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Shayne Higdon

CEO, The HBAR Foundation
Houston, Texas

Shayne Higdon has distinguished himself as a leader in the enterprise software industry over a career spanning 27 years, during which he has effectively managed companies ranging in annual revenues from $5 million to over $400 million. He has played a critical role in orchestrating over 40 mergers and acquisitions, contributing to organic growth rates exceeding 25%. His extensive experience covers a broad spectrum of technology areas, including SaaS, cloud solutions, and application performance management, focusing on enterprise and mid-market segments. Higdon is well-versed in executive leadership, business transformation, corporate venture capital, and private equity. Higdon’s strategic efforts were instrumental in the significant acquisitions of Quest Software and BMC Software. His keen insight and pioneering spirit were also evident when he spearheaded the first institutional investment in JAMF Software during his tenure at Quest. As a Senior Operating Executive and Strategic Advisor, Higdon has excelled at defining effective product strategies, breaking into new markets, and utilizing organic growth and strategic acquisitions to boost business performance. A steadfast dedication to customer satisfaction marks his leadership, and he has led global teams to achieve high growth and substantial profitability. His talent for effective communication has served him well, especially in roles that required interactions with the press, analysts, and various investors, including those in public markets and private equity. His strategic influence was particularly notable during his tenure at HighRadius, where he served as Senior Advisor and Interim General Manager, helping to establish a critical mid-market business unit. Before his role at HighRadius, Michael Shayne Higdon was a key player at BMC Software. His strategic initiatives contributed to KKR's successful acquisition, which yielded significant financial returns. His focus at BMC was driving digital transformation and enhancing multi-cloud management solutions through innovative and traditional growth approaches. Earlier in his career, as Senior Vice President at Quest Software, Higdon was pivotal in increasing the company’s revenue and market valuation, which led to its successful acquisition by Dell. He also contributed significantly to DataSynapse as Vice President of Marketing before its acquisition by TIBCO Software. Beyond his corporate roles, Higdon is active in the tech community through mentoring at TechStars, advising startups on business and strategic development. He has also held board positions and invested in companies like JAMF Software and Symplified, guiding them through growth and successful exits. Higdon earned his BBA in Computer Information Systems from the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor, where he also minored in music and excelled as a scholarship baseball player. His philanthropic efforts are evident in his support for St. Laurence Catholic Church and various Catholic charities. Additionally, he is a committed Cor Vitae Member of the American Heart Association, actively supporting its community initiatives. An enthusiast of CrossFit and freshwater bass fishing, Higdon maintains a balanced lifestyle that combines physical fitness with relaxation and enjoyment of the outdoors. Born in 1973 in Pasadena, Texas, he lives with his wife, Suzanne, with whom he shares a deep commitment to community service and personal fulfillment.