The CIO as Civic Architect: Building Systems that Serve, Not Just Function
The Role Is Changing—And It Should When I first started in IT, the CIO’s job was clear: keep the systems running. You managed your infrastructure, made sure the network stayed up, and kept support tickets moving. In the world of utilities, that meant ensuring operational continuity, managing risk, and delivering internal service. But over the […]
Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Passing Down Institutional Wisdom in Public Utilities
A Silent Transition Is Underway In every utility I’ve worked in—whether electric or water, public or private—I’ve seen the same story unfolding quietly behind the scenes: experienced employees retiring in waves, taking with them decades of institutional knowledge. And it’s not just technical expertise that’s walking out the door—it’s local insight, crisis-tested judgment, and the […]
Quiet Leadership in Critical Infrastructure: Lessons from the Utility CIO Chair
Leadership That Doesn’t Shout When people think of leadership, they often imagine someone at a podium, commanding a room, delivering bold messages and rousing speeches. That’s one kind of leadership—but it’s not the only kind. And in my experience, it’s not the kind that keeps the lights on or the water flowing. In the world […]
The Untold Tech Stories Behind America’s Deregulated Energy Market
The Shift That Changed Everything When people hear about the deregulated energy market in Texas, they usually think about policy, economics, or headlines about electricity prices. What rarely gets discussed—but played a critical role—is the technology behind that transformation. I had the opportunity to work at ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) during one of […]