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Gartner Expert
Michael McFerron
Sr Director Analyst
Michael McFerron is a Senior Director in the Government and Education team focusing on strategies for U.S. Federal CIOs with more detailed specialization in the Defense and Intelligence sector. Mr. McFerron cover Information Technology and Information Security topics that include governance, strategy, planning, agile methodologies, and compliance.
Previous experience
Previously Mr. McFerron served as the Chief Information Officer of Marine Forces Central Command overseeing all communications, information systems, and information security aspects of Marine Forces operating in the Middle East. As the CIO, Mr. McFerron planned, acquired, and implemented a Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) program that offered global network access to every classification of network within DoD. Mr. McFerron also led efforts to extend the Marine Corps Enterprise Network (MCEN) to forces supporting combat operations, the first implementation in the Marine Corps. His military experience also included serving as the Chief Operations Officer of a 2,500 personnel Task Force, operating throughout 9 countries, supporting combat operations in the Middle East. After his military career, Mr. McFerron served as an expert consultant focused on program management and information security compliance.
Professional background
US Marine Corps
Communications and Information Systems Officer
Ankura Consulting Group LLC
Director
Areas of coverage
Government Verticals Digital Innovation and Application Modernization
Governmentwide Digital Innovation and Application Modernization
Education
Masters of Military Art & Science, School of Advanced Military Studies, Army War College
MS Information Technology Management, Naval Postgraduate School
BA Criminal Justice, Duquesne University
Top Issues That I Help Clients Address
1What are the significant information technology and security trends that our organization should be aware and can leverage to improve performance?
2What are the compliance and regulatory initiatives in the US Federal and Defense space that will affect operations in US Federal and Defense space?
3How does the Office of the CIO communicate their priorities and plans to leadership in order to gain support and understanding?
4How can the Office of the CIO best organize to meet the current requirements? And how would a more agile organization structure itself?
5How can design thinking and human-centered design be leveraged for US Federal and Defense Organizations?