Members consistently report that the greatest benefit of membership in the CIO Association is the opportunity to network with peers. There's always an informal networking period to kick off live chapter events and national events, and members stay in touch via various social media including the CIOCAN Website's Online Community. Whether you're looking for an idea, a sounding board, or a solution to a problem at your place of business, your fellow CIO Association members can be an invaluable source.
Below are testimonials from a few of our current members.
"To me the CIO Peer Forum is more than an event, it’s my tie to the CIO community in Canada"
Andrew Dillane
President
CIO Association of Canada
Group CIO
Randstad Canada
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"It's very gratifying to see how the association has grown to provide so much value, from advocating on behalf of CIOs to sharing best practices across Canada."
Dr. Catherine Aczel Boivie
Founding President
CIOVan and CIOCAN
CEO Inventure Solutions
Senior VP, IT, Vancouver City Savings Credit Union
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"It's great to share experiences with other IT leaders - they're such a diverse and talented group. Networking with CIOCAN gives perspective to issues in my own organization - and this makes me a more effective business strategist."
Tony Payne
Board Member; Marketing Committee
CIOEdmonton; CIOCAN
SVP IT
Focus Corporation
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"CIOCAN has a history of exciting annual conferences, with dynamic themes, thought-provoking speakers with international reputations, and lots of opportunity for focused discussions with CIOs from across Canada."
Mary Anne Ballantyne
Board Member; Co-Chair 2010 Peer Forum
CIO Ontario
Assistant Head, Technology and Innovation
Bishor Strachan School
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"The 2010 Peer Forum was a valuable opportunity to discuss the future of the CIO position. With our theme 'Rebranding the CIO', we aimed to help CIOs manage the direction and the optics of this quickly evolving profession. We've worked hard to get beyond the 'backroom techie' label and to develop ourselves as thought leaders and business strategists. Now we're going to the next level. CIOs are becoming the agents of change, not just respondents or supporters to the strategies of others. How can CIOs lead and promote transition to a new era effectively and responsibly, and make the shift into other C-level positions?."
Craigg Ballance
Co-Chair 2010 Peer Forum
CIO Ontario
Program Director, IT Executive Leadership
Ryerson University
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"We're so pleased with the growing popularity of the national e-seminar program. The caliber of presenters that we're able to attract to our CIO member-audience makes for some very engaging seminars, and the events that we self-host bring a wealth of ideas to the table."
Laura Williams
Director; Chair of Programs
National Board
CIO
Peel District School Board
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"As an association, we can contribute significantly on critical national issues such as the IT Talent Gap. I find it very satisfying to 'give back' to the profession through CIOCAN Advocacy work."
David Codack
Board Member; Advocacy
CIOCAN
VP, Employee Technology & Network services
TD Financial Services
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"I am thrilled about the launch of CIOCAN's e-mentorship partnership with CATA WIT, and proud of the work we're doing as an association to help young women succeed in IT management careers."
Susan Doniz
Chair, Marketing Committee; Project Lead, Women's e-mentorship
CIOCAN
Director IT and Global Business Services
Procter & Gamble Canada
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