CRYSTAL ALLEN
CIO at LUMA Energy
Can you please provide a little introduction about yourself
Presently living in Puerto Rico, I am on a mission to improve the island's Electric Grid, as the CIO of LUMA Energy. I believe LUMA Energy's Technology Department is a force for positive change in support of the transformation and modernization of the electrical grid.
LUMA Energy's Technology Department will enable a more resilient and sustainable power grid that supports economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity for the people of Puerto Rico. By investing in technology and innovation, I am confident that we can achieve this vision and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people of Puerto Rico.
What has your journey to your position been like? What path have you taken?
Prior to joining LUMA, I held the position of Innovation, Emerging Technology, and New Business Development Lead, reporting to the Chief Zero Carbon Officer and Chief Information Officer at the Sacramento Municipal Utility District, or SMUD, in California, a non-profit, transmission, distribution, and generation energy utility serving 2M customers in the Sacramento Valley. Prior to SMUD, I served as the Director of Information Technology for Firebirds, LLC, a national hospitality company, as Application Portfolio Manager for Lowe’s Home Improvement (LOW), and Program/Business Relationship Manager for Extended Stay America (STAY). Before the private sector, my technical career evolved through Military and US Government Agency service. At 17, I enlisted in the US Army and earned the rank of Sergeant and Paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. Deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. I've led multi-disciplinary technology departments in combat and Fortune 500 and Fortune 50 companies. Crystal has served on multiple industry boards, such as the InfraGard, as Chief Financial Officer - a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), members of the public and private sector for the protection of Critical Infrastructure, and the Information Technology Professional’s Association as President.
Has it always been your vision to reach the position you’re at? Was your current role part of your vision to become a tech leader?
Over 20 years ago, I set a vision to be the best leader of people and technology, as possible. My career goals have always encompassed earning the rank of CIO. Though, my goals do not stop here. Of course, I had no idea I would land in Puerto Rico, though thrilled about the opportunity.
Have you had a role model or mentor that has helped you on your journey?
Absolutely, several humans and organizations come to mind who have demonstrated leadership and mentorship along the way: The Girl Scouts of America, and my Troop Leader, Mrs. Horlick. SFC Brown and CSM Torres, of the 82nd Airborne Division. Mr. Woodruff, CIO of Hancock Askew, Mr. Smith, of Xcentric. Mr. Flynn, CIO of ESA, MR. Aliotti of SMUD. And always, my Veteran Sisters out there, especially Rachelle Steele of Steele Capture Photography.
How do you see the role of the technology leader evolving over the next 5 years?
The role of a technology leader will continue to evolve to be less behind the keyboard and more collaborative, driving business strategy and operational decisions. Technology Leaders must constantly evolve or we will not remain relevant in an ever-changing world of technology. Over the next 5 years, Artificial Intelligence will become more prevalent in daily business operations as an accompaniment to the soft skills human leaders bring to the table. Cybersecurity will continue to require a heightened state of vigilance and collaboration - if technology leaders are not having transparent conversations with peers and industry experts about the realities we face, we will lag behind.
What skills do you think leaders of the future will need in order to thrive?
The ability to learn and relearn technology, leverage emotional intelligence, leadership skills, and strategic decision-making.
How do you keep current with new skills, technologies and personal development?
Read. Listen. And ask a lot of questions.
What do you see as the next leap in technology that will impact your business or industry in particular?
For the Energy Industry, we are in the midst of a technology renaissance. We are directly impacted by the evolving demand of our customers, or prosumers. Future grid technologies; smart cities, micro-grids, peer to peer energy platforms are here - transforming energy business models. Critical Infrastructure organizations must be hyper-vigilant of cyber security threats due to ageing infrastructure, bad actors - state-sponsored or personally motivated, and other threats. The next big leap for Energy Technology is autonomous threat detection and remediation.
"What makes you different is your secret to success - be aware of your own imposter."
If you were mentoring a leader of the future, what advice or guidance would you give to help them on their way?
Understand your strengths. Lean into them. Be aware of your weaknesses but do not focus there. What makes you different is your secret to success - be aware of your own imposter.
Is there anything in particular that you would still like to achieve in your career or what is the next step on your journey?
Absolutely, I will own and operate a Bed and breakfast in the High Sierras, after corporate domination, of course.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
A big thank you to Crystal Allen from LUMA Energy for sharing her 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.
