Prabhash Shrestha

Title: VP, information technology, American Gastroenterological Association
Association: Founded in 1897, AGA has over 16,000 members involved in the science, practice and advancement of gastroenterology. 
Job: Was hired in November to establish AGA’s digital and health IT strategy. We’re assessing where we are and what practitioners, clinicians and patients in the GI world want. 
Most innovative project: While CIO at the Association of Fundraising Professionals, we strengthened tools and technology to give 240 chapters all over the world access to real-time business intel from HQ. We also provided each chapter with their own website. I also elevated the concept of how tech can play a savvy business role in the organization and created the concept of AFP’s tech conference. 
Best lesson on being innovative: Always talk about staying ahead of the curve. The moment you start talking about being relevant, it’s too late. 
Why associations career: After graduating, got an offer from the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Their mission just made sense to me. 

Grew up: Nepal
Current home: Burtonsville, MD
Came to DC: Came to study medicine at GW, but then realized I needed $60k a year for tuition. Switched to computer science. 
School: Strayer
First job: McDonald’s for three months.
Job in another life: Teaching children computer skills or working with seniors. 
Favorite app: USA Today and Washington Post
Favorite movie: A Bollywood movie called Fire on Path. 
Favorite restaurant: Commander’s Palace (New Orleans)
Favorite music: Guns N' Roses and Bon Jovi
Favorite vacation spot: Aruba
Guilty pleasure: Facebook
Bucket list: European tour with family.
Family: Married 18 years; son (11) and daughter (9)
Hobbies: Soccer, football and eating out. 
Startling fact: Ranked No. 2 out of 85,000 students in Nepal taking the annual certificate exam.