate and regional offices. He also held broad development responsibilities at F5 Networks and was a core contributing member to their flagship BIG-IP product.

David received a BS in Mathematics from the University of Washington. He is a PSIA Level 3 Alpine Instructor, a USSA Level 100 Alpine Ski Coach and a PADI Certified Rescue Diver.

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Michele Chiarella, Director of Learning

Michele leads Learning Development, overseeing a team that develops engaging video-based eLearning that imparts knowledge and teaches skills while assessing desired workplace behaviors. Working closely with our Behavioral Data Science group, she and her team create courses that combine highly-relatable vicarious learning experiences with built-in behavioral assessments to ensure the training drives business outcomes.

Michele’s L&D career spans 25+ years with experience in both the corporate and non-profit environments, including overseeing Domestic training for Blockbuster Entertainment and managing the training department for a state Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Michele received a BA in English and Journalism from the State University of New York at Cortland.

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Tom Matthews, Vice President of Sales

Tom is responsible for Media Partners’ multiple sales channels. He brings 15+ years’ experience building successful sales organizations with skills in customer relationship management, sales automation, negotiating, and pipeline management.

Tom has worked in sales operations, account management, and sales leadership at IBM, Oracle, VoloMetrix, GoAhead Software and Imprev.

He received a BA from Utah Valley University in Behavioral Science/Spanish, and he is the founder of the annual Issaquah Turkey Trot which raises money for the local food and clothing bank.

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