Mark Blais
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Professional Overview
Mark Blais is a seasoned Chief Information Officer (CIO) with over 20 years of experience driving digital transformation and leveraging technology to achieve strategic business objectives. With a proven track record of success across diverse industries, he is adept at aligning IT initiatives with organizational goals, optimizing operational efficiency, and spearheading innovative solutions that enhance customer experience and competitive advantage.
Experience Summary
Current Roles
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
- Channel | Your Partner in Funding (Present)
- Digi-Key Electronics (Present)
- Questar LLC (Present)
Sr. Group Manager - Software Development
- Target (Present)
Sr. Director - Software Development
- Symantec (Present)
As a multifaceted CIO, Mark oversees the strategic planning, implementation, and management of comprehensive IT systems and infrastructure across multiple organizations. He is responsible for driving digital transformation, optimizing operational efficiency, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to deliver tangible business value. Through his visionary leadership and collaborative approach, Mark has consistently guided his teams in developing and deploying innovative solutions that enhance customer experiences, streamline workflows, and strengthen competitive positioning.
Career Progression
Prior to his current CIO roles, Mark held senior-level positions at leading organizations, including Senior Director of Software Development at Symantec and Senior Group Manager of Software Development at Target. In these roles, he spearheaded the development and implementation of mission-critical software applications, fostered cross-functional collaboration, and implemented agile methodologies to enhance project delivery and time-to-market.
Throughout his career, Mark has demonstrated a strong commitment to driving technological advancements and leveraging data-driven insights to drive business growth. His ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical, user-centric solutions has earned him a reputation as a strategic and forward-thinking IT leader.
Academic Background
Mark holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Minnesota, where he graduated with honors. He has also completed several executive leadership programs, enhancing his strategic and management capabilities.
Areas of Expertise
- Information Technology Strategy and Transformation
- Enterprise Architecture and Infrastructure Management
- Software Development and Agile Methodologies
- Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
- Cybersecurity and Risk Management
- Strategic Partnerships and Vendor Management
- Innovative Technology Adoption and Implementation
Professional Impact
Under Mark's leadership, the organizations he has served have achieved significant operational and financial improvements through the successful implementation of cutting-edge IT solutions. He has spearheaded the development of award-winning mobile applications, cloud-based platforms, and data analytics tools that have enhanced customer experiences, streamlined internal processes, and enabled data-driven decision-making.
Mark's industry contributions extend beyond his direct roles, as he is a frequent speaker at technology conferences and a active member of various professional associations, where he shares his expertise and insights to advance the IT profession.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience, strategic vision, and collaborative leadership style, Mark Blais is a highly sought-after Chief Information Officer who consistently drives digital transformation and delivers measurable business outcomes. His ability to leverage technology to achieve strategic objectives, combined with his commitment to innovation and continuous improvement, make him a valuable asset to any organization seeking to thrive in the digital age.
