Friday, October 15th is my last day to serve this amazing organization as President & CEO. I embrace this change with mixed emotions: I am super excited about what lies ahead for me in the world of retirement, I’m tearful and moved by the work that has been accomplished, and I am excited as Johanna Jones takes the reigns to lead us forward.

I want to thank our members for continuing to champion the mission of this organization. Our founders were clear about why they created ITSMF, and it has been built on a foundation of giving back and helping others. This is evidenced by every academy participant who has been mentored, every college student and alliance partner who was given access to your insights and expertise, and in the helping hand that you extended to someone you recognized needed support. This is one of the aspects of this family that makes us so unique.

I thank our partners for believing in and supporting the mission of ITSMF, holistically. Your commitment to change the diversity, equity, and inclusion narrative has enabled us to pour into and develop your technology leaders of tomorrow. I’m so proud of and have been touched by each and every one of our academy graduates.

To the current and former board members, thank you for always standing by my side as we made tough decisions, and for giving so selflessly of your time to help us grow into a $3.2 million dollar organization, impacting thousands of lives.

Finally, the mighty Management Team who worked tirelessly and with compassion and love for this family and for each other, I could not have achieved this without you. I will miss you, and I look forward to seeing the new magic you create under Johanna’s leadership.

I wish you ALL the best and I’ll see you in person soon – FINGERS crossed.

I love you,

Viola

About Information Technology Senior Management Forum

Since 1996, Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) has been dedicated to increasing the representation of Black professionals at senior levels in technology to impact organizational innovation and growth. We do this by developing and nurturing these dynamic leaders through enrichment of the mind, body and soul. At its inception, only 3% of senior-level positions in the technology industry were held by Blacks. With a half-million new computer-related jobs expected by 2028, ITSMF is committed to increasing the number of qualified Black professionals for these positions. For more information about ITSMF, visit www.itsmfleaders.org.