Our Team

Built by people who solve problems

Our core leadership team has worked together for over 20 years at companies like IBM, Lenovo, and Security First Corp. We brought that enterprise experience to build something better for local communities.

Contact Us
SurfCAST by Otto Connect ParkingCAST by Otto Connect
How We Got Here

From enterprise software to community-first solutions

The Otto team started working together more than two decades ago at IBM, building enterprise-class system and automated management solutions. Together, we navigated a spin-out to Blade Networks, re-acquisition by IBM, a transition through Lenovo, and a final chapter at Security First Corp.

In 2019, we founded The Otto Project, LLC and in 2020, established Otto Connect, Inc. Our mission was to take the reliability and rigor of enterprise software and apply it to the real, everyday challenges of towns and communities across the country.

Today, Otto Connect is an active parking and community management platform serving municipalities across North Carolina, with a team spanning product, engineering, operations, and customer success.

20+
Years working together
2020
Founded
10+
Active communities
60
Team members
The Team

The people behind the platform

A team with deep enterprise roots, a passion for civic tech, and hands-on commitment to every community we serve.

James Varner
James Varner
CEO

Jim is a founder, owner, and CEO of Otto Connect. He has built the company from the ground up with a focus on personalized attention, a strong software solution, and a partnership. Jim has almost 50 years of experience in software, product, and solutions in companies like IBM, DataCenter Technologies, Security First Corp., and now Otto Connect

Marc Stracuzza
Marc Stracuzza
President

Marc is a founder, owner, and President of Otto Connect. Starting as a software developer, he has spent the last 28 years building expertise in software, product, and product strategy. A self-proclaimed problem solver, Marc believes in collaborating to find the right approach to solving complex problems.

Aysegul Berenson
Aysegul Berenson
Chief Financial Officer

Aysegul manages the financial operations and fiscal integrity of Otto Connect. She oversees audited financial reporting and annual budget processes.

Trevor Brown
Trevor Brown
Chief Technology Officer

Trevor architects and leads the engineering behind the entire Otto Connect platform and mobile apps. With roots at IBM, Security First, and Tanium, he builds for scale, security, and reliability, ensuring the platform can grow alongside every community it serves.

Alyssa Irons
Alyssa Irons
VP, Customer Success

Alyssa is the primary escalation point for all active municipalities, ensuring every town has a responsive, knowledgeable advocate in their corner. Her hands-on approach is central to Otto Connect's high community retention rate.

Al Reyes
Al Reyes
VP, Business Development

Al leads Otto Connect's growth strategy, building relationships with municipalities, regional partners, and community stakeholders. He brings a consultative approach to every engagement with a focus on understanding each community's unique needs before recommending a path forward.

A growing team

Beyond our executive leadership, Otto Connect is supported by local operations managers, enforcement coordinators, customer service specialists, and software engineers who live and work in the communities we serve. We staff local experts wherever we operate, so your town always has someone nearby who understands the unique character of your community.