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Geographic Solutions Earns Top Recognition at the DaVinci Awards

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 22:01:54 GMT

PALM HARBOR, Fla., Feb. 27, 2026 -- Geographic Solutions has been recognized in the latest round of The DaVinci Awards® judging, earning a three-star certification in the category of 'Technology' for the Virtual OneStop Reentry Employment Opportunities (VOS REO) solution and the California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority (CALCTRA) Entry to Employment (E2E) Network.

The DaVinci Awards® is an international awards body that celebrates outstanding displays of innovation, or significant achievements, in business, technology, products, and lifestyle. Nominations are accepted on behalf of individuals, teams or departments, entire organizations, or specific products or services. The awards were launched in 2025, making Geographic Solutions one of the world's first to receive one.

Entrants in the 'Technology' segment of the awards were invited to showcase their breakthroughs in a broad range of areas, including advanced electronics, smart devices, AI, cybersecurity, internet services, networking and data management.

CEO and Founder of The DaVinci Awards®, James Williams, said: "We're delighted to award Geographic Solutions a DaVinci Award®, in recognition of their fantastic work in helping individuals re-enter the world of work."

Williams further states, "The technology landscape is fiercely competitive. Lower barriers to entry across the sector have made acquiring, keeping, and growing customers and users harder than ever before. Three-star awards are earned by nominees that embody innovation and deliver unparalleled impact. Many congratulations to Geographic Solutions in securing this award."

The DaVinci Awards® COO, Annabelle Whittall, added: "Geographic Solutions' strengths lay in its clear evidence base, multi-state implementation, and operational execution within complex public sector environments. The cross-agency integration and secure infrastructure design reflect thoughtful engineering and strategic clarity."

Whittall commented further stating, "Three-star distinction recognizes rare, benchmark-level innovation with proven societal and technological impact. Geographic Solutions has delivered something genuinely transformative."

Geographic Solutions Founder and President, Paul Toomey, said: "Geographic Solutions is truly honored to receive the prestigious three-star recognition by The DaVinci Awards®. Our dedicated team remains deeply committed to developing innovative software solutions that empower individuals facing barriers to employment. VOS REO builds meaningful pathways from incarceration back into society – and ultimately into the workforce."

Toomey notes that "Through CALCTRA's first-of-its-kind E2E Network, we are helping reshape the corrections narrative by moving beyond traditional job training and equipping justice-impacted individuals with secure, technology-driven job search tools that support sustainable employment after release."

Press release originally published and distributed via PR Newswire.

Paul Toomey Explores 2026 Workforce Trends in Fast Company Impact Council Article

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 14:36:04 GMT

What’s on the horizon for the workforce in 2026? In a recent Fast Company Impact Council article, Geographic Solutions’ President and Founder, Paul Toomey, dives into the latest workforce trends to watch in the new year.

Paul explores the forces redefining the modern workplace, from the integration of artificial intelligence to the rise of skill-based hiring. He examines how emerging technologies and shifting employee expectations are reshaping the way we collaborate, learn, and define success in an evolving professional landscape.

Follow the link here to read more!

Paul Toomey Examines Unemployment Fraud Prevention in Forbes Business Council Article

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 17:31:11 GMT

The pandemic not only changed the way we work but also exposed deep fractures in our aging government technology infrastructure. This raises a critical question: Are state unemployment systems ready for the next crisis?

In a recent Forbes Business Council article, Geographic Solutions’ President and Founder, Paul Toomey, examines this issue and explores the post-pandemic push for system modernization. He also delves into how states are transforming fraud risks into opportunities to build a smarter, more secure infrastructure.

Follow the link here to read more!

Geographic Solutions’ Paul Toomey Featured On Equus’ Workforce in Action podcast

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 20:19:00 GMT

Our President and Founder, Paul Toomey, has been featured as a guest on Equus Workforce Solutions’ Workforce in Action podcast! During his talk with host Marion Akers, Paul shares insights on how vocational rehabilitation programs bridge the employment gap for individuals with disabilities. He also discusses the transformative impact of AI on workforce development technology and explains how Geographic Solutions is helping justice-impacted individuals successfully secure employment.

Follow the link here to listen to the full episode!

Geographic Solutions Honored at 2025 Tampa Bay Inno Awards

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 20:57:00 GMT

Geographic Solutions was recently honored at the 2025 Tampa Bay Inno Awards ceremony on November 18, 2025. This marks the second consecutive year that Geographic Solutions has been named an honoree on this prestigious list, celebrating the talent, creativity, and strategies that shape the Tampa Bay tech ecosystem.

This is the first time Geographic Solutions has been selected in the Partnership of the Year category for the company’s collaborative work with the California Prison Industry Authority (CALPIA) to launch the Entry to Employment (E2E) Network successfully. Powered by Geographic Solutions VOS REO software, the E2E Network is a game-changer for building pathways from prison back into society, and ultimately, into the workplace.

This recognition underscores Geographic Solutions’ commitment to continually innovating within our product development and leveraging the strength of our partnerships to create impactful solutions. Geographic Solutions is proud to be among the 23 local innovators recognized for the 2025 Tampa Bay Inno Awards.

Follow the link here to read more!

Geographic Solutions' Paul Toomey Recognized as Tech Leader of the Year by 2025 Tampa Bay Tech Awards

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 21:34:00 GMT

Please join us in extending a huge congratulations to our President and Founder, Paul Toomey, for being recognized as the Tech Leader of the Year by the 2025 Tampa Bay Tech Awards.

This prestigious award recognizes Paul for his outstanding contributions to creating long-term value for his company, the workforce development industry, and the Tampa Bay community. The Tampa Bay Tech Awards celebrate exceptional technology leaders, organizations, projects, and professionals across seven categories.

"This recognition is a great honor, not just for me, but for the entire Geographic Solutions team," said Paul Toomey, President and Founder of Geographic Solutions. "Our success comes from a shared vision to create an innovative ecosystem of software solutions that serves a diverse range of job seekers, from skilled professionals to individuals facing barriers to employment."

The Tech Leader of the Year award specifically honors a C-level executive who has made a significant impact on their organization and the broader technology industry. It highlights leaders who drive transformative changes, champion innovation, and advance the technology sector. This recognition builds on a series of recent honors, including the 2025 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Florida Award, selection to the 2025 Tampa Bay Titan 100, and invitations to join both the Fast Company Impact Council and Forbes Business Council as a respected thought leader.

Follow the link here to read more!

Paul Toomey Named to 2025 Tampa Bay Titan 100 for Outstanding Leadership and Industry Innovation

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 13:32:00 GMT

Geographic Solutions’ President and Founder, Paul Toomey, has been named a 2025 Tampa Bay Titan 100 honoree! This honor recognizes Paul’s outstanding leadership, innovative spirit, and clear sense of purpose. It also reflects his significant contributions to building long-term value for his company, the workforce industry, and the Tampa Bay business community.

The Titan 100 program recognizes Tampa Bay’s Top 100 CEOs & C-level executives. They are the area’s most accomplished business leaders in their industry, using criteria that include demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, and passion.

Collectively, the 2025 Tampa Bay Titan 100 and their companies employ upwards of 235,000 individuals and generate over $56 billion in annual revenue, an impressive set of statistics. Honorees were recognized at the Tampa Bay Titan 100 Awards Celebration on October 30, 2025.

This recognition follows Paul’s recent achievements, including winning the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Florida Award and being a finalist in the Tech Leader of the Year category at the Tampa Bay Tech Awards.

Follow the link here to read more!

Inc. Names Geographic Solutions as a 2025 Power Partner Award Winner for Third Consecutive Year

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 14:00:00 GMT

For the third year in a row, Geographic Solutions has been named to Inc.’s annual Power Partner award list! The company was recognized in two categories: Technology & Development and SaaS Products.

Geographic Solutions has been recognized for its dedication to building mutually beneficial relationships with its clients and partners. This focus on collaboration has enabled Geographic Solutions to consistently innovate, drive economic growth, and achieve successful outcomes for its stakeholders. The company was selected in the Technology & Development and SaaS Products categories based on several criteria, including receiving top reviews from Geographic Solutions' clients.

“Earning a place on Inc.’s Power Partner list for the third year in a row reflects our commitment to innovation and creating solutions that truly make a difference,” said Paul Toomey, the Founder and President of Geographic Solutions. “Our success is built on strong partnerships that empower our clients and drive meaningful economic impact. We’re proud to help them achieve their goals and create meaningful outcomes together."

“The entrepreneurial journey and community are core to Inc.’s mission, and it’s a true honor to celebrate this year’s Inc. Power Partners — the companies dedicated to helping small businesses and entrepreneurs,” says Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc. “Whether they’re coordinating complex marketing campaigns or reliably supporting the day-to-day infrastructure of growing companies, these honorees aren’t simply B2B providers — they are true partners in helping businesses grow and succeed.”

The prestigious list celebrates B2B organizations across the country that have proven track records supporting entrepreneurs and assisting their partners to grow. Companies on the Inc. Power Partner list received top marks from clients for being instrumental in helping leadership navigate the dynamic world of startups. These B2B partners support entrepreneurs across various facets of the business, including hiring, compliance, infrastructure development, cloud migration, fundraising, and more, allowing founders to focus on their core missions.

To view the complete list, go to: https://www.inc.com/power-partner-awards.

Geographic Solutions Named to Tampa Bay Business Journal’s ‘The List’

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 19:51:00 GMT

For the 12th consecutive year, Geographic Solutions has been named to Tampa Bay Business Journal’s ‘The List’ for the Largest Software Developers in Tampa Bay. The company was recognized for its continued growth over the past decade.

The Tampa Bay Business Journal's ‘The List’ showcases over 1,000 of the largest companies in their fields across the Tampa Bay area. The Largest Software Developers list features the top 32 software development companies in the area based on employee size, revenue, the number of developers employed, and more.

Follow the link here to read more!

Geographic Solutions' Paul Toomey Named Tampa Bay Tech Finalist

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 18:21:00 GMT

Join us in congratulating our esteemed President and Founder, Paul Toomey, for being named a finalist in the Tech Leader of the Year category for the Tampa Bay Tech Awards!

Paul was recognized as a finalist for his significant contributions to building long-term value for his company, the workforce industry, and the Tampa Bay community. The Tampa Bay Tech Awards honor and celebrate our talented community of technology leaders, organizations, projects, and professionals in various specialties at various levels with awards in 7 categories.

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on November 7th, at Armature Works in Tampa Bay.

Follow the link here to read more!

Geographic Solutions Hires Tobi Cates as Senior Manager of Customer Success and Growth

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 10:47:00 GMT

Geographic Solutions announces the addition of Tobi Cates as the company’s Senior Manager of Customer Success and Growth.

Cates brings over 21 years of combined experience in the private and public sectors with a proven track record of successfully modernizing state systems and fostering innovation in public sector technology. In her new role, Cates will focus on enhancing client success, strengthening key relationships with state and local agencies, increasing product adoption, and driving market growth within the Unemployment Insurance (UI) and workforce development industries. She will also be the primary UI sales representative in the western half of the United States.

“We are honored to welcome Tobi to the team,” said Deane Toler, Director of Sales and Marketing for Geographic Solutions. “Tobi's extensive industry background and expertise in modernizing systems for government agencies will be crucial in helping our clients achieve their goals with our software, while also creating new growth opportunities and expanding Geographic Solutions' national reach.”

In her previous role, Cates served as Director of Workforce Services at eSystems, Inc., where she led client engagement and business development for the unemployment insurance and workforce division. She also managed proposal efforts and consultative sales to state agencies. Before that, Tobi worked at FAST Enterprises as a UI Industry Consultant, focusing on developing vertical and horizontal sales relationships across government agencies and advising C-suite executives on market intelligence and client engagement strategies. Cates holds a B.A. in Communications from Thomas Edison State University in New Jersey.

Workforce Development Industry Veteran, Chad Carter, Joins Geographic Solutions as Senior Client Services Executive

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:12:00 GMT

Geographic Solutions is thrilled to welcome Chad Carter as the company’s new Senior Client Services Executive.

In his new role, Carter will focus on building and strengthening relationships with clients and stakeholders, as well as providing valuable training and learning opportunities for both internal teams and external audiences. He will also serve as a key resource for business development, conduct on-site client visits to gather direct feedback, as well as attend industry and government events.

"Chad’s extensive experience and knowledge of the workforce development industry and public sector make him an invaluable addition to our team and, more importantly, for our clients”, said Deane Toler, Director of Sales & Marketing at Geographic Solutions. “His unique understanding of the needs of job seekers, employers, and government programs will be crucial -- ensuring we not only provide cutting-edge software, but that we listen carefully to the needs of government agencies and our users.”

Carter joins Geographic Solutions following 11 years as the Director of Workforce Programs and Systems for the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. In his previous role, he managed teams dedicated to strengthening connections between job seekers and employers through innovative programs and system implementations. Chad earned a BA in Organizational Communication from the State University of New York - Regents. Prior to his time in the public sector, he primarily worked in Human Resources and Talent Acquisition within the defense and aerospace industries.

Paul Toomey Shares Five Labor Market Trends To Follow In Forbes Business Council

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 14:52:00 GMT

What’s driving change in today's labor market? The answer is a complex mix of technological, demographic, and behavioral changes. In a recent Forbes Business Council article, Geographic Solutions’ President and Founder, Paul Toomey, explores five key trends that are fueling this transformation.

In his article, Paul highlights everything from significant demographic changes and AI's profound impact on entry-level positions to the growing popularity of alternative career paths among workers.

Follow the link here to read more!

Paul Toomey Explores Benefits of Second-Chance Hiring in Fast Company Article

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 13:58:00 GMT

As labor shortages persist, companies need to look beyond traditional hiring methods. Geographic Solutions’ President and Founder, Paul Toomey, discusses this in his latest article as a member of the Fast Company Impact Council. In the article, Paul explains how overlooked talent pools, such as second-chance workers or graduates of prison education programs, can help struggling industries fill key employment gaps.

By changing perceptions and implementing strategic programs, forward-thinking companies can access a dependable source of millions of skilled workers while also making a positive social impact.

Follow the link to learn more!

Geographic Solutions Launches VOS Sapphire AI+: The Next Level of Workforce Development Innovation

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 17:20:00 GMT

We are excited to introduce VOS Sapphire AI+, the next version of its award-winning VOS Sapphire AI^® platform, which boasts a heightened user experience and more integrated AI-driven tools to enhance employment service delivery. VOS Sapphire AI+ introduces several new enhancements, including a redesigned interface and streamlined navigation for job seekers, employers, agency staff, and administrators.

Building upon the success of the VOS Sapphire AI platform, the new version features a refreshed dashboard that displays key activities and related links through dashboard widgets. The latest dashboard design now offers clearer insights and client-themed customization options.

Across the system, improved notification and navigation bars streamline access to essential features, enhancing usability and accessibility. VOS Sapphire AI+ also introduces breadcrumb navigation, which provides a clear and simple trail throughout the system, helping users stay organized and easily return to previous sections or pages.

"The development of VOS Sapphire AI+ was driven by feedback from our clients and users," said Paul Toomey, CEO of Geographic Solutions. "We carefully redesigned the platform to be more modern, intuitive, and accessible, aiming to improve the user experience. VOS Sapphire AI+ leverages the latest advancements in AI and user interface design to streamline service delivery and provide job seekers and employers with powerful tools to assist them in today's job market."

In addition to several design enhancements, staff can use AI Assist to improve service delivery and reporting by using natural language to pull reports and analyze key trends, ultimately saving time and simplifying the data retrieval process.

Job seekers can use AI Assist tools to support their job search efforts, including the new ability to describe their desired job rather than using a keyword to display relevant matches. VOS Sapphire AI+ also offers enhanced job cards with functionality that promotes user engagement, including card shuffle animation and a customizable layout.

For employers, VOS Sapphire AI+ offers a simplified job order creation process with a step-by-step guide that helps them quickly post jobs and make them visible to potential candidates. New candidate match cards are also available to assist employers with analyzing summary information about job seekers who are a good fit for a posted job. Additionally, employers can now use AI Assist to describe their ideal candidate in a single input field to access relevant matches, making it easier to pinpoint suitable job seekers.

The release of VOS Sapphire AI+ reflects Geographic Solutions' commitment to continuous evolution, providing its users with cutting-edge tools that leverage modern technology, improve service delivery, and drive better employment outcomes for all users.

Geographic Solutions Publishes Article in the Global Government Forum

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:10:00 GMT

We're thrilled to share our latest thought leadership article on how emerging technology is reshaping the public sector and empowering job seekers.

This article, published in the Global Government Forum, explores how emerging technologies are transforming the public sector and fundamentally changing the way people find jobs. It discusses how governments implement AI-driven solutions, like VOS Sapphire AI, to improve user experiences and to simplify tasks for agency staff, job seekers, and employers.

The article also highlights software that creates second-chance opportunities, such as the Entry to Employment (E2E) Network, which provides justice-impacted individuals with essential career tools and connects them with 'second-chance employers' to reduce recidivism.

Follow the link here to read more!

Geographic Solutions Named a Top 25 Work Tech Vendor for Second Year in a Row

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:33:35 GMT

At Geographic Solutions, we believe that technology should be more than functional -- it should be inspiring. That’s why we’re honored to announce that Geographic Solutions has been named one of the Top 25 Work Tech Vendors in the 2025 Inspiring Work Tech Awards. This global recognition celebrates companies that are driving meaningful change in the world of work through technology

The Inspiring Work Tech Awards spotlights vendors whose solutions demonstrate real purpose and impact, whether in human resources, employment, wellbeing, inclusion, communication, or beyond. Winners are selected by an independent panel based on how their technology supports people-first organizations, fosters innovation, and helps shape the future of work.

Read more about the 2025 Top 25 Inspiring Work Tech Awards Winners

VOS REO Recognized as an Honoree for the 2025 Tampa Bay Inno Awards

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:48:50 GMT

We’re continually thinking about how to innovate within the development our products -- and through the strength of our partnerships. That’s why we’re happy to announce that Geographic Solutions is among 23 local innovators being recognized as honorees for the 2025 Tampa Bay Inno Awards. These awards celebrate the talent, creativity, and strategies shaping the Tampa Bay tech ecosystem.

This is the second year in a row that Geographic Solutions has been included on the Tampa Bay Inno Awards list. And this is the first year that we’ve been named in the Partnership of the Year category for our work on VOS REO. Justice-impacted individuals face significant hurdles in securing employment post release from prisons and jails, and this solution helps break the cycle of recidivism.

Read more about our 2025 Tampa Bay Inno Awards honoree nomination.

Geographic Solutions named a finalist in THREE categories for the 2025 AI Awards!

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:30:00 GMT

Geographic Solutions’ VOS Sapphire software suite has been named a finalist in THREE categories for the prestigious 2025 AI Awards!

The company’s flagship solution was nominated in the following categories:

AI for Good Award
AI Deployment of the Year
Best Use of AI in Human Resources

Now in its second year, The AI Awards recognizes organizations leading the charge in artificial intelligence and machine learning innovation. The program showcases AI solutions that stand out for their exceptional effectiveness, scalability, and value in tackling complex problems and delivering real benefits to businesses, organizations, and society.

AI Awards winners will be announced on Tuesday, October 13.

Follow the link here to read more!

In The News: Arizona Launches New CACTUS Portal to Streamline Unemployment Benefits

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 20:22:44 GMT

Article first appeared at ABC 15 Arizona

PHOENIX — Arizonans who rely on unemployment benefits now have a new way to manage their claims: the Comprehensive Arizona Claims Tracking Unemployment Insurance System (CACTUS). The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) launched the CACTUS portal on Sunday, September 7.

The online system is designed to make it easier to file for unemployment insurance, track payments, and upload required documents online. DES data shows that, on average, nearly 19,600 people in the state of Arizona receive unemployment benefits weekly.