Chapter President's Message

On behalf of the New Jersey Chapter of the Society for Information Management (SIM NJ), welcome to our website!

SIM NJ is proud to serve New Jersey’s Chief Information Officers (CIO) and other senior information technology (IT) executives. Our member community is made up of experienced thought leaders who are passionate about the industry and consistently turn to SIM NJ to network, share ideas and best practices. We represent one of the largest and strongest SIM chapters with over 275 members (growing year over year)-90% of which are IT practitioners. Our members come together each month to enjoy camaraderie and network with colleagues, and exchange knowledge that stimulates the future IT direction of their organizations.

I am honored to serve as President of this premier network of IT leaders. I intend to build upon our successes and bring value to our members by promoting an environment that champions thought leadership and encourages collaboration by all members. As we enter another exciting year for the Chapter,

I and the Executive Committee are dedicated to enhancing the SIM NJ value proposition and enriching your membership experience by:

• Providing professional and social networking opportunities designed to build lasting relationships and fostering a safe environment to share ideas, issues and concerns with colleagues
• Designing creative programs that are accessible, relevant and applicable to the concerns facing today’s CIOs and senior IT leaders
• Providing a forum to assist in leadership and career development of our executive IT leaders
• Increasing the level of engagement and participation of our membership as well as growing the chapter through referral initiatives
• Awarding scholarships to students interested in pursuing the IT profession as their career choice
• Advancing our charitable giving and outreach programs through the efforts of our NJ SIM Foundation

During my term as President of SIM NJ, I look forward to working with the Executive Committee and our members, the local academic community and partner organizations. I will do my best to represent the chapter in the best possible manner, to advance our cause, and to continue to improve upon all that has been accomplished and established to date.

I also look forward to networking with our members and guests at our meetings and events. The 2012/2013 program year is shaping up to be an exciting one. Some highlights include:

• September 13, 2012 – Todd Cohen, Sales Culture. It’s for everyone (not just Salespeople)
• October 11, 2012 – Jeannette Horan, IBM CIO
• November 8, 2012 – Offsite visit to Accenture, New Providence, NJ
• December 14, 2012 – SIM NJ Winter Social, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ
• January 10, 2013 – Career Management, Panel Discussion
• February 21, 2013 – Michael Isreal, CIO Six Flags (with SVP Business Operations)
• March – May meetings are being finalized

I am always interested in your feedback for how we can improve the chapter. Please feel free to contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your comments, questions and suggestions.

Every member of our organization has a passion for success and each plays a part in making SIM NJ the outstanding organization that it is today. Thank you in advance for your support.

Regards,

Risa Fogel
President, SIM NJ