Becky Blalock is the Managing Partner at Advisory Capital, a strategic consulting firm that provides insight and expertise to companies involved in the energy, information technology and medical industries. As former Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Southern Company, Blalock spent nearly a decade directing IT strategy and operations for the 6th largest utility company in the world. Under her leadership, Southern Company was recognized as one of the 100 Most Innovative Companies by CIO magazine and one of the 100 Best Places to Work in IT by Computerworld magazine. In addition to her work in information technology, Blalock spent over two decades serving Southern Company in leadership positions including accounting, corporate communications, customer service, economic development, external affairs, finance and marketing. A sought after speaker, Blalock has long been recognized as a thought leader in the IT and utility industries. Computerworld magazine identified her as a Premier IT Leader and she was named CIO of the Year by Energy Biz magazine, Georgia CIO Leadership Association and Computers for Youth organization. She has been named one of Atlanta Business Chronicle's 100 Most Influential Atlantans and is listed among Who's Who in Science and Engineering. Blalock has testified before the DOE and FCC on behalf of the utility industry regarding matters related to information technology, cyber security and telecommunications. Blalock is a member of the Board of Directors for the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. She serves as Chair of the Technology Cabinet for United Way of Greater Atlanta and also Chairs the Advisory Board of Emory Healthcare. A graduate of both Leadership Atlanta and Leadership Georgia, she was named a Fellow of the International Women’s Forum and Leadership Foundation. Blalock has received a host of distinctions including the Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award from Georgia CIO Leadership Association and the Legacy Award from Women in Technology. An advocate for women and children, Blalock was recognized as Power Woman of the Year by Atlanta Woman magazine and received the Shining Star Award from the Atlanta Women’s Foundation. Furthermore, her efforts on behalf of women have been recognized by Girl Scouts and the YWCA. She has written a book titled DARE, Straight Talk on Confidence, Courage, and Career for Women in Charge published by Wiley, October 2013. Blalock successfully completed the Program for Management Development at Harvard University. She holds a master’s degree with honors in finance from Mercer University and an undergraduate degree in business administration from the University of West Georgia. Less   View all posts

Brenda Decker was appointed as the Chief Information Officer for the State of Nebraska by Governor Dave Heineman on February 4, 2005. Prior to this appointment, Brenda held various IT positions within Nebraska state government for several years. Brenda received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Doane College in 1989 where she majored in Business Administration. She received her Masters degree in Management from the same institution in May 2001. Brenda is a member and/or chair of numerous commissions and councils in Nebraska State Government. She holds membership in numerous professional organizations and has a national certification as a Professional Manager from the Institute of Certified Professional Managers. As a member of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers, she recently served as the 2012-2013 President of the organization, as well as having served as the Co-Chair of the Awards Committee and the Security and Privacy Committee, and an Executive Board member. In 2012, through Governor Heineman’s nomination, Federal Communications Commission Chair Julius Genachowski appointed Brenda to serve on the FCC Technical Advisory Board for First Responder Interoperability. In 2003, Government Technology magazine recognized Brenda nationally as one of the top 25 Doers, Dreamers and Drivers of Information Technology, and in 2007 as one of the “5 Most Influential Women CIOs” Brenda was selected as one of the Premier 100 IT Leaders for 2008 by Computerworld Magazine. In April of 2008, the AIM Institute honored Brenda with the Outstanding Community Service in Technology Award. The National Association of State Chief Information Officers honored Brenda with their 2010 Meritorious Service award in September. Less   View all posts