Ottawa Chapter - Firefighting vs. Fireproofing: A CIO Peer Table Discussion

Description

Build for the future while balancing today’s operational realities and demands.

Join us for an evening of networking and insights from your peers as Nelson Geel, vCIO at Thrive, leads the roundtable discussion on:

• Achieving mission clarity; aligning IT investments to business goals
• Capacity planning includes reserving the capacity to plan
• Managing current and forward-looking priorities
• Planning for people, not just platforms
• Suggested areas to focus on and quick ‘wins’
• Alternative perspectives; the vCIO advisory role in practice

Speaker | Nelson Geel - Thrive - Regional Vice President - Technical Advisory Services

Nelson Geel is a Senior Business Technology Leader and Executive Advisor based in Portland, Maine, USA, specializing in IT governance, operational transformation, and enterprise AI adoption. He focuses on helping organizations modernize their operating models, stabilize distressed environments, and align technology investments with measurable business outcomes. His work spans executive advisory (vCIO), enterprise architecture, multi‑regional team leadership, and the integration of AI into practical workflows that accelerate decision‑making and improve service delivery.

At Thrive, Nelson leads a vCIO practice supporting public, private, and PE‑backed organizations across North America. His portfolio includes governance design, operational turnaround, client strategy, and the modernization of MSP/MSSP service delivery models. He is known for bringing structure to chaotic environments, improving cross‑functional alignment, and building disciplined operating rhythms that strengthen security, compliance, and organizational performance.

Agenda

6:00 - 7:00pm – Arrival & Networking Reception

7:00 - 8:00pm – Presentation – Q & A

8:00 - 8:30pm – Networking

Hors d’oeuvres & Beverages to be served

Open to CIOCAN Members & their Qualified Non-Member Guests
(*CIO/CISO/Senior IT Executive in a Leadership role and their direct reports)

Thank you to our sponsor