9-year-old from Naples named CEO of tech firm — for a day

A nine year old from Naples recently got to be on top of the world — the business world, at least. 

The young girl, Nova Evenson, was recently named CEO for the Day at Utah-based Gabb, which sells safephones, safewatches apps and software for kids and teens. This is the second year the company, which was founded in 2018 and made the Inc. 500 list for fast-growing companies this year, has held a CEO for a Day event. 

During her time as CEO, Nova led the monthly companywide meeting, where the department heads shared Gabb’s 2024 reports for her approval, the release states. She also led meetings with Gabb executives, product brainstorming sessions and discussions on safe tech for kids. “Because she loves step tracking with her Gabb Watch, she challenged the team to increase their daily steps through “walking meetings,’” the release states. (Nova; her mom, Angel; and dad, Eric, shared with the company how the Gabb Watch 3 she got for Christmas last year has helped her stay connected after her family moved and how it gave them peace of mind after a particularly challenging bullying situation.)

Nova pitched a campaign to collect everyone’s favorite text messages from their families and friends. The idea, the company says, “was inspired by a treasured text message from her grandfather, who recently passed away.” The day also included a service project fulfilling gift wishes and providing free safe tech for the nonprofit Utah Parent Center’s holiday program for kids with disabilities facing financial challenges.

“It was so wonderful,” said Nova about her day as CEO. “I wasn’t expecting anything like that. The people made it so great.”

Gabb, meanwhile, celebrated Nova with a special playlist on Gabb Music+ titled Boss Beats. The special edition playlist featured a walk-on song and a “collection of inspiring, uplifting and empowering songs from across the family-friendly Gabb Music streaming catalog,” the company says. 

“Our Gabb CEO for the Day reminds us all that the heart of our company is safe connections,” Gabb CEO Nate Randle says in the release. “Nova’s Gabb Watch connects her with her family and provides support during tough challenges, but she is the hero of her story. She has exemplified bravery and great leadership. She has left a lasting impact on our Gabb team.”