How long have you been with Atiba and what is your role?

I’ve been part of the Atiba team for 14 years. I have had many different roles at Atiba, but I am currently Lead Developer and Team Lead on the Custom Software side of the house.

What is your favorite part about working at Atiba?

I’m a sucker for knowledge and consulting gives me the opportunity to be exposed to so much knowledge outside of just software development. I can find out how a boiler works, how stress on certain metals can be measured, or how a warehouse can be organized to make it most efficient.

What motivates you to wake up and go to work?

The interesting challenges I may face and hopefully solve that day.

What’s your proudest accomplishment so far?

I recently earned my 3rd-degree black belt in Taekwondo. It was a big undertaking and I’m grateful I had the opportunity to continue my training.

What led you to get into your work today?

I graduated from college with a BFA in Graphic Design which led me to design websites. The business units started wanting the designs to be more interactive before they signed off for the development team to build out. That required me to utilize Javascript and even a little classic ASP which was my first introduction to coding and I loved it.

Are you a morning or evening person, why?

I am definitely a morning person. I love watching the sunrise and feeling the calmness of a new day starting.

If you could high-five one celebrity, who would it be?

No question it would be Sarah Michelle Gellar. I’m a huge BTVS fan!

Cyber attacks are on the rise, especially in light of COVID-19. Businesses often focus solely on protecting their physical infrastructure, but employees working from home can pose an added security risk to your organization. The tips below can help employees secure their home network and protect your business.

1. Name Wireless Network a Number

Using your name in the name of your wireless network makes it easier for hackers to identify you. Use a number or other anonymous term to avoid linking your network name with your personal information.

2. Change Admin Password

Whether you’re using something standard like a Comcast firewall, an upgraded SOHO firewall, or anything in between, make sure you change the admin login from the default factory setting. Hackers look for devices with untouched default settings.

3. Encrypt with WPA2 or WPA3

When setting up a wireless connection on your firewall, there are typically choices of encryption. Choose either WPA2 or WPA3. Avoid WEP. The WPA options will be the most secure.

4. Turn Off WIFI When Away

It’s pretty simple, but many people overlook this step. Unplug your router when you’re going to be away from home for an extended period of time. It’s not possible to hack a router that is not plugged into power.

5. Check Placement of Router

Physically placing your WIFI router in the middle of your home will not only provide better coverage for more rooms, but it will also help keep the coverage limited to your home.

6. Use a Strong Password

Not only should you change your password from the default admin password, but also use a variety of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters. If you have trouble remembering a random series of characters, try using a full sentence with punctuation. 

7. Disable Remote Admin Access

This is typically turned on by default. Simply uncheck to disable the remote admin access and make it more difficult for hackers to access your network.

8. Patch Your Firewall and All Devices

Just like you update your PC or smartphone, your firewall needs to be updated. Ideally, turn on automatic updates to keep your device secure.

Don’t risk your business. If you need help with your home network security, reach out to one of our network specialists today.

How long have you been with Atiba and what is your role? 

I worked as outside counsel for Atiba for 10 years and have been in-house since July of 2019. I currently serve as the Chief Legal Counsel and the Chief Strategy Officer. 

What is your favorite part about working at Atiba? 

It would have to be the people. It’s hard to work with a company for a long time if it does not have great people. Atiba really does consist of some of the best people I have ever had the privilege of working with. 

What motivates you to wake up and go to work?

I left the practice of law because I did not feel challenged in my area of specialty. This made it difficult to get motivated to head into the office every day. Atiba, on the other hand, provides me with diverse challenges on a daily basis. A company with a nearly 30-year track history that still has room to grow is exciting and challenging at the same time. For me personally, that is the combination that I enjoy. 

What is something most people don’t know about you? 

That in July 2013- July 2014 I completed 52 triathlons in 52 weeks for a local charity…all with my wife and newborn first child packed into a small motorhome. 

What’s the best home-cooked meal you can make? 

I make a mean Bananas Foster.

Are you a morning or evening person, why? 

I am definitely a morning person. By about 8:30 PM I am wiped and looking for the bed. I naturally wake up early, so I like to get in my exercise and get the day started. 

Atiba has seen tremendous growth over the past year. Technology is playing an ever-growing part in our lives, especially in regards to remote work, virtual learning, and increased cyber threats. The demand for custom software solutions, robust websites, and secure network solutions is rapidly expanding. With this in mind, Atiba chose to bring in Jay Kelley to oversee the newly created sales and marketing teams. Jay will oversee strategic growth opportunities as Atiba looks to expand into additional markets and channels.  

“Jay continues to impress me with his creativity and diligence. He is a brilliant problem solver and truly cares about putting client needs first. I know he will bring tremendous value to our internal team, as well as our clients.” 

David Callahan
Chief Legal Officer/Chief Strategy Officer 

Jay brings a wealth of knowledge in the technology space. As a self-described “repeat entrepreneur,” Jay has spent his career creating innovative solutions. His unique experiences in a variety of fields allow him to truly understand client needs and serve as a bridge between developer and end-user. 

Prior to joining Atiba, Jay Kelley served as the CEO and a founding member of Peak Money, the first mobile app that combines goal-based savings with mindfulness tools. Peak began operations in January of 2018 and launched in the App Store in the Fall of 2018. 

He is also a Board Director at Spire Labs, a digital innovation company that builds products to support wellbeing. Spire Labs technology includes Spire, an enterprise social wellness platform for employers and health plans, and Rove, which offers simple, automated step tracking and competitions for individuals and organizations. Spire Labs has a small portfolio of other IPs and is a shareholder in Peak Money.  

Previously, Jay was a Founding Executive of The Documentary Channel, a national cable and satellite network that grew to more than 25 million homes before it was acquired by Participant Media in 2012. Jay raised the initial capital for the channel and served in a variety of top executive positions during his nine-year tenure with the company. He oversaw marketing and PR, commercial operations, digital and social platforms, advertising sales, strategic partnerships, and branded entertainment. Jay was instrumental in growing the network from idea to profitability, and in developing multi-platform partnerships with a number of Fortune 500 brands including P&G, ExxonMobil, and Red Bull. 

Before his involvement with The Documentary Channel, Jay worked in advertising and marketing, developing creative and strategy across all media for brands in the wireless, consumer packaged goods, and energy categories. His clients included Cricket Wireless, Litespeed Bicycles, TVA, Brach’s Candy, Krystal Restaurants, Five Star Ranges, and BullFrog, among others. 

Preceding his career in media and entertainment, Jay taught history and creative writing for several years, both at Johns Hopkins University and at international schools in Latin America and the Middle East. Jay has a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Sewanee. He currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee with his wife and two sons. 

Jay will focus on growing the Nashville software development division, as well as the network services offerings. He will be a great addition to the Atiba team. Welcome, Jay!