Interim CIO for Transportation and Logistics Solutions Company
Objective
A leading provider of same-day transportation and logistics services based in Atlanta GA was in need of a senior Information Technology executive to help assess their current IT organization, to determine the state of their proprietary software applications being used by their delivery personnel and clients, and to create a technology roadmap for the company going forward. The existing IT leadership responsibilities were being performed on a part-time basis by other executives in the organization. What was now needed was an experienced CIO with strong technical and business wisdom, with strong leadership, and who could bridge the gap between strategy and execution. In addition to the challenges associated with IT, the organization was going through some major changes that added to the complexity of the environment and instability of the organization. The individual assuming the CIO positon would also need to handle a dynamic organizational structure while having the ability to influence senior executives.
Process
Through their network, the organization had inquired who has the Information Technology connections to senior IT executives in the Atlanta area and Jim Montembeau was selected. Initially, the organization was not sure what level IT person was needed to help the company overcome their IT challenges. After meeting with Jim the organization decided that a dedicated CIO was what they needed. The search began by engaging Jim and his team to dive deep into their local network to not only find the right candidate on paper, but to also find someone with an excellent reputation of leadership and execution. Within a few weeks the candidate pool was narrowed down to a small slate of qualified CIOs at a variety of levels.
Results
All the candidates were interviewed by the executive staff, and one stood out above the rest. Linda Hughes is well known in the Atlanta IT community and beyond. She is a strategist, a tactician, and a leader who understands both technology and business. During the final rounds of interviews Linda along with the organization determined that it would be best to have Linda on board as a CIO in Residence to help them through this transitionary period. Linda was selected and came on board under her company The Great Ridge Company.
Testimonial
Linda Hughes – “When Jim first contacted me about this role I was certainly intrigued. Jim is well known in the IT community as being a straightforward, trusted advisor to many IT Executives. Jim tells it like it is and has a manner of communicating that keeps your interest. We talked often during the interview and negotiating process. Bottom line, he did his job and did it well. Everyone was happy. I would recommend Jim to anyone needing IT resources.