#167: Digital Transformation at the American Cancer Society with Jay Ferro, CIO

#167: Digital Transformation at the American Cancer Society with Jay Ferro, CIO

Digital transformation and innovation are core elements of the business strategy for the American Cancer Society, a large non-profit organization. On this episode, Jay Ferro describes the role of technology in driving business changes at the Society.

Jay Ferro, chief information officer for the American Cancer Society, is responsible for the people, strategy and operations of the global information technology of the organization. He is a recognized technology leader, known for creating and executing strategic visions to achieve business goals.

Ferro joined the Society executive staff in 2012, bringing a deep personal connection to the fight against cancer. In 2007, he founded the nonprofit group Priscilla’s Promise, in honor of his late wife, who died from cancer. Priscilla’s Promise, for which Ferro serves as the executive director, raises funds for cervical cancer education and research.

Prior to joining the Society, Ferro was the senior vice president and chief information officer for AdCare Health Systems, a rapidly growing and recognized innovator in health care facility management. Ferro spent the previous seven years at AIG (American International Group), most recently as vice president and chief information officer for AIG Aviation, a leading global aerospace insurer. At AIG, Ferro implemented numerous improvements that have delivered substantial value to the organization while managing significant organizational change in a turbulent market environment. In addition to his role as associate vice president of Information Technology with AIG Personal Lines, Ferro was selected as chief financial officer for operations and systems in 2006, and led multiple global IT finance and governance standards initiatives that resulted in millions of dollars in savings for the organization.

Known as a thought leader in the information technology arena, Ferro is a frequent guest speaker and panelist, both in Atlanta and nationwide. In recognition of his accomplishments, Ferro was selected as as one of ComputerWorld’s 2015 100 IT Leaders, as well as Georgia CIO of the Year in 2011, and is currently serving as chair for the Georgia CIO Leadership Association. Ferro was also selected to join Leadership Atlanta’s Class of 2015 and participate in a rigorous year-long leadership development program alongside other prominent Atlanta leaders. His commitment and dedication to community involvement is evidenced by the time and energy he contributes. In addition to his work with Priscilla’s Promise, in 2011, he was elected to the board of directors for TechBridge, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization that helps other nonprofits use technology to improve their capability to serve the community.

Ferro earned both his BA in political science and his MBA from the University of Georgia. He continues to be involved with his alma mater, both as a mentor for young alumni and as a member of the alumni board of directors for the Terry College of Business. Ferro lives in the metro Atlanta area with his three sons.

For more information, see https://www.cxotalk.com/digital-transformation-american-cancer-society-jay-ferro-cio

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