GLENN D. MACK
Chief Information Officer at N.C. Department of Public Safety
Can you please provide a little introduction about yourself
Based in Raleigh, North Carolina. I am the Chief Information Officer for the NC Department of Public Safety which is the largest department in North Carolina.
What has your journey to your position been like? What path have you taken?
I’ve had an amazing journey to my current role. I graduated from East Carolina University with a BS in Computer Science in the early 90s. Go Pirates!! I started in an entry-level position building computers and installing LANs. From there, I worked my way through various progressive positions picking up numerous technology skills and a style focused on customer service. I spent 3 years working for Novell as an international consultant which led to a greater understanding of technology on a global scale. I’ve made many friends along the way and I firmly believe that building relationships goes a long way to success.
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?
I knew at an early age that I wanted to lead in some capacity. I wasn’t sure what that was going to be, but I discovered during my journey that technology was my path to achieve those goals. It’s a calling.
Have you had a role model or mentor that has helped you on your journey?
Role models are essential and I’ve had many in my life starting with my parents Robert and Lynn – they instilled a vibrant and dedicated work ethic in me at an early age. In my teen years, it was Jim Fritts – he gave me my first job in a department store and he showed me the importance of hard work even though I didn’t make very much money at the time. My next mentor was Wade Wellborn. He gave me my first job in IT. It was a small company and everything we did affected the bottom line. I learned a lot there. My next mentor was Brian Austin with the State of NC – he took me under his wing and has been a close friend ever since. There were many more over the coming years during my journey including: Ray Honeycutt, the honorable judge and former Secretary Reuben Young who taught me kindness, empathy, yet leading with a firm direction. Lastly and most recently, Tracy Doaks – she believed in me and helped guide me to my most recent position of CIO for Public Safety. I owe a lot to my mentors and each played an important role to help guide me to where I am today.
How do you see the role of the technology leader evolving over the next 5 years?
The role must become more agile – the technology keeps evolving and so should we.
What skills do you think leaders of the future will need in order to thrive?
Listening, collaboration and the ability to see through the noise to achieve the big picture goals. Cannot leave out building relationships. That’s so important!
How do you keep current with new skills, technologies and personal development?
Reading, Listening, Consulting with vendor partners and searching for that next mentor.
What do you see as the next leap in technology that will impact your business or industry in particular?
More AI, a move to cloud-based solutions and advancements in networking/collaboration tools.
"Find that balance between listening and consulting."
If you were mentoring a leader of the future, what advice or guidance would you give to help them on their way?
Find that balance between listening and consulting. Build relationships and to understand the business you are supporting – To be “all in”.
Is there anything in particular that you would still like to achieve in your career or what is the next step on your journey?
I still have big plans to lead the continued modernization and innovative solutions for my department. I want my department to be a showcased leader in the United States for innovative solutions in our respective space. Where that leads me next I have no idea. I just know that my journey is not over and I look forward to where it will take me.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
Find a cure for Cancer.
A big thank you to Glenn D. Mack from N.C. Department of Public Safety 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.
