Software company Wide Open Tech has changed hands with a recent acquisition, according to a press release.

The Wilmington-based company has been acquired by Jessie Powell, the new head of operations.

Founder and previous owner John Cornelius will continue in an advisory and business development role, the press release stated.

The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Powell, who has been in the technology field for more than 15 years, said he was motivated to acquire the company after learning from both large and small companies.

“I saw an opportunity where I could both give back to the community and develop additional skills at the same time,” Powell said in an email this week. “Acquiring a company to run, matches my skill set of operational leadership but challenges new areas such as business development.”

With a master's degree in management information systems, Powell brings experience leading programs, projects and teams at companies including Carnival Cruise Line, MTN Satellite Communications, Applied Card Systems and Speedcast, according to the press release.

Wide Open Tech was founded in 2002 and has two locations, one in Wilmington and another in Boca Raton, Florida. It provides software development and digital marketing services.

Some projects it has worked on include web design and Facebook ads for Blue Surf, web app development for Performance Culture, web design and marketing for Kayak Carolina and more.

The company, which currently has 10 employees and hires additional workers on a project basis, is looking to expand.

“We're working towards growth because that means we can offer more jobs and opportunities in the tech and marketing space, and it also means offering more solutions to more businesses nationwide,” Powell said.

Powell said he has several goals for the company including getting closer to existing customers to help them grow sales and reduce their costs, continuing to invest in employees through training and adherence to best practices and developing new business relationships within the community.

“We've greatly enjoyed offering software and marketing solutions to local businesses in Wilmington and nationwide," he said, "and we're so excited to see how we can support the community here even more."