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Recognizing the Changing Roles of Michigan’s Chief Information Officers

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Amanda Bate sits down with Gary Baker, former CIO of GALE/CENGAGE, to discuss Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and the important role today’s CIOs are playing in business.

BATE: Why is Michigan Emerging important to you?

BAKER: The time is now, the place is Michigan Emerging. After the recent troubles of the state Michigan is starting to emerge again. Michigan Emerging is a pivotal role to our transition. It’s the right time and the right place.

BATE: What is currently happening within the complexion of the CIO world and alternative opportunities?

BAKER: There have been a lot of changes, consolidations and closings. We are beginning to see that the enlightened companies are making technology differentiators, while others are cutting costs and hunkering down to wait out the storm. The CIO role is charging to become an integral part of business. CIO’s are just as much business executives as they are technology executives.

BATE: What is your story/background?

BAKER: I grew up in Michigan and spent the first 22 years of my career as an entrepreneur working in computer communications, internet services, small business lending and real estate. For the past 10 years I have been in the corporate world working for a consulting firm and as the CIO for an e-publication firm. The future looks bright from here.

BATE: What is your best/favorite thing about Michigan?

BAKER: Michigan is very diverse with many different attributes and challenges. When I travel around this beautiful state, the people I encounter still find a way to smile and be pleasant. You have to admire how resilient Michiganders truly are.