By Stephen Greenwell
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David Sikora ('86) has served as CEO for two NASDAQ-traded software companies and an independent board director for 12 venture capital-backed software companies and four NASDAQ-listed firms, but his career journey started when he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston's College of Technology Division.
"I have very positive professional and personal memories of my time at UH College of Technology," Sikora said. "On the professional side, the school well prepared me for the dynamic technology industry. By providing a solid technical knowledge platform, UH has enabled me to keep pace with the profound industry changes that have occurred since my graduation. Personally, I was blessed to attend UH during the Phi Slama Jamma days, and those experiences have made me a 'lifelong Cougar."
After earning his initial degree from UH, Sikora also studied at the Harvard Business School, and received his MBA there. He quickly advanced to management positions in his career, starting with serving as president and CEO of the ForeFront Group. He led the company through its IPO in 1995, which was the first internet software company IPO in the state of Texas.
His work has taken him across the globe, as he has logged time doing business in practically every continent, but his Texas roots have remained strong throughout. Most recently, he was named Board Chairman for TDECU, the largest state-chartered Credit Union in Texas. Currently at $5 billion in assets and more than 1,000 employees, TDECU serves 400,000 members throughout Texas.
I have very positive professional and personal memories of my time at UH College of Technology.David Sikora
Sikora is also the Lead Board Director for ALTR, an innovative data security software company based in Austin. He also serves as Strategic Advisor and CEO Mentor for Loop & Tie, Cognota, and Aim4Hire, all companies in the technology sector.
During his 35-year career in the software industry, Sikora has also served as CEO of 2 NASDAQ-traded software companies, Pervasive Software in Austin, Texas and The ForeFront Group in Houston Texas, as well as 5 Venture-backed software companies.
His charitable endeavors include founding and managing the Girl Scouts Lone Star Council Pervasive PowerCharge, serving as Chairman for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk and serving as a honorary committee member for the inaugural Cullen Gala.
In his free time, Sikora enjoys golfing, skiing, hiking and running. He has completed nine marathons with a PR of 3:32. He has been married for 38 years to his wife Lisa ('90, MBA '91), and he has three daughters and two granddaughters, with one on the way.