Executive Spotlight!

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BIO

Name: Aleta Jeffress

Location: Denver, CO

Title & Company: CIO for the City of Aurora

Past Roles: CIO – Department of Revenue for the State of Indiana, Director of Federal Technical Services for Perpetual Technologies, VP of Software Development for OneBridge

Volunteer Experience: Board Member for CTA, Board Member for PCs for People, Computer Department Advisory Committee for the Community College of Aurora

Education: Indiana University Bloomington (BS, Public & Environmental Affairs)

PERSONAL

Describe an ideal weekend.

My ideal weekend is time with my husband where we can be outside, usually in the mountains (also my happy place) or on a coast! Good food, good wine, no schedule. We took a vacation years ago to the northwest that was 10 days of no schedule. Usually our next step or outing was dictated by what the waitress recommended at the dive/local restaurant where we had breakfast or lunch. We saw and experienced fabulous things that mostly were spur of the moment decisions – ferry rides, whales close enough to touch, great bakeries, and bed and breakfasts so far back in the woods you hoped you didn’t end up in a bad B movie.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

I would tell my 18-year-old self to not worry about anything being perfect. Take the (calculated) risk, there is no good time for just about anything, and trust your instincts. Don’t be in a hurry but keep learning and pursue the best of the best. Go big.

What is the last show you binge watched on Netflix?

Incidentally, I have never binge watched anything on Netflix. I did binge watch one of those awful pre-Netflix “Bachelor on Paradise Island” shows when I was 9 months pregnant and couldn’t move off the couch! The show was so slimy but 36 hours later I was still there.

PROFESSIONAL

What type of leader do you strive to be?

I strive to be a leader that can set team vision, and empower people to achieve it. Staff can only rise as high as their leader will allow, therefore as a leader I must continue to grow so they can grow as well. John C. Maxwell has been a key influence in how my leadership has evolved, and I believe even if you are gifted naturally you must still be intentional, coached, and pursue personal growth.

What determines whether a CIO succeeds or fails?

The CIO’s who succeed are those that know their customers and the business that makes their customers succeed. IT is a service, we enable business. We do not succeed independently and therefore I strive to truly understand what my customers require, and build those personal relationships along the way. All the frameworks and processes and rules IT relies on may still not drive the best decision. Do what’s right for the customer whenever possible. Lead them to success and create the environment for them to grow and you will impact them in ways you may not even realize.

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