Mike Schmidt
St. Petersburg,FL
Summary
Senior technology leader who has guided enterprise modernization, cloud migration, and governance for complex organizations. Brings board-level communication, technology risk oversight, and talent development to deliver secure, scalable platforms that improve business performance and support growth.
Overview
43
43
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal
Aloha Advisors LLC
Saint Petersburg, FL
05.2025 - Current
- Specialized in technology enablement and execution of business strategies, including modernization, transformation, convergence, and optimization; developed board presentations, provided executive coaching, facilitated staff development, crafted strategic plans, negotiated contracts, managed technology risk, outsourced business processes, conducted executive searches, and advanced talent development.
- Created comprehensive advisory strategies to enhance client engagement and satisfaction.
- Guided senior leaders through financial planning and decision reviews.
- Delivered consulting, mentoring, and advisory services to diverse organizations, enhancing strategic initiatives.
- Reviewed client portfolios and recommended aligned investment actions.
Advisory Board Member
Pelican XC
Sarasota, Florida
04.2025 - Current
- Guided Pelican XC's executive team in shaping strategic direction and growth strategy, strengthening advisory services relationships with the CIO community through collaboration with vendors and partners.
- Advised Pelican XC leadership on strategic direction and long-term planning.
- Reviewed business goals and aligned board guidance with Pelican XC priorities.
- Evaluated growth opportunities and market positioning for Pelican XC.
Advisory Board Member
InspireCIO
Central Florida, FL
04.2022 - Current
- Guided organization’s vision and strategy as Founding Chair, transitioning to Chair Emeritus to support ongoing leadership.
- Advisor for national executive readiness and next-generation leadership programs.
- Established CentralFloridaCIO as the premier peer leadership network for Central Florida CIOs.
- Facilitated connections among CIOs, CTOs, and technology leaders through non-commercial, member-led programs.
Advisory Board Member
KochaSoft
Orlando, FL
08.2025 - 07.2026
- Delivered insights to advisory board that enhanced delivery processes.
- Advised leadership team and advisory board on product delivery, go-to-market strategy, compliance governance, and scaling tech offerings to align with evolving business demands.
Chief Information Officer - Audit & Assurance
Deloitte
Tampa, Florida
10.2015 - 12.2024
- Transformational leader responsible for the overall technology strategy, direction, operation, and enablement of Deloitte's US and Global Audit & Assurance business (safe, secure, and compliant).
- Led the Global Audit & Assurance Products and Solutions Team (over 1000 business and technology team members from various locations across the globe).
- Notable achievements included the design and delivery of a cloud native, multi-geo, innovative, transformational, next generation audit platform (aka: Omnia and the multi-award winning Omnia integrated suite of solutions).
- Created business value through technology and business process innovation in collaboration with senior stakeholders and client service delivery leaders.
- Developed, deployed, and supported technology initiatives while serving as spokesperson for internal and external audiences.
- Held key governance roles on US/Global Audit & Assurance Executive Team, Global Audit & Assurance People Council, US/Global Technology Board, US/Global Technology Risk Oversight Board, Global Software Council, and Audit Transformation Council.
- Global Audit & Assurance People Leader (2021 - 2024).
- 2022 Global CIO of the Year (awarded by Inspire CIO)
- Retired as US/Global Chief Information Officer and Chief Technology Officer in December 2024.
Chief Solutions Officer
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
Tampa, FL
07.2011 - 10.2015
- Responsible for the design, development, implementation and ongoing support of enterprise solutions for global programs across PwC's core businesses and enabling areas; Assurance, Advisory, Tax, Human Capital, Digital/Knowledge Management, Risk and Quality, Global Information, Global Delivery Model, Global Clients and Markets, and Technology.
- Built and led a high-performing team of over 500 global staff and contractors to consistently deliver critical business solutions (custom SaaS, COTS, on-premises, and cloud-hosted).
- Pioneered Agile development methods and project management practices, improving product delivery across a global portfolio of solutions.
- Chaired Global CIO Board and Global Program Council, ensuring timely identification and resolution of global matters through participation in governance forums.
- Consolidated and transformed infrastructure and business solutions across PwC global enterprise to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Introduced DevOps automation tools to improve pipeline visibility and support a smoother transition from development to operations.
- Advised stakeholders on policy, compliance, risk mitigation, and implementation of technology controls.
- Acted as interim Global CIO, guiding organizational technology initiatives and decision-making during the period of April to December 2014.
Chief Technology Officer
PwC
Tampa, Florida
05.2007 - 07.2011
- Guided project alignment with strategic goals for end-to-end design, delivery, implementation, and support of global audit transformation program and Aura platform, enhancing audit capabilities for practitioners.
- Aligned global network technology vision with overarching business strategy to drive organizational objectives.
- Upskilled technology teams through training and certification on emerging tools, automation, and platform modernization techniques.
- Supported design, delivery, and operational maintenance of the firm's global network architecture for telecommunications, media, and desktop solutions.
- Ensured technology services uptime and continuity, while meeting service level agreements and KPIs to support business operations.
Chief Information Officer
Global Signal Inc
Sarasota, Florida
03.2006 - 05.2007
- Company operated and managed over 11,000 cell towers and over 1,300 wireless communication sites in North America. Provided critical infrastructure for broadcasting and mobile telephony.
- Senior company executive responsible for the overall business planning, process, and systems integration associated with the merger of Crown Castle International, and Global Signal Inc (a $5.7B transaction).
- Formulated and implemented a company-wide technology strategy that addressed material weaknesses identified prior to my joining, enhancing operational resilience.
- Managed all facets of technology: vendor selection, procurement, contract negotiations, hardware, software, infrastructure, desktop, help desk, and telephony.
- Proactively addressed technology needs of internal customers, ensuring efficient, advanced, and secure systems aligned with business objectives.
- Implemented "people first" strategy that fostered employee retention and positively impacted overall company morale.
Managing Director - Software Development
PwC
Tampa, FL
10.2002 - 03.2006
- Architected, designed, developed, configured, tested, deployed, maintained, and supported the firm's custom software development and enterprise solutions.
- Led shared services team of over 300 full-time staff and contractors to deliver integrated software solutions.
- Managed financial aspects of software development function and overseen related budget to ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Track record for on-time, quality, and value-added delivery included PeopleSoft HRMS/Payroll upgrade SAP Financials (replaced a 17-year old legacy Oracle Financial System), upgrade of Oracle financials (US, Canada, and Mexico), and numerous service-oriented/custom developed applications.
- Provided motivational leadership for the organization and promoted a high performance culture that emphasizes the importance of customer focus, personal accountability, and customer service.
- Worked closely with fellow leaders, sponsors, and end users to develop (technology and business) roadmaps.
- Facilitated transition, archiving, documentation, and retirement of applications during divestiture of Managing Consulting Services from PwC to IBM Global Services.
- Provided cybersecurity, risk mitigation, and technology advice to internal audit and client engagement teams.
Vice President - Information Technology
Office Depot
Delray Beach, FL
02.1997 - 09.2002
- World's largest seller of office products and an industry leader in every distribution channel, including stores, direct mail, contract delivery, the Internet and business-to-business e-commerce.
- Conceptualized, designed, developed, implemented, evaluated and managed state-of-the-art, cutting edge, Global Information Management Systems (45,000+ end users).
- Led the strategic planning, development, and maintenance of global sales processing, human resource, and financial activities focusing on technology and information security.
- Managed global applications development, support, and maintenance, ensuring alignment with business objectives and user requirements.
- Led up to 165 employees and contractors involved in the planning, development, installation, maintenance and support of web-enabled applications.
- Conducted strategic planning and process reengineering initiatives with executives and staff to build and sustain competitive advantages through effective information technology utilization. Global relationship manager for Oracle, PeopleSoft and JD Edwards.
- Established and maintained effective partnerships with executive management team, Program Management Office (PMO), business owners, clients and suppliers by strategically aligning technology solutions with business objectives.
Director - Cape Canaveral Operations
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
Cape Canaveral, FL
01.1990 - 11.1994
- Led the systems and payload integration of the Milstar and other national level satellite programs.
- Led engineering project to build nationwide LAN/WAN for secure interface between launch base and remote government and contractor locations, developing performance standards and a professional development program to enhance flexibility and innovation for joint client/consultant teams.
- Mentored clients and consultant staff in providing comprehensive communications, payload operations, hardware movement, data security, and IT support to satellite users during secure launch integration.
- Acted as senior on-site company representative and customer program manager. Coordinated and oversaw multiple operations contracts in support of the US space program.
Program Manager
Integration and Testing
Los Angeles, CA
03.1989 - 01.1990
- Managed Joint Service (Air Force, Army, and Navy) project, overseeing development, quality assurance, testing, and account oversight for information systems in satellite communications and remote testing.
- Monitored program compliance with requirements, schedule, and budget to maintain project integrity.
- Analyzed existing processes, procedures, and systems to enhance program delivery cycle.
Manager - Special Programs
Hughes Aircraft Company
Los Angeles, CA
06.1987 - 03.1989
- Led development of facial recognition and infrared detection program, enhancing security capabilities.
- Oversaw information and facility security, network security certification and accreditation, client/vendor training, and policy development to ensure compliance and operational integrity.
- Managed development and implementation of computer security, information protection, disaster recovery, and configuration management for classified national-level AI programs within Electro Optical and Data Systems Group.
Captain - Military Intelligence Officer
United States Army
Schofield Barracks, HI
05.1983 - 06.1987
- Directed security and counterintelligence operations for commanding general, ensuring effective information security, signal intelligence, nuclear surety, and physical security measures.
- Secured funding to acquire and implement modern commercial communications equipment, enhancing operational capabilities and replacing outdated Vietnam-era technology.
- Other assignments included Chief of Security and Counterintelligence, Intelligence Staff Officer, and Ground Surveillance Radar Platoon Leader.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Administration and Management
Walden University
Minneapolis, Minnesota08-1994
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Government
St. John's University
Collegeville, Minnesota05-1983
Skills
- Technology risk management
- Cloud migration
- Digital transformation
- Technology planning
- Enterprise delivery
- Strategic planning
- Strategic governance
- Talent development
Timeline
Advisory Board Member
KochaSoft
08.2025 - 07.2026
Principal
Aloha Advisors LLC
05.2025 - Current
Advisory Board Member
Pelican XC
04.2025 - Current
Advisory Board Member
InspireCIO
04.2022 - Current
Chief Information Officer - Audit & Assurance
Deloitte
10.2015 - 12.2024
Chief Solutions Officer
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
07.2011 - 10.2015
Chief Technology Officer
PwC
05.2007 - 07.2011
Chief Information Officer
Global Signal Inc
03.2006 - 05.2007
Managing Director - Software Development
PwC
10.2002 - 03.2006
Vice President - Information Technology
Office Depot
02.1997 - 09.2002
Director - Cape Canaveral Operations
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station
01.1990 - 11.1994
Program Manager
Integration and Testing
03.1989 - 01.1990
Manager - Special Programs
Hughes Aircraft Company
06.1987 - 03.1989
Captain - Military Intelligence Officer
United States Army
05.1983 - 06.1987
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Administration and Management
Walden University
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Government
St. John's University