Strategic Engineering Leader | Principal Architect

Jarrod Connolly is a strategic engineering leader and principal architect with over 25 years of experience building and scaling high-impact systems in gaming, AI, and patented web technologies. He has led teams of 15+ engineers, including principals and managers, to deliver innovative solutions that drive business growth—from pioneering web platforms at startups like Tarasoft to optimizing infrastructures for millions of users at enterprises such as Kabam and Phoenix Labs. His expertise blends deep technical innovation, including R&D in RAG-based AI and compilers, with cultivating high-performing talent, mentoring emerging leaders, and aligning roadmaps to strategic objectives.

As Founder and CTO of Brightest Circle, Jarrod advises stealth-mode startups on technical vision and launches education-focused SaaS, while his open-source contributions to Node.js and speaking at OpenJS World demonstrate his commitment to community and distilling complex ideas for executives. Beyond tech, he chairs community boards, leading consensus-building and policy decisions that mirror engineering governance. Jarrod excels at driving efficiency—reducing toil, modernizing stacks for faster releases and security, and fostering collaborative cultures—consistently translating strategies into tangible outcomes.