I’m based in Lexington, Kentucky. I have been here for the last 24 years. I have had a great career and have been very fortunate to work with many great people that have mentored me along the way. I am a 2x time CIO/CTO, spending the last 5+ years in CxO roles. I have been working in the technology industry for almost 25+ years. I have worked for some amazing organizations IBM, University of Kentucky, Schneider Electric, Brightspring Healthcare and more.
My journey to the C-Suite has been marked by a series of strategic roles and key milestones that have honed my expertise and leadership skills in technology and business management.
I began my career in technology at IBM, where I served as a Technical Solution Architect and Server Services Team Lead. This foundational phase was crucial, as it allowed me to develop a deep understanding of technical solutions and client services, focusing on delivering value through technology and services. Managing technical resources and engaging in customer-facing roles provided me with a diverse skill set and a strong foundation in both technical and business aspects of IT services.
Moving to the University of Kentucky as the Director of Enterprise Architecture & Cloud Computing, I took on the responsibility of shaping the institution's IT roadmap. This role was a significant step up as it involved leading the development of advanced analytics and cloud programs. Negotiating contracts and serving as a key resource for technical and procurement strategies were important milestones that prepared me for future leadership roles.
At Schneider Electric, as the Director of Enterprise Architecture for North America, I expanded my scope to strategic and technical decisions, focusing on cloud computing, analytics, and business continuity. Starting a Data Governance program here was a key milestone that showcased my ability to lead strategic initiatives within a global corporation.
My role as Vice President of Enterprise Infrastructure & Architecture at BrightSpring Health further solidified my leadership skills. The experience in M&A activities and developing cloud strategies was instrumental in paving the way to my current role.
Finally, at Envera Health, I have reached the to-date apex of my career. Leading digital transformation initiatives that have significantly increased company margins and modernized our technology stack with AI/ML are among the defining milestones of my tenure here. Growth due to these efforts has been a remarkable achievement that encapsulates the essence of my professional journey – blending innovation with strategic business growth.
Throughout this path, I have placed a strong emphasis on mentoring, building high-performing teams, and fostering excellent relationships both within and outside the organizations I have been part of. The journey to my current position has not only been about personal growth but also about the collective success of the teams I have led and the organizations I have served.
The thought of reaching the C-Suite was once beyond my imagination. I am incredibly grateful and privileged to find myself in such a distinguished position. My journey here has been a fortunate blend of serendipity, dedicated effort, and the advantage of being at the right place at the opportune moment.
Upon reflection, I attribute my progress to a steadfast work ethic, an insatiable thirst for knowledge that aligns with my innate curiosity, and a commitment to fostering strong teams and relationships. My passion for mentoring and nurturing talent, coupled with a steadfast commitment to integrity, has paved the way for recognition, progressively greater responsibilities, and more significant opportunities.
My success is not a solo achievement but a tapestry woven with the support of those around me – my family, friends, and invaluable colleagues with whom I've had the pleasure to collaborate throughout my career. Their influence has been instrumental in shaping the professional I am today.
Have you had a role model or mentor that has helped you on your journey? (If you feel comfortable, please share their name and how they helped you)
Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to have numerous role models and mentors who have significantly influenced my professional path. I am particularly thankful for the leaders early in my career who recognized and nurtured my potential, instilling in me the belief that I was capable of achieving great things. Their confidence in my abilities was a critical catalyst for my growth both personal and professional.
How do you see the role of the technology leader evolving over the next 5 years?
Technology will continue to become foundational to every organization. It's moved beyond a supportive backstage role to assume a starring position at the forefront of business strategy. The integration of technology is vital to the success of every enterprise, irrespective of the industry. Reflecting this shift, we're witnessing more Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) stepping into direct reporting lines with Chief Executive Officers (CEOs). Moreover, the evolution of CIOs and CTOs into Chief Operating Officers (COOs) and CEOs is becoming increasingly common, highlighting the growing significance of their roles. This evolution is a clear indicator of technology's integral and expanding influence on corporate success. For those building their careers in the realm of technology, there's never been a more opportune time. The field of technology is not just burgeoning; it's at the heart of where the action is – an exciting and promising sphere to be a part of.
Keeping current with new skills, technologies, and personal development in today's fast-paced world involves a proactive and multifaceted approach: Continuous Education, Mentorship and Coaching, Personal Projects, Teaching, Independent Research Studies, and Hands-on Practice (Nothing can replace it).
The maturation and widespread adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning. As these technologies become more sophisticated, they will continue to transform healthcare and more industries by enabling more accurate data analysis, automating tasks, personalizing services, and fostering innovation. This can reduce healthcare costs & improve patient outcomes through technology. In the end, it's about making the world a better place through technology. We're at the proverbial "Tip of the Iceberg."
"Don't lose sight of the big picture"
Don't lose sight of the big picture - Prioritize Health and Well-being, Develop Others, Stay Humble, Maintain Unapproachable Ethical Integrity, Be Mindful, and Enjoy the Journey.
The next phase of my career involves seeking a board position within a public company or becoming an operating partner at a private equity firm. With my extensive experience in both technology and business, I believe I have valuable insights to contribute to both roles, and I'm eager to share my knowledge and expertise with an organization that aligns with my vision and values.
Conservation - We have one planet and we must do better for the future of humanity.
A big thank you to Jason Conley from Envera Health for sharing his journey to date.
If you would like to gain more perspective from Tech Leaders and CIOs you can read some of our other interviews here.