Walk us through your CIO path. How did you decide to pursue a career in technology?
I had started programming in BASIC during elementary school and would program simple games at home during my middle school years. So, I guess you could say that technology came naturally to me. When it came time to head to college, I studied engineering at first, but quickly reverted to form and went with information systems management for my BS. I then followed that up with an MS in technology management and finally, an MBA.
My career path to get from an entry-level programmer to CIO was thanks largely to the mentoring I received along the way from two CIOs. They gave me the guidance, training, and encouragement to set me up for future success as a CIO, and I am incredibly thankful to have met them when I did.
What do you think are the biggest issues facing CIOs in your industry?
The single biggest issue facing CIOs in any industry is cybersecurity. The threats to our data are real and increasing every day. All CIOs need to have plans in place, and practice them, for when they get hit by a cyber threat.
The second biggest issue facing CIOs today is the breadth and depth of available solutions in the marketplace. Whether your organization is a REIT, a manufacturer, or a non-profit, there are no end of choices for solutions in the marketplace for you to choose from. If you are looking for a new HRIS, there are dozens of them, and hundreds of help desk platforms to help you track your tickets. I have always found an independent research organization, like Info-Tech, to be invaluable in sifting through the options.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be a CIO?
In a word, “network,” and I don’t mean Cisco. The only way to move up to a CIO-level position is to expand and maintain your professional network. Without good, solid contacts, you will never be able to get past the HR gatekeepers and have your resume put in front of the CEO.
Another bit of advice is to solicit feedback and mentoring from current CIOs. If you are not comfortable with asking your current CIO for career advice, work your network to find someone you can trust to help give you guidance along the way.
How do you decompress from your role as a technology executive? What do you do for fun?
I am lucky that I live on a very laid-back island in the Chesapeake Bay where there is always something fun to do, and friends to help each other decompress after work. Personally, I prefer to get outside and relax by swimming, fishing, boating, or just sitting by the water reading and listening to the Orioles game.
I also spend a great deal of time volunteering, and I have found it to be incredibly rewarding. Meeting good people from different walks of life, and even doing some professional networking while you are at it, adds to the benefits of volunteering to help others.
Can you list your top 1-3 books that you would recommend for a technology leader to have on their bookshelf/Kindle?
Jeanne Ross, Cynthia Beath & Martin Mocker – Designed for Digital
Can you share a specific quote that is a source of inspiration for you as a leader?
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Sir Winston Churchill
Please share a recommendation or testimonial on the benefit you see as a member of this CIO Professional Network.
The CIO Professional Network has been incredibly beneficial to me as I continue along my career path. While LinkedIn is a place to see updates from current & former colleagues, as well as any organizations you may follow, it simply cannot compete with a purpose-built professional network such as the CIO Professional Network. I know that I can go to the network’s CIO Exchange and raise a question about a new system implementation and receive feedback from fellow CIOs, rather than marketing hits from system vendors.
The roundtables, learning series, and community discussions have also proven to be invaluable. Participating in the CIOs in Transition meetings, where we tried to help and support one another through the incredibly difficult job search process, were delightful to me. They helped you to realize that you were not alone in your job search.
