Bio: A St Louis native, grew up in the 70’s and 80’s…and have lived in St Louis most of my life. I have 3 incredible children (22,20 and 17 years old) who keep me young and on my toes. I found an interest in technology as a young kid…taking programming classes. I’d check out computer programming magazines from the library and try copying and altering code at home on my Apple 2e. Later in life I remembered that hobby and decided to change my college degree to Computer Science….setting the career path I’d follow.
Once I finished my BS degree I moved back to St Louis after spending a few years in Chicago…and I started working in Software Development for Talx Corporation (now Equifax). From there I moved into a few different industries as a consultant and eventually moved into Project Management while I worked through my MBA at Washington University in St Louis. This time in my life helped me learn how to prioritize….between work life, home life, 2 babies at home, personal relationships and my school work. I moved into Leadership shortly after I graduated and launched myself into a mission to holistically lead technology teams.
Today, as a VP of IT, I create and implement technology solutions that support and enhance the mission of this non-profit organization. With over 20 years of IT experience, I have a diverse background in software development, infrastructure, security, project management, and business intelligence. I have spent my career surpassing corporate objectives in the retail, insurance, manufacturing and non-profit spaces. I am passionate about using technology to empower people and communities, and about leadership and helping people empower themselves and their peers. I embrace servant leadership, focusing on collaboration and upward momentum. My adaptive style blends visionary and affiliative approaches, shaped by the situation and the team’s needs. I’m passionate about aligning strategies with purpose while nurturing my team’s growth in skills and leadership.
Effective communication, honesty, and adaptability are key to my leadership. I lead by example, staying involved in the challenges my team faces while empowering autonomy by aligning tasks with individual strengths. I prioritize development and create opportunities for growth. Believing a leader’s energy sets the tone, I remain composed, guiding the team with a calm, steady presence. My people-first approach includes mentoring, providing learning opportunities, and celebrating successes. I use SMART goals, continuous feedback, and Start/Stop/Continue reviews to keep us focused and adaptable.
I value learning from failure and encourage experimentation and risk-taking as pathways to growth. By fostering a culture of ownership and continuous improvement, I help my team thrive.
Ken’s Something Extra: “A smile.”
