Welcome to the Team: Bob Messner, Chief Information Technology Officer
Meet Bob Messner – Chief Information Technology Officer
We’re excited to welcome Bob Messner, our new Chief Information Technology Officer, to SAM. Bob brings more than two decades of experience leading technology strategy across complex, multi-location organizations. With deep expertise spanning enterprise applications, cloud architecture, cybersecurity, and data strategy, he is equipped to guide our next phase of growth and innovation. Learn more about Bob in the Q&A below!
Q: What excites you the most about joining our team as CIO?
A: What excites me most is the opportunity to lead strategic transformation in a growing organization like SAM, where I can apply my expertise in enterprise applications, cloud architecture, network administration, cyber security, and data strategy to drive measurable business impact. The chance to build a strong data governance foundation, modernize IT infrastructure, and empower the team with better processes and tools aligns perfectly with my passion for turning complex technology challenges into competitive advantages.
Q: What is your background?
A: I bring more than two decades of senior leadership experience developing strategy and leading technology services within large, multi-location, complex organizations. I hold a master’s degree in information systems management and am an ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). I maintain a private-sector membership in the FBI’s InfraGard partnership, which works to protect critical infrastructure and prevent hostile acts against the United States. Additionally, I serve as an Appointed Director specializing in risk management and cybersecurity for Horizon Farm Credit, an $8 billion agricultural lending organization.
Q: What do you value most when leading a team?
A: I value clear communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to excellence. I believe in creating an environment where team members feel heard, supported, and empowered to innovate. I prioritize active listening, setting clear expectations, following through on commitments, and fostering collaboration across departments. Most importantly, I value developing people—helping them grow their skills, take ownership of their work, and succeed together toward common goals.
Q: What’s one goal you’re especially excited to accomplish here?
A: I’m especially excited to establish a robust data strategy foundation at SAM that improves data availability, validity, and analytics capabilities across the organization. This includes instituting best practices for data governance, enhancing policy documentation, modernizing our database and cloud infrastructure, and enabling better decision-making through actionable insights.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: Outside of work, I enjoy bowling, watching NFL football games (Go Birds!), gardening/lawn care, exploring new technology trends, working on old cars, and planning vacations at or near a beach.
As we look ahead, we’re confident that our new CIO’s leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of SAM’s technology landscape. We’re excited for what’s to come and look forward to the impact Bob’s expertise and leadership will have across the organization.