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Stephen Underwood
CIO at Illinois Department of Labor
Professional Background
Stephen Underwood is a seasoned IT professional with extensive experience in leadership and technology management. Demonstrating a relentless pursuit of innovation and value creation, Stephen has built a robust career transitioning through various influential roles. Currently serving as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at the Illinois Department of Labor, Stephen leverages his skills to help streamline operations and enhance service delivery through technology adoption and strategic planning.
His tenure at the Illinois Department of Labor showcases a dedication to facilitating organizational excellence by integrating innovative solutions that drive efficiency and productivity. Prior to his current role, he notably served as the Director of Technology and IT Manager at the Illinois Soybean Association, where he not only managed technological frameworks but also led initiatives that strengthened the association's IT infrastructure. Before these impactful positions, he embarked on his career as a Systems Integrator at Hanson Information Systems, paving his way with essential hands-on experience.
Education and Achievements
Stephen holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Information Systems from the Morris Graduate School of Management, a program that he completed with a focus on developing advanced skills in tech-driven business strategies. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Computer Science from Monmouth College, where he distinguished himself as a dedicated student, graduating with a commendable GPA of 3.7.
In pursuit of lifelong learning and continuous professional development, Stephen has participated in several prestigious leadership and strategy-building programs. These programs include:
- CIO Executive Council Pathways Program
- Robin Sharma's Game Changer Business System
- Illinois State's Leadership Excellence Program
- Gettysburg Leadership Experience
- Robin Sharma's Your Absolute Best Year Yet Masterclass
- Robin Sharma's Your Productivity Unleashed Masterclass
These experiences have equipped him with innovative leadership strategies and enhanced his ability to inspire, motivate, and execute within his teams, ultimately benefiting the organizations he has been a part of.
Conferences
Stephen has participated in multiple leading industry conferences which further demonstrate his commitment to staying at the forefront of technology and leadership. Notable conferences include:
- Drupalcon 2015
- CIO Leadership Conference
- Data+
- SNIA - Storage
- IT Premier 100
Attending these events allows him to network with peers, absorb current trends, and bring back valuable insights that can be applied within his work environment.
Achievements
Stephen's professional journey is marked by numerous accomplishments in the field of information technology and organizational leadership. He has been instrumental in executing technology solutions that foster innovation, improve efficiencies, and support strategic goals. His hands-on approach and ability to identify challenges have allowed him to address complex problems effectively, thus driving successful outcomes for the organizations he serves.
By continuously enhancing his skills through formal education and participative learning experiences, Stephen Underwood exemplifies the profile of a forward-thinking leader who is dedicated to leveraging technology to create value and inspire those around him.
