GRAND RAPIDS ? aimWest’s September 27 networking event will take a look at moving IT from cost centers to centers of innovation at the Western Michigan University downtown campus.

Traditionally, IT has been seen as a support function in most businesses. Even today, the IT department is often supporting innovation instead of being given a chance to lead innovation within an organization. But the role of IT is much more important, and the best-run organizations have recognized that they can?t separate IT from ?the business.?

Given these challenges, and the politics inherent in all organizations, how can IT leaders drive change and innovation? And how do we as a community convince other business leaders to stop seeing IT as an ?add-on? to real business activities and start embracing its role in marketing, communications, product delivery, and every other bottom-line activity a company does?

Featured Panelists

Dave Baarman ? CTO from Fulton Innovation

Dave is the Director of Advanced Technologies at Fulton Innovation, and the lead inventor of eCoupled? intelligent wireless power technology. Baarman is responsible for the technical supervision and development of eCoupled? technology and other Fulton Innovation technologies. Dave holds more than 350 U.S. and foreign patents that are either granted or pending.

Stuart Berman ? Security Architect, Steelcase

Stuart has been active in a number of innovation office efforts including recent research into a 10 year view of IT future and how the cloud can impact Steelcase. Stuart has also been involved in community efforts such as moving the Grand Rapids Public Museum to the cloud two years ago. He received his Masters in Computer Information Systems from GVSU and previously worked for IBM in Los Angeles before moving to West Michigan in 1995.

Kevin O?Halla ? Chief Information Officer, Grand Rapids Community College

Kevin brings over 25 years experience in the information technology arena. Kevin?s hands on experience in many areas including programming, network design, web site implementations, data base administration, and desktop support. He is currently the Chief Information Officer at Grand Rapids Community College. Having spent his entire career in higher education, he has become intimately familiar with is getting the most out of dwindling budgets.

Moderated By

Jim VanderMey ? Chief Technology Officer, OST

Jim is a technology visionary who sets the long and short-term direction for OST. He specializes in seeing the ?big picture? of technology, the computer industry, and the business objectives supported by IT. As OST has gained an international reputation, Jim has taught and spoken at conferences in Europe, Japan, and throughout the US.

Post-Networking

Join us after the presentations as we bounce down to the Tavern on the Sq. for networking and to continue the conversation.

Tuesday, September 27th

Networking Time: 5:15pm

Panel Discussion: 6:00pm

Location: WMU Downtown GR Campus

For more information, click on aimWest.Org

a>>