IT Leadership Spotlight - Shaun Smith, Senior VP & CIO, Phillips Edison & Company

Technology changes faster than the blink of an eye. Greater Cincinnati is home to some of the best and brightest IT professionals who not only keep up with the never-ending changes in the field, but also help create them.

LEAD Magazine celebrates those who use IT to positively impact the world around us in every field, from medical technology to business efficiency, customer service and a variety of other systems.

Great organizations realize that interlacing innovation and practical solutions takes more than business acumen and technical expertise. It takes personal relationships where innovation and practical solutions can collaborate. Today’s leaders devote much time finding the right personnel for their organizations while discovering precise knowledge and skills. IT professionals are leading the way beyond the simple transaction of goods and services between business executives and “computer techs,” replacing that model with relationships powered by trust and driven by strategic insight.

Historically, Greater Cincinnati’s hardworking and humble IT professionals have kept their boasting to a minimum, despite having nurtured innovation and implemented the best technology in significant ways. Now, however, it’s time to honor those achievements for the rest of the world to see and hear. It’s time for the era of the IT executive.

Shaun Smith

Senior VP & CIO, Phillips Edison & Company

What changes do you predict for your company over the next 2-4 years?

I believe that Phillips Edison & Company will grow significantly over the next 2-4 years, maybe even double in size.

How do you see yourself shaping that change?

 The technology department will assist with this growth by helping to streamline business processes. We will help automate business process or make it easier to do tasks. This will allow us to scale the company without it being necessary to add significantly to the  headcount. We will also provide easy, timely access to the most accurate information. We will do this by providing new dashboards and better data analysis tools to help support decisions that are being made.