Pat Downing

Professional Background

Pat Downing is a seasoned technology and operations executive with over 12 years of executive leadership experience and more than 30 years in technology. Throughout his diverse career, Pat has worked across various industries, specializing in the provision of secure, high-volume transaction-based solutions. His expertise extends to developing robust infrastructures and implementing processes that ensure compliance with stringent regulatory standards, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX), Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI), and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant environments. Pat's career trajectory exemplifies a remarkable rise through the ranks, providing him with a strong foundation in IT infrastructure and operational discipline, along with an in-depth understanding of software architecture and development.

Pat’s well-rounded experience allows him to effectively engage with stakeholders at different levels. He is equally adept at discussing requirements with clients, architectural considerations with engineers, and elucidating product or technology roadmaps to peers and C-suite executives, including Board of Directors members. His ability to translate complex technical concepts into accessible terms has proven invaluable in his leadership roles.

Leadership Experience

As a leader, Pat has been at the forefront of adopting Agile development methodologies, which foster adaptability in the face of shifting priorities and changes in project scope. His leadership encompasses managing global teams, including remote contractors and fully outsourced vendor management, to deliver innovative Software as a Service (SaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS) applications and frameworks. Currently, Pat leads a diverse team spread across several countries, including Korea, Germany, Malaysia, Colombia, India, Atlanta, and Austin. This team works collaboratively to deliver SaaS and PaaS products integrated through an Enterprise Service Bus (ESB), which ensures a unified set of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for clients.

Operational Excellence

Beyond his technical and operational capabilities, Pat has significant experience in budget management, which encompasses technology budget creation, vendor and contractor administration, and staff management. His track record includes participating in various acquisitions, wherein he successfully integrated technologies and services into cohesive operational frameworks. This experience has equipped Pat with the expertise necessary for navigating the complexities of technological integrations during organizational transitions.

With a solid operational foundation, Pat adheres to a strategic approach characterized by meticulous planning, consensus building, and aggressive execution of outlined strategies. His high-level methodology, paired with accountability practices, has led to the successful formation of high-performing teams and delivery of complex projects on time and within budget.

Education and Achievements

Pat Downing began his academic journey in Computer Science at North Carolina State University, where he gained a solid grounding in the technical fundamentals necessary for a career in technology. Further enriching his educational background, he also studied Liberal Arts and Liberal Studies at Northeastern University, which complemented his technical expertise with insights into critical thinking and communication skills.

This blend of technical knowledge and liberal arts education has positioned Pat as a versatile leader who can navigate both the technical and human aspects of technology management.

Notable Achievements

Pat has held several distinguished executive positions in high-profile organizations, showcasing his expertise and leadership in the technology sector. His career milestones include:

• Chief Technology Officer at FirstClose, where he currently leads technology strategies that advance the organization's goals.
• Former Chief Information Officer and Chief Technology Officer at Fintiv, overseeing major technology operations and strategies.
• Senior Vice President of Global Technology Operations at Fintiv, where he spearheaded efforts to improve operational efficiency.
• Vice President of Information Technology at AllClearID, leading IT initiatives that enhanced service delivery.
• Leader of IT Operations and Strategy at Dun & Bradstreet, focusing on data solutions and operational excellence.
• Director of IT Operations at Pervasive Software, where he managed critical IT projects.
• Manager of Enterprise Infrastructure at Tivoli Systems, contributing to the development of enterprise-level solutions.

Pat Downing's career trajectory reflects his relentless commitment to excellence in technology and operations. With his extensive experience in managing complex projects, engaging diverse teams, and ensuring regulatory compliance, Pat has earned a reputation as a trusted leader in the technology landscape.

As he continues to drive innovation and operational efficiencies, Pat's strategic vision and expertise in technology management will undoubtedly continue to yield significant contributions to the organizations he serves.