Suggestions
Linda Maclachlan
Chairperson of the Board at Entara
Professional Background
Linda Maclachlan is a dynamic and visionary leader in the technology sector, with over 17 years of experience as the founder and CEO of YJT Solutions, LLC. Under her leadership, YJT evolved from a technology-managed services firm focused specifically on the electronic trading industry into a more diversified company, necessitating a rebranding to Entara. This innovative shift underscores Linda’s commitment to repositioning the company to meet the ever-changing demands of the IT Managed Services and Cyber Security market. As Chairperson of the Board at Entara, she has continued to steer the company towards excellence, ensuring it remains at the forefront of technological advancements and service delivery.
At Entara, Linda has fostered an environment that prioritizes continual evolution and improvement, leading a firm that provides a suite of services including a 24x7 in-house help desk, robust cybersecurity solutions, expert breach remediation, and comprehensive IT infrastructure management. With a steadfast dedication to quality, the team at Entara is committed to doing “whatever we do, we do uncommonly well.”
The launch of the entaraWorks platform exemplifies Linda’s forward-thinking approach—it is designed to guide clients smoothly into automation while also integrating seamless ServiceNow implementations. Notably, this platform is paired with ongoing managed services and a meticulously crafted roadmap that incorporates more than 850 best-practice IT checklist items, ensuring that all clients adhere to the highest IT standards.
As an advocate for personal and professional growth, Linda is actively dedicated to cultivating the next generation of industry leaders, offering opportunities that inspire and empower them to exceed their own expectations. Under her guidance, EntaraCorps members are not only employees but key players in a culture that cherishes innovation and promotes collaboration toward a cohesive future.
Education and Achievements
Linda’s educational background is a testament to her commitment to academic excellence and continual growth. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Iowa State University, laying a strong technical foundation for her career in technology. Further bolstering her credentials, Linda earned her Master of Management (MM) degree from the prestigious Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, where she was recognized as a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, an honor reserved for the top 10% of her class. Her diverse studies at prestigious institutions, including Sacred Heart School in Chicago and Indiana University, where she maintained an impressive GPA of 3.96, reflect her dedication to lifelong learning and development.
Linda's extensive volunteer work demonstrates her commitment to community engagement and social responsibility. She served as a volunteer at Exodus Refugee Immigration, indicating her passion for helping others find their way in challenging times. Her involvement in various organizations reflects her depth of knowledge and broad experience, including her tenure as a ski instructor with PSIA AASI Rocky Mountain and her strategic roles on numerous boards.
Notable Contributions and Involvement
Throughout her illustrious career, Linda Maclachlan has made significant contributions to the business community beyond her role at Entara. She co-founded Forecheck and held pivotal positions at notable companies, including Accenture, where she served as a Manager and Senior Consultant. Linda was also a vital component of the leadership team at Arthur Andersen, lending her expertise during a transformative period in business consulting.
Her role as a member of the CEO Peer Group at Vistage Worldwide, Inc. has further enriched her understanding of leadership dynamics and business strategy. Beyond corporate contributions, Linda’s service on the Board of Directors at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and the IT Board at the Futures Industry Association (FIA) highlights her commitment to enhancing industry standards and driving collaboration among leaders in technology.
Achievements
Linda has been recognized for her exemplary leadership and innovative strategies within the technology sector. Under her management, Entara has achieved significant growth, expanding its service offerings to ensure robust cybersecurity solutions that keep clients safe in an increasingly digital world. Her vision for automation and modernization within the IT landscape reflects her deep understanding of future trends and the needs of businesses aiming to thrive in the digital age.
Linda is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a mentor and leader who is shaping the future of the tech industry by empowering aspiring leaders within her organization. Through her coaching and dedication to fostering talent, she is building a stronger workforce ready to face the challenges of a rapidly changing technological ecosystem.
In conclusion, Linda Maclachlan's commitment to innovation, excellence, and mentorship represents the very essence of what it means to be a leader in the rapidly evolving field of IT Managed Services and Cyber Security. Her passion for helping clients navigate their journey to automation and technological advancement ensures that both Entara and its clients are not just participants in the future but are indeed at the cutting edge of it.
