LGBTQ Chief Information/Technology Officers
The role of a Chief Information/Technology Officer (CIO/CTO) is to keep an organization at the leading edge of technology adoption, both in terms of usage and security. As you can imagine, that is no easy task, what with the rapid pace of innovation in technology and the incessant threat of cyber-attacks on websites and communication systems. It is a relatively modern executive position within an organization, having been a senior-level position since the 1980s. Today, its importance is confirmed by the increasing number of CIO/CTOs who also sit on the organization's Board of Directors.
The CIO/CTO will make decisions on the purchase of technology equipment suitable to the enterprise. They will then ensure that employees are trained and efficient in the use of that technology. As improvements and new software uses arise for the organization, it will be the CIO/CTO's responsibility to create and implement those changes. The security of all aspects of technology is required, and proper corporate governance procedures must be enacted to ensure the appropriate use of technology by employees.
The CIO/CTO generally works alongside the Chief Executive Officer or Managing Executive Director of an organization. In technology companies themselves, the CIO/CTO may very well be the most senior officer.
We have identified a small group of LGBTQ CIO/CTOs. You will note they held very important positions in both government and the private sector. They are equally spread out between male and female, and Amanda Simpson is the first transgender to be appointed to federal government administration. Read their biographies to find out more fascinating information about these individuals:
- Brook Colangelo, United States - Chief Information Officer, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt publishing and education house; former CIO, the White House
- Ryan McGill, United States - Chief Information Office, United States Marine Corp/Army Reserve
- Amanda Simpson, United States - transgender Chief Information Officer, the United States Army
- Harry Small, Great Britain - former Chief Information Officer, Baker & McKenzie law firm
- Megan Smith, United States - Chief Technology Officer, United States Government
- Anthony Watson, Great Britain - Chief Information Officer, Nike
- Stan Zanarotti, United States - Chief Technology Officer, Dimensional Insight
