CARMEL, Ind. -

NextGear Capital chief technology officer Bryan Everly recently was named CTO of the Year by the Indianapolis Business Journal and TechPoint, while Peter Kelly of KAR Auction Services was among the finalists.

The company highlighted Everly, who took home the award in the Private Companies Over $100 Million Revenue category, was awarded this distinction for his efforts in helping the inventory finance provider grow its technology products and team.

“Bryan’s leadership and passion have brought a new level of agility to our initiatives,” NextGear Capital president Brian Geitner said. “This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work Bryan and his team have put in over the last year and we are proud of how they have represented both NextGear Capital and Cox Automotive.”

Since joining the company in 2014, Everly has taken a software development team of three and expanded it to more than 150 software professionals while also putting measures in place to enhance NextGear Capital’s Web and mobile platforms, infrastructure and security.

Earlier this year, NextGear Capital — one of the many sponsors signed up to be a part of Used Car Week — received the IT Services for Business Mira Award from TechPoint for its development and implementation of a proprietary ERP/CRM/mobile platform, which contributed to the company doubling its revenue in 2014.

In response to receiving the latest award, Everly said, "I was honored to even be nominated and even more so to have been selected. Something like this could not happen without amazing support from our leadership at NextGear Capital and more broadly, Cox Automotive.

“In addition, I have been blessed with an amazing team that sets the bar higher every day with their incredible work,” Everly added.

Kelly, chief technology officer of KAR Auction Services and president of the company’s digital services group, was selected as a CTO of the Year finalist among public companies.

The CTO of the Year program honors CTOs who play vital roles in making Indianapolis businesses, institutions and not-for-profit groups successful. These individuals, along with their CEOs, impact all aspects of the business, including growth, profitability, functionality and competitiveness.

Finalists were honored at The CTO of the Year Awards event on Wednesday.

“Peter is much deserving of this recognition, and we are proud of his accomplishments and contributions to the growth of the KAR group of companies. Since he joined our team in 2011, his guidance and insight have been instrumental to bringing our technology-driven vision to life,” KAR chief executive officer Jim Hallett said.

“This recognition is a reflection of Peter’s unique expertise in the auto remarketing industry and his dedication to continue to take KAR’s technology to the next level,” Hallett added.

Kelly’s experience in the technology industry began in 1999 when he co-founded OPENLANE, an online vehicle auction company that is designed to make the wholesale remarketing process easier and more efficient for dealers. Kelly began his career with KAR Auction Services when KAR acquired OPENLANE in 2011.

Since the acquisition, Kelly has served in multiple leadership roles throughout the company. Kelly is also the president of KAR’s digital services group, which is comprised of KAR’s technology and digital-focused business units, including OPENLANE, CarsArrive Network and Recovery Database Network.

A complete list of winners and finalists can be found here.