- Gartner client? Log in for personalized search results.
Gartner Expert
Michael McFerron
Sr Director Analyst, KI Leader
Michael McFerron is a Senior Director in the Government and Education team focusing on strategies, trends and readiness for National Defense CIOs while also providing coverage for U.S. Federal CIOs. Mr. McFerron covers Information Technology and Information Security topics that include governance, strategy, planning, agile methodologies, and compliance.
Previous experience
Previously Mr. McFerron served as the Chief Information Officer of Marine Forces Central Command overseeing all communications, information systems, and information security aspects of Marine Forces operating in the Middle East. As the CIO, Mr. McFerron planned, acquired, and implemented a Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) program that offered global network access to every classification of network within DoD. Mr. McFerron also led efforts to extend the Marine Corps Enterprise Network (MCEN) to forces supporting combat operations, the first implementation in the Marine Corps. His military experience also included serving as the Chief Operations Officer of a 2,500 personnel Task Force, operating throughout 9 countries, supporting combat operations in the Middle East. After his military career, Mr. McFerron served as an expert consultant focused on program management and information security compliance.
Professional background
Ankura Consulting Group LLC, Director, 2 years
US Marine Corps, Communications and Information Systems Officer, 22 years
Areas of coverage
-
Government Technology Insights
-
Create Tech Solutions for the Government Industry
-
National Defense Technology Insights
-
U.S. Federal Government Technology Insights
Education
Masters of Military Art & Science, School of Advanced Military Studies, Army War College
MS Information Technology Management, Naval Postgraduate School
BA Criminal Justice, Duquesne University
Top Issues That I Help Clients Address
What are the significant information technology and security trends that defense organization should be aware and can leverage to improve operations?
What are the compliance and regulatory initiatives in the US Federal space that will affect operations in Defense and those in the defense industrial base?
How does the Office of the CIO communicate and align their priorities and plans to leadership in order to gain buy-in and a mandate?
How can the Office of the CIO best organize to meet the current requirements? And how would a more agile organization structure itself?
How can design thinking and human-centered design be leveraged for defense organizations?