Howell Hicks, CIO

Professional Overview

Howell Hicks is a seasoned IT leader with extensive experience in the manufacturing industry. As the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of McElroy Metal, Inc., he oversees the strategic direction and implementation of the company's technology initiatives, driving innovation and operational efficiency.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the CIO of McElroy Metal, Inc. since 2012, Howell is responsible for aligning the company's technology infrastructure and solutions with its business objectives. He leads a team of IT professionals in developing and executing comprehensive technology strategies that support the organization's growth and competitive edge. Under his leadership, McElroy Metal has streamlined its IT operations, improved data analytics capabilities, and enhanced overall system reliability and security.

Career Progression

Prior to his current role, Howell served as the IT Director at McElroy Metal, Inc. from 2009 to 2012, where he spearheaded the implementation of several enterprise-wide systems and oversaw the company's technology roadmap. Before that, he held various IT roles at McElroy Metal, Inc. from 1989 to 2007, steadily advancing his expertise and technical capabilities. Howell also gained valuable consulting experience as a Manager at MarketSphere Consulting from 2007 to 2009, where he honed his problem-solving and client-facing skills.

Academic Background

Howell holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Louisiana Tech University, where he graduated with distinction.

Areas of Expertise

• IT strategy and governance

• Enterprise system implementation and optimization

• Data analytics and business intelligence

• Cybersecurity and risk management

• Vendor management and technology procurement

• Lean and agile methodologies

• Organizational change management

Professional Impact

Under Howell's leadership, McElroy Metal, Inc. has achieved significant operational and technological advancements. He played a pivotal role in the successful implementation of a new ERP system, which resulted in a 20% improvement in inventory management and a 15% reduction in order processing time. Howell has also spearheaded the development of a custom business intelligence platform, enabling the company to make more informed, data-driven decisions and achieve a 12% increase in overall productivity.

Conclusion

With his extensive industry experience, strong technical expertise, and proven leadership abilities, Howell Hicks is a valuable asset to McElroy Metal, Inc. As the CIO, he continues to drive digital transformation, foster innovation, and deliver tangible business value through the strategic deployment of technology solutions.