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Reflections on the Future of IT In Philanthropy (From My End of the Couch)
Closing Fireside Chat
​​Thursday, November 21, 2019   |  9:30 am–10:30 am

It's your turn! This interactive closing keynote pairs an emerging technology leader with a stalwart CIO to see what the generational gap reveals about what they think is hot—or not—as well as trends to watch in the philanthropy tech space. Then after their opening thoughts, the tables turn, and YOU as the audience are invited to "interview" Hugo and Leon with your most burning questions. This session will be fearlessly facilitated by TAG Executive Director, Chantal Forster.

Presenters

• Hugo Castro, Associate Director, Operations Groundwork Collaborative
• Leon Wilson, Chief of Digital Innovation & Chief Information Officer, Cleveland Foundation

​Moderator

• Chantal Forster, Executive Director, TAG​

• Hugo Castro
• Chantal Forster
• Leon Wilson

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Hugo Castro has over 9 years of experience working at different non-profits, clients and companies developing and improving IT, operations and organizational systems.

Previously, Hugo served as the Operations Manager at Democracy Fund where he led efforts on cybersecurity improvements, using applications responsibly, and making things run smoother. Recently, Hugo accepted a role as Associate Director of Operations for the Groundwork Collaborative.

Hugo is passionate about creating and developing organizational cultures using technology where people can work at their best. ​

Chantal is a veteran leader in digital transformation, working as a strategy consultant to major philanthropies, family foundations and community-based grantees. As Chief Strategy Consultant for her firm, Gibson Carlisle, she has led customer-focused technology programs and initiatives for public sector clients and built collaboration initiatives for data and platform sharing since 2008. A sought-after presenter, Forster regularly speaks on topics including inclusive IT, people-driven technology, and social entrepreneurship.

Prior to launching her consultancy, Forster was Digital Director for the Bioneers, Digital Manager for the City of Albuquerque, and Senior Information Architect for SPSS (an IBM Company). Chantal is known for spearheading the adoption of user-driven design methods as well as agile development approaches. She holds an MA from DePaul University in Chicago, as well as her BA from Purdue University. She is a Project Management Professional (PMP), a Certified ScrumMaster, as well as a Certified Usability Professional.

Leon Wilson joined the foundation in October 2015 as the Chief of Digital Innovation & Chief Information Officer in a dual role capacity. In this dual role, Leon is part of the executive committee and leads the foundation’s Information & Technology Services department, focusing on strategic and transformational use of technology and data within the foundation. Additionally, as the Chief of Digital Innovation, Leon oversees the foundation’s Digital Excellence grant-making strategy geared toward “building a stronger, more equitable and inclusive digital community,” which includes elevating Greater Cleveland’s position as a major regional smart community and technology innovation hub.

Leon brings more than 25 years of senior-level technology experience to the foundation and our community. Previously, Leon served as the Senior Director of Technology & Data Engagement for the Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA), advising executive staff, board and advisory committee members and nonprofit and philanthropic leaders across the State of Michigan on technology strategic planning initiatives and investments that would positively impact support, delivery and expansion of the nonprofits’ respective social missions. He is a 2015 Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN) Lifetime Achievement Awardee and board member for the Council of Foundation’s Technology Affinity Group, as well as other national and local nonprofit technology-oriented organizations.

Prior to his work at MNA, Leon held numerous internal staff and consulting IT leadership positions with large companies such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Minnesota, Federal-Mogul Corporation, Chrysler, RR Donnelly, Deluxe Checks, General Mills and the IRS.
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Leon holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Michigan State University, an M.S. in Software Engineering from University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota and PhD graduate work in Computer Science from Wayne State University. He is a frequent speaker at many nonprofit conferences and a recent adjunct lecturer at the University of Michigan, teaching information technology in the schools of business and public administration. He is a graduate of Leadership Detroit 2015 and also had a distinguished military career with the U.S. Army Reserve, where he was a commissioned Signal officer, earning multiple badges, medals and commendations, along with completing airborne paratrooper and air-assault training.

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