Being an exceptional business leader is more than getting the job done. You’ve got to balance your business goals and objectives with your team’s needs. Rico Singleton, an insightful business Leader and technology visionary knows how demanding the tech world can be.
Rico Singleton provides leadership for the continued development of a robust, innovative and secure information technology environment. His prime initiatives include improving the technological governance and policy and resource allocation, implementing information technology initiatives, evaluating and rationalizing existing systems & programs, and recommending effective strategies to gain industry leadership in the IT sector.
An Experienced Business Innovator and Technology Expert
Rico Singleton brings 18 years of experience in the field of information technology and has a diverse background in both educational and corporate settings, with expertise in emerging and enterprise technologies.
Throughout his career tenure, Rico has led several strategic, technology transformation projects for the public sector and education industries – Apollo Education Group, City of Baltimore, New York State Office of Information Technology Services, Ohio State Treasurer and State of Ohio.
As the National Director, US Technology Workforce at Apollo Education Group, Rico Singleton was responsible for heading up an internal consulting practice to provide market leading education technology solutions. He represented the University’s educational technology interests by serving as a trusted consultant to clients and designing technology education solutions for B2B technology enterprises.
Prior to this role, Rico was the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at City of Baltimore where he managed and led the improvement of robust, highly versatile and advanced systems with 24/7 capabilities. He saved $8M+ annually by strategically balancing the cost and quality, and project of major enterprise technology initiatives.
The technology leader also enhanced public safety & operational service levels by updating the infrastructure for 311 & 911 calls and dispatch centers. He worked to improve the government operational productivity by transforming under-performing government units responsible for managing public services into models of best practice.
Prior to City of Baltimore, Rico served as the CTO at New York State Office of Information Technology Services. The strategic technologist empowered NY State with new & improved technology for major enterprise shared service initiatives. He has been accredited of achieving
$100M+ in annual savings through implementing major enterprise shared service initiatives.
Awards and Accolades
For project leadership, Rico Singleton has been recognized several times with prestigious awards, such as Computerworld’s Premier 100 IT Leaders Award, CIO Magazine Ones to Watch Award, 40 Leaders Under 40 Award, and a CIO Commendation Award.
Rico has earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Information Systems, a MBA, a Masters of Information Systems Management, and is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Higher Education Administration at University of Phoenix. He is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and also certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT).
“With rich business acumen and technical expertise, it’s possible to strengthen an organization’s strategic IT investment planning and implementation, while driving a positive technological change across processes.”
How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to start this business?
After graduation, I started working at State of Ohio as Senior IT Advisor to the State CIO
How do you make money?
Through my Job – Apollo Education Group
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
It actually took me about 1 month to get my first payment.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
Yes, I was dicey in the starting, but then it worked well.
How did you get your first customer?
My friend was my first customer.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
Hard work and loyalty.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
To start my work.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
My hard work and passion.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
When customers are happy with my work.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
It is tough to predict at this stage, but I believe if we continue to do things the right way we will be okay.
What business books have inspired you?
BUILT TO LAST by Jerry I. Porras and James C. Collins.
What is a recent purchase you have made that’s helped with your business?
Facilities for my employees.