Crossing Over and Back Again – Navigating a CIO’s Journey into an Operational Role

It’s been said that CIO’s have a crow’s nest view of how their organization operates and interfaces and are well positioned to be the company’s “lookout” in spotting opportunities to capitalize on through technology infusion while steering clear of hazards as they are identified.  Having this 360^o view, can lead to a CIO’s role expanding into operational responsibilities inclusive of their technology leadership role.  This event’s discussion will be focused on those that have ventured beyond the CIO centric role describing avenues and opportunities presented and/or created while also sharing their experience and the differences in the day to day management of an operations team.

Bob Ehlinger is the VP and CIO of Lannett Company, Inc., a pharmaceutical manufacturer and distributor based out of Philadelphia.  He joined the company in July of 2006 as their first CIO.  From June of 2011 through June of 2015, he was also responsible for leading the Logistics Team which included procurement, warehouse and distribution, and inventory control.  Prior to joining Lannett, Bob was the Vice President of IT at MedQuist, Inc., a healthcare services provider, where his career spanned 10 years in progressive operational and technology roles in helping to lead the organization’s growth through a series of over 40 acquisitions.  Earlier experience included positions with Kennedy Health Systems, a New Jersey based acute care and ambulatory care service provider and with Dowty Communications, an international data communications equipment manufacturer.