Current Location: Memphis, TN
Hometown: Havana, Cuba & Bronx, New York
UIS Degree: M.S. 2007 (Management Information Systems)
Other Degrees: B.S., Southern Illinois University Carbondale, M.S., Purdue University
Current Position: Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
Career Highlights
“My career highlights include serving as Chief Information Officer at L.A. Care Health Plan in Los Angeles where I provided leadership in the development, implementation and governance of the organization’s information systems and technology infrastructure. I am also proud of working as an active duty commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps as well as holding leadership positions with the U.S. Department of Defense.”
Memories of UIS
“When I enrolled in the UIS MIS graduate program in 2005, I was immediately impressed with the quality and caliber of all faculty. I have fond memories of working on projects with other students of diverse backgrounds and coordinating conference calls across multiple time zones, including several continents across the world. It was truly a gratifying and rewarding educational experience.”
How did UIS change or prepare you?
“As a Cuban-American who immigrated to the United States in the early 1960s, I have always subscribed to the principles of life-long learning. I can attest to the fact that the UIS MIS graduate program has been instrumental in helping me to advance in my chosen profession. I started my career in the U.S. Navy and achieved many educational and professional goals as a medical service corps officer. Since my transition to the private sector in 1998, I have been able to advance my career in the healthcare and insurance sectors through collaboration and by a focus on providing top-notch customer service. A results-oriented approach to problem solving in the business world will always be noticed. Whether your desire is to serve in a public government agency, the military, non-profit or for-profit business entity, my experiences have taught me that there is no substitute for the application of knowledge, dedication, and motivation in today’s global economy. The UIS MIS graduate program was critical to my success.”
Interesting Fact
“I have a wonderful wife named Vickie. I’m also very proud of my two lovely adult daughters, Kelly & Amy. Kelly and her husband Ryan, who reside in Virginia, have also blessed me with an adorable two year old grandson named Rett. I enjoy Victorian Era British films, taking my dogs for long walks, travel and dabbling as amateur classical guitarist.”