Sam Whitten
Chief Information Officer
With over two decades of dedicated experience in IT, Sam Whitten is a visionary leader who has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the technology world. His career journey has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by transformative achievements and a passion for solving complex challenges.
A Trailblazer in IT Management
As the former IT Director for Oglethorpe Inc, Sam orchestrated a monumental shift in the company’s technology landscape. Tasked with overseeing all aspects of enterprise IT and budget for a behavioral hospital chain, he undertook the herculean task of converting Oglethorpe from a conglomeration of disparate small business IT solutions and archaic pen-and-paper solutions into a cutting-edge, legally compliant, confederated enterprise-grade redundant network. Under his leadership, Oglethorpe embraced modern telephony, Cisco infrastructure, and electronic hospital management systems.
Elevating Data Security at Citigroup
Sam’s commitment to excellence didn’t stop there. He embarked on an exciting journey with Citigroup, where he played a pivotal role as in enhancing data protection measures as part of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) team. Collaborating seamlessly with cross-functional, matrixed teams, Sam drove the maturation and automation of Citi’s Data Leakage Protection (DLP) and Data Access Governance controls. His efforts significantly reduced the risk of accidental or intentional data leakage, ensuring that sensitive information remained secure.
Nurturing Community through Technology
Beyond his professional achievements, Sam is a firm believer in giving back to the community. In his spare time, he leads a remarkable initiative in Tampa—a nerdy tech social club called “NerdBrew.” This innovative platform not only provides a unique third space for technology enthusiasts but also fosters invaluable business networking opportunities for Tampa’s local nerdy social community. Sam’s commitment to social outreach exemplifies his dedication to creating spaces where technology and community converge.
In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, Sam Whitten stands out as a visionary leader, change agent, and community builder with a deep-seated passion for leveraging technology to create a better future.