Paul Moorman, Technology First Board of Directors

We wish our dear friend Steve Hangen the very best as he transitions to a well-deserved retirement after a remarkable career in Information Technology, leading teams at some of the Dayton region’s largest and best-known companies including NCR, Reynolds and Reynolds, WinWholesale (now WinSupply), and Mike-Sell’s.  We asked folks who knew him well to provide us with some recollections, and the words that flowed back included “admire, smile, leadership, consummate professional, consistent, calm, supported, mentor, wisdom and quiet confidence.”  He will be remembered above all for his caring and helping of others.  Steve wrote on his LinkedIn page that “the biggest blessing of my career has been the fantastic people that I have been privileged to work with across the years!”  Steve, the privilege has truly been ours.

Ryan Kean, Kroger’s VP of Technical Strategy and Architecture, recalls Steve’s leadership style with the quote, “I had the opportunity to work in Steve’s organization at Reynolds and Reynolds.  He was very consistent in his communication and leadership.  He was calm, clear, and cared for his teammates.”  Don Kennedy, Practice Lead at Smart Data, adds, “I admire not only his “professionalism with a smile” manner but also how he has attracted and retained IT talent around him over the years as well as his ability to give back to our community with his time.”

Steve was a guiding light for over sixteen years and one of the most important change leaders for Technology First, volunteering as Vice-Chair and Board Chair, serving many years on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.  He was personally responsible for revamping the CIO Council into an attendee-driven group that delivers relevant, timely information and assistance to local IT leaders, and his is the format that all Special Interest Groups (SIGs) follow to this day.  His impact is best spoken in the following words from his peers. 

Jim Bradley, VP of Information Technology at Tecomet, sums it up with, “Steve has been the consummate professional and a huge contributor to both Technology First and to me personally.  He modeled the CIO Council to make it what it is today, and countless IT Leaders have learned much through the years because of what he established and developed.  Steve also taught us all the value of peer connections and relationships.”  Bryan and Barbara Hogan, owners of Afidence, chime in with “Your work and leadership have truly built something that will stand the test-of-time!”   John Huelsman, IT Director at Hobart Services, relays, “Steve’s been a mentor for me for many years both professionally and personally.  His wisdom, experience, and quiet confidence inspire me to this day.  He has impacted me in profound ways through the years and I will be forever in his debt.”

To our friend, all our best, and we hope our paths cross again soon as you continue to mentor our IT community in a new way!