The Emerging Executive Impact award recognizes executives who are early in their executive leadership journey yet already delivering results that significantly exceed expectations for their tenure level. Here’s a closer look at this year’s three finalists.
Natalie Hogg is the founder and CEO of Method Q, a full-service marketing agency that helps AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and B2B tech companies turn complexity into clarity and grow through strategic branding, thought leadership, and demand generation. She has served as a fractional CMO and is a trusted advisor to CEOs, CROs, and corporate boards, helping technology organizations differentiate in crowded markets and align go-to-market execution with business strategy. Natalie built Method Q as a self-funded, 100% women-led, WBENC-certified company on her registered methodology, Applying the Scientific Method to Marketing®. She serves on the board of StandUp for Kids, is an incoming board member of Conscious Capitalism Atlanta, and is a founding member of Women on the Cap Table. Her work has helped both early-stage disruptors and global enterprises gain traction with customers, investors, and the media, while she invests in the next generation of women leading in technology.
As CEO, Missy Taylor is driving Phobio’s next chapter of growth through partner-driven technology solutions, platform innovation, and a continued focus on the culture and leadership that have defined the company for more than 15 years.
With more than 20 years of experience in operational leadership and organizational growth, Missy has built her career helping organizations scale with clarity, intention, and customer-first thinking. Prior to Phobio, she spent over a decade helping grow one of the Southeast’s most awarded independent advertising agencies, ultimately serving as President. She led large P&Ls, scaled cross-functional teams, and guided major client relationships across financial services, retail, CPG, entertainment, technology, and Insurance.
Missy is a graduate of Emory University’s Goizueta Executive MBA program, where she received the Integrity and Team Awards and served on the boards of Executive Women of Goizueta and the Atlanta AMA.
Dr. Irene Thong is Chief Information Officer of Oglethorpe Power Corporation, where she leads technology, cybersecurity, data, and AI strategy for one of the nation’s largest wholesale power supply cooperatives. With more than 25 years of experience spanning engineering, manufacturing, cybersecurity, and digital transformation, she is recognized for building high-performing teams and aligning technology with business outcomes.
Irene holds a Doctor of Technology from Purdue University, where her research focused on leadership strategies of women CIOs driving digital transformation in Fortune 500 companies.
She is the author of The Chapter in Between, a speaker on leadership and transformation, Pathbuilders Mentor of the Year, A100 Breakthrough Security Leaders Award recipient, GeorgiaCIO Advisory Board Member, and Board Member of Operation Motorsport. Irene is passionate about developing future leaders and advancing women in technology.
The 2026 WIT Awards winners will be announced October 22 at the Georgia Aquarium. See all 2026 finalists →