About Michael

Michael Shanko is a leader in technology implementation and operations. He has a proven ability to discern and execute technology-based change management, business transformation, application development, FinOps, procurement, data security, data migration and modernization, and AI/ML initiatives. Michael’s passion for technology integration is based on the rewarding outcomes he sees when companies fulfill their maximum potential through the tools, processes, and systems that are put into place. He comes with a servant leader perspective, first learning about the company, employees, goals, and current business status. 

From there, Michael discovers long-term KPIs and ascertains the correct technology solutions to generate optimal results. As a mentor, Michael takes the same approach as a servant leader, learning about individuals and guiding them through the discovery of how they prefer to be treated and recognized. He enjoys the process of sparking excitement about technology and change, and how that transformation means a brighter future for employees and for the company.  

How Michael Has Helped Businesses Optimize Performance

  • Business and organizational transformation – Led the development and execution of a $117M annual technology and innovation budget for a utility company that provides electricity and natural gas to 6.8M people in Michigan. Aligned IT initiatives with strategic business goals, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring proper financial management. Engaged with customers, employees, state officials, and the Federal Office of Inspector General to install meters on a wireless network for the most accurate usage tracking. Incorporated cloud strategies and converged infrastructure, which yielded $6M in annual savings, improved stakeholder satisfaction, and accelerated the organization’s agility and responsiveness to market demands.
  • Procurement, cost containment, and FinOps – Spearheaded cutting-edge IT strategies, managed a $248M IT budget, and led the development of a global business continuity plan for a nationwide supply chain management company. Set monitoring tools, processes, and systems controls in place to create automation, customized reporting, and self-healing of the technology assets footprint including cloud costs, software licensing, and staff.
  • Data center migration and application modernization – Created modular applications and led companywide migration and modernization for a major truck, trailer, and self-storage company in over 2,100 locations and two data centers. Managed a $88M IT budget and oversaw the transfer of POS only to SaaS in Azure, integrating private cloud solutions, store network, and in-store POS devices to advance communication, scalability, and reliability.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) implementation – Pioneered an entire internal AI application and governance model for a major software company as it developed a suite of AI products. A total of 28 business use cases were created including contract review and analysis, procurement, coding, and tailored learning experiences. Worked closely with software developers as well as legal departments to ensure ethical implementation. Employed advanced AI technologies to create internal self-service bots for HR, IT, security, and legal departments which tapped cognitive AI to automate routine inquiries and tasks, resulting in over 2,500 hours of monthly efficiency gains and enhancing overall operational agility.

Technology Leadership Experience

  • Senior Vice President; National Academy of Sports Medicine, Gilbert, AZ
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer & Head of Global Strategic Sourcing & Procurement; Blue Yonder, Scottsdale, AZ
  • Vice President, Infrastructure & Cyber Security; U-Haul, Phoenix, AZ
  • Senior Director, Continual Improvement & Automation; Silicon Valley Bank, Tempe, AZ
  • Executive Director, Technology Strategy & Management; Consumers Energy, Jackson, MI
  • Operations Delivery Lead – Americas; Pfizer, New York, NY
  • Director, ITS Service Delivery; American Water, Voorhees, NJ/St. Louis, MO/Wilkes-Barre, PA

Clients and Companies Served

  • National Academy of Sports Medicine
  • Blue Yonder
  • U-Haul
  • Silicon Valley Bank
  • Consumers Energy
  • Pfizer
  • American Water

Education

  • S. – Management Information Systems – Liberty International University
  • Certificate in Executive Negotiations – Harvard Law School
  • Certified ITIL Practitioner – Global Knowledge

Awards

  • 2024 HMG Strategy Excellence in Leadership Award
  • 2023 National CIO of the Year Finalist
  • 2023, 2022, 2021 Top 100 Places to Work
  • 2022 Global CIO of the Year by Inspire CIO
  • 2021 Microsoft Partner of the Year
  • 2015 SAP Utility of the Year
  • 2015 J.D. Power #1 in Customer Satisfaction

Expertise

Industry Experience

  • Technology
  • Supply Chain
  • Financial Services
  • Utilities
  • Healthcare

Specialties

  • Change Management & Process Excellence
  • Global Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
  • Business Transformation & Application Development
  • Risk Mitigation, Compliance, & Cybersecurity
  • AI & ML
  • Data Center Migration & Application Modernization
  • Business Intelligence & Data Analytics
  • Executive Leadership & Operational Excellence
  • Cost Reduction & Financial Stewardship
  • Marketing, Brand Development & Customer Experience
  • Technology Governance & Infrastructure Management
  • SaaS Transformation
  • Mergers & Acquisitions

Let's start a conversation

    Get in touch
    7000 N 16th St., Suite 120-167
    Phoenix, AZ 85020
    (602) 962-6200
    info@tagcxo.com

    Copyright © by Theisen Advisory
    Group. All rights reserved.