LISLE, IL, November 20, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Brian Pichman has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

A Lifelong Passion for Technology, Libraries, and Learning

From the moment computers first appeared in classrooms, Brian Pichman was captivated by their potential to transform the way people learn and connect. In fifth grade, when his teacher, Mrs. Schneider, selected four students to explore these new machines and teach the rest of the class, she set in motion a lifelong passion for discovery, education, and technology. That early spark of curiosity would evolve into a distinguished career dedicated to helping libraries and educational institutions embrace innovation and deliver more impactful experiences for their communities.

Building Foundations for Innovation

Mr. Pichman began his professional journey at the Mokena Community Public Library District, where Director Phyllis Jacobek recognized his creative drive and encouraged him to lead as the library's first Director of Information Technology. Under her mentorship, he learned the power of innovation within the library world—working with vendors, building partnerships, and ultimately laying the foundation for what would become Evolve Project.

Building Bridges, Inspiring Change

Evolve Project was created from a belief that libraries are not just repositories of books but vibrant community spaces for creativity, collaboration, and lifelong learning. Through this initiative, Mr. Pichman has helped libraries and schools around the world redesign their services and reimagine how technology can drive engagement, inclusion, and discovery.

The project has become a global movement that connects technologists, librarians, educators, and community leaders to explore how emerging tools can transform learning environments. From interactive technology and digital engagement to innovative program design, Evolve Project fosters collaboration, experimentation, and inspiration—helping institutions evolve alongside their communities.

Leadership at ByWater Solutions

Today, Mr. Pichman serves as Head of Partner Success and Outreach at ByWater Solutions, a leading provider of open-source technology and services for libraries. In this capacity, he leads initiatives that strengthen client relationships, streamline technology adoption, and help libraries make the most of open-source tools to expand access, efficiency, and impact.

Mr. Pichman takes great pride in ByWater's mission to help libraries and educational institutions do more with technology, regardless of size or funding. He credits the company's founders, Nate Curulla and Brendan Gallagher, as role models for what strong, ethical leadership in the library technology industry looks like—collaborative, transparent, and community-driven.

Expanding the Reach of Innovation

Prior to his tenure at ByWater Solutions, Mr. Pichman worked with Collegis Education, where he helped design and scale a global helpdesk supporting nearly 100 universities around the world. It was during this time that he met Justin Denton, a former IBM technologist whose creativity and mentorship deepened Brian's passion for innovation and cutting-edge problem-solving. Together, they explored the potential of artificial intelligence, automation, and next-generation technologies, reinforcing Brian's commitment to pushing boundaries and helping institutions modernize.

Today, Mr. Pichman is recognized internationally as a leader in AI and innovation, having presented at conferences and summits across North America, Europe, and beyond. His work encourages libraries, schools, and organizations to think boldly about the future—embracing technology not as a replacement for people, but as a tool that strengthens connection, creativity, and access to knowledge.

Mentorship and Recognition

Throughout his career, Mr. Pichman has been guided by remarkable mentors within the library and technology communities. Industry leaders Jane Dysart, Rebecca Jones, and Stephen Abrams were among the first to encourage him to share his ideas on innovation at conferences—opening doors that would lead him to become a respected global speaker and thought leader.

Since then, he has become a member of the U.S. Speaker Program, authored and contributed to numerous professional publications, and received a range of honors, including the Library Innovator Award from the Ontario Library Association. His talks, writings, and mentorship continue to inspire professionals around the world to explore new possibilities for libraries and education.

Service and Commitment to Community

Beyond his professional roles, Mr. Pichman is dedicated to giving back to the communities he serves. He hosts websites for libraries in need and volunteers his free time to build small software tools for nonprofit organizations that support learning, literacy, and community development. This spirit of service reflects his lifelong belief that technology should empower people and break down barriers—not create them.

Advancing Artificial Intelligence and Ethical Innovation

In recent years, Mr. Pichman has emerged as a leading voice in artificial intelligence within libraries and education, helping organizations explore how AI can be used safely, ethically, and effectively. His initiatives focus on bridging curiosity and confidence—teaching professionals how to integrate AI tools responsibly while maintaining transparency, privacy, and human-centered design.

Through workshops, keynote presentations, and collaborative projects, he empowers educators, librarians, and nonprofit leaders to see AI not as a replacement for people but as a tool that enhances creativity, decision-making, and community impact. Mr. Pichman continues to develop practical frameworks for ethical AI adoption and leads discussions worldwide on how technology can support access to knowledge, equity, and lifelong learning.

Looking Forward

As he continues to lead and inspire, Mr. Pichman remains committed to helping libraries and educational institutions achieve more with technology, remove barriers to innovation, and deliver meaningful change in their communities. Through his leadership at ByWater Solutions, his ongoing work with Evolve Project, and his dedication to mentorship and collaboration, he continues to embody the principles of creativity, service, and lifelong learning.

"Libraries and schools have always been about people and connection," he often says. "Technology simply gives us more ways to make those connections stronger."

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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