The Power of Presence: ITSMF at 30
State of the Community: Celebrating Our Past, Engineering Our Future
Thirty years ago, a vision was etched into the bedrock of the technology industry: that regardless of race or gender, excellence in technology shouldn’t just have a seat at the table. We should lead it and prepare others to do the same. From that vision, ITSMF was born.
As we celebrate our 30th Anniversary, we are not simply reflecting on history, we are honoring a living, breathing ecosystem of brilliance. Today, ITSMF is a powerhouse of more than 490 active members, over 100 new members this year alone, and 743 alumni who continue to redefine leadership and possibility across technology and business.
Resilience, Opportunity, and Impact
Through our newly launched Career Transitions Resources, rated “extremely helpful” by 77% of participants, members didn’t just find new roles; they found community. In 2025, our Job Board became a powerful engine for equity, with more than 6,800 jobs posted and nearly 29,000 job seekers turning to ITSMF for their next opportunity. Since 2018, executive membership has more than doubled, growing from 177 to 363 leaders.
2025 by the Numbers
Our momentum this year was undeniable. We graduated 155 leaders, supported 114 more rising stars in the pipeline, and achieved a 4.7 out of 5 satisfaction score across our academies. We expanded engagement through 13 events with over 2,100 attendees, invested $10,000 directly in member talent, and continued to grow our digital presence with 10,500 LinkedIn followers and 4,000 monthly website users.
Looking Ahead – Engagement & Evolution
We are shifting from simply ‘connecting’ to deeply ‘integrating’ our members into the C-Suite and the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Here is what you can expect:
- Elevated Experiences: A new membership engagement tool, Member Lifeline presentations, and Structured Mentoring.
- CxO Programming: We are doubling down on support for our highest-level executives.
- Precision Academies: Improved vetting for GIPD Academy participants to ensure we are accelerating high-potential talent.
- New Event Cadence: Save the dates for S1 in June (combined with Graduation) and S2 in September (paired with our Gala), plus four regional networking events.
Gratitude and a Call to Action
None of this happens in a vacuum. To our Mentors, Committee Chairs, and Board Members: your wisdom navigated us through a shifting economic landscape. Together, we raised $125,000 for the ITSMF Foundation last year.
But our work is not done. To reach the next level, I am asking for your active partnership:
- Be Present: Attend our events and bring a colleague.
- Be a Partner: Sponsor a program or identify venues for our gatherings.
- Be a Voice: Share our social media impact and identify new members.
- Be a Donor: Your contributions ensure the next 30 years are even brighter than the last.
We are 30 years strong, not just because of the technology we manage, but because of the community we are. Thank you for being part of the ITSMF legacy. Let’s build the future.
Keep Forging Connections!
Sincerely,
Johanna Jones
President & CEO
About Information Technology Senior Management Forum
Since 1996, Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) has been dedicated to prepare professionals for executive roles 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. With a half-million new computer-related jobs expected by 2028, ITSMF is committed to increasing the number of qualified professionals for these positions. For more information about ITSMF, visit itsmfleaders.org.
