More about Shawn
Shawn is a seasoned technology executive with over 25 years of experience in the Life Sciences, Architecture/Engineering, Manufacturing, Wholesale Distribution, and Professional Services verticals. Shawn currently serves as an Executive Director, Information Technology at Syneos Health, a fully integrated biopharmaceutical solutions firm. Graduating from Penn State University with a B.S. in Computing Technology & Science, he also earned his MBA from Alvernia University with a focus area of Community Service and Economic Leadership and was recognized with the Master in Business Administration Award of Excellence.
Shawn continues to be engaged and volunteers with various community and non-profit organizations. Since 2008 he has served as the Director of Camp Neidig, an annual 4-day youth leadership development camp sponsored by Rotary International District 7430, where he first started as a counsellor in 1994. He previously served on the Executive Board, Strategic Planning Committee, By-Laws Committee, and Chair of the Technology Committee while serving on the Penn State Alumni Association's Alumni Council. He also spent four year on the Penn State Berks Campus Advisory Board. Shawn was the 2017 recipient of the Penn State Berks Alumni Achievement Award and named Outstanding Alumni Council Member in 2018.
While he now coaches youth lacrosse, soccer, and baseball for local club teams, he previously served over 17 years as a P.I.A.A. high school soccer official, where was selected to work both district and state playoff games including the 2009 Pennsylvania Girls AAA State Championship game.
Shawn continues to be engaged and volunteers with various community and non-profit organizations. Since 2008 he has served as the Director of Camp Neidig, an annual 4-day youth leadership development camp sponsored by Rotary International District 7430, where he first started as a counsellor in 1994. He previously served on the Executive Board, Strategic Planning Committee, By-Laws Committee, and Chair of the Technology Committee while serving on the Penn State Alumni Association's Alumni Council. He also spent four year on the Penn State Berks Campus Advisory Board. Shawn was the 2017 recipient of the Penn State Berks Alumni Achievement Award and named Outstanding Alumni Council Member in 2018.
While he now coaches youth lacrosse, soccer, and baseball for local club teams, he previously served over 17 years as a P.I.A.A. high school soccer official, where was selected to work both district and state playoff games including the 2009 Pennsylvania Girls AAA State Championship game.
My IT Leadership Philosophy
My philosophy as an IT leader is that I believe you must first and foremost be a transformational business leader. It is my goal to be a strategic partner with the business to help it make money, save money, and be the absolute best in the industry at what we do. Having the technology competencies and experience is just your entry fee to sit at the table. Every day, I am bringing 20+ years of IT experience to the table in areas such as:
- Strategic Leadership
- Project Management
- IT Service Delivery
- Network & Systems Infrastructure
- ERP & Application Development Management
- Cybersecurity
- Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity
However, to be successful and continue to rise up to challenge of each IT leadership role, you also need to speak the same language and understand the operations and the challenges of the business. I have been able to do that by not just focusing on IT, but also exceling in business operations leadership roles as well and earning my MBA. To be one of the elite IT leaders, you need to be the translator between the business teams and the technical teams.
I believe a key to my success through multiple industries and roles has been the ability to analyze and understand how information and technology weaves through an organization and ties the various departments and stakeholders together. Here’s what I believe sets me apart as that next level IT leader:
- Strategic Vision – always looking 3 steps ahead and understanding the challenges facing the business to make sure the team and company are always postured for growth and change.
- Leadership & Talent Development - demonstrated ability to turn around teams, recruit and build the next group of leaders, and maximize existing talent to get peak team performance.
- Analytics - strong experience on implementing data analytics and tools to drive performance improvement, efficiency, and cost reductions.
- Managerial Courage – even under the most intense pressure and difficult situations, the ability to be the steady and calming influence in a crisis while at the same time not afraid to make the tough decisions.
At the end of the day, as a business leader and an IT leader, I am driven and passionate about IT, and my promise to you is that no one will out work me.