Testimonials
Council resources and peer discussions help us refine our strategies and develop key leaders."
David Wright, CIO
Capital One PLC, Europe
The Pathways program in its entirety has given me a great awareness of what is going on in the industry and the transformation that we are currently going through. The transformation has become apparent through the networking opportunities with other IT executives, through the programs and presentations at the conferences, and through the volumes of materials and discussions made available to us."
Garrett Gleason, Vice President IT
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
The Council provides a noncompetitive, nonthreatening environment for CIOs to exchange information, discuss challenges and opportunities, and share experiences, which can and do make a difference in each of our professional lives. "
Helen Polatajko, Senior VP and CIO
CIBC Mellon, Canada
The Executive Women in Business workshop proved to be an excellent session for our group. Pamela Rucker brought down to earth and personal stories to the session which helped everyone in the group relate to the information. Everyone walked away with several action items to implement. Don’t be misled by this event being sponsored by the CIO Executive Council, the content is for all women! "
Twila Day, SVP CIO
Sysco Corporation
One of the most rewarding opportunities that I feel is provided by Pathways is the CIO mentorship program. I have been more than fortunate to have been a part of two mentorship workgroups, both led by two outstanding CIOs, during my early Pathways sessions (Steven John & Steve Finnerty). This year that was followed by dedicated one-on-one coaching time with one of the best CIO’s in the business today, Larry Bonfante. Being able to engage with leaders that are at the pinnacle of their game is an invaluable educational resource. Learning from those masters makes the Pathways program truly unique in what it provides to developing leaders. What I have gotten out of the program so far has been so rewarding that it instills in me the goal of becoming one of the mentors for future Pathways participants (if the Council will have me). I cannot recommend the mentorship program enough."
Michael Kohlman, Global Infrastructure
Cook Group
The CIO Executive Council Pathways Program has been invaluable and a lot of fun. I have met some real cool professionals, dynamic speakers, amazing colleagues and a CIO staff who have been instrumental in my professional growth. The consistent approach to information sharing and collaboration has been remarkable. The idea of sharing a problem, discussing a trend, reviewing best practices and striving for excellence with a group of IT professionals have been most rewarding and educational. The Harvard Business School journey along with the mentors have helped to position me to the next level. I am so pleased to be a part of a program that has demonstrated compassion, thoroughness, leadership, commitment and the determination to help others achieve their professional goals."
Paulette Foxx Dawodu, Applications Manager
American Federation of Teachers
My involvement in the Council's Pathways program has been invaluable to me as I lay the groundwork for my professional development. The mentoring and collaboration with so many accomplished individuals creates a network of experience, counsel and guidance that is vital to the progressive development of any CIO. I believe the connections I have made through the CIO Executive Council will be viable throughout my career. "
Matt DeJohn, IT Director
Christian Science Publishing Society
The opportunity to meet and interact with people who have created success in IT and learn from them what is working and what isn’t. That chance to get exposure to their ideas and experiences (either one-on-one or at the group level) has absolutely been a influencer in the ideas and approaches that I have taken back to the enterprise as well as how I have approached my career. I’m not sure one can put a dollar amount on that."
Michael Kohlman, Information Systems Manager
Cook Group Incorporated
I believe one of the responsibilities of a leader is to share experiences and prepare the next generation of leaders to continue our progress as an industry. Mentoring is one small way to give back for the wonderful experiences I have had. "
Larry Bonfante, CIO
United States Tennis Association
The opportunity to share experiences with peers in the industry, the opportunity to blog on issues and ideas, and obtain input from your peers, then receiving perspectives from CIOs outside your company all combine to provide new awareness and perspectives to personal management and leadership roles. I then ensure that I take this exposure to those that I manage and mentor which provides a cascade of knowledge sharing throughout the organization."
Scott Cooper, Global Service Delivery Manager
Fluor Corporation