The 100% online University of Wisconsin Master of Science in Information Technology Management is supported by an advisory board of IT leaders and industry professionals. Board members serve as advisors, ambassadors, and referral agents to the UW IT Management master’s degree program.
The advisory board meets bi-annually and members provide constructive feedback regarding changes in the IT industry and how those changes affect program graduates. These meetings ensure the IT Management curriculum stays relevant to evolving IT trends and demands. Board members are also asked to host students working on capstone projects, and create smooth school-to-work transitions, so that as students graduate from the program they will move to gainful employment.
The advisory board provides recognized leaders in the field with a unique opportunity to further shape the program and IT management profession. Learn more about the Advisory Board Member Responsibilities and Advisory Board Guidelines.
If you’re interested in joining the advisory board, please complete the Advisory Board Member Questionnaire for consideration. We’ll be in touch after submission regarding next steps.
UW IT Management Advisory Board Members
Erin Allen | Sargento Foods Inc.
Erin is a strategic IT leader with extensive experience in digital transformation, business-technology alignment, and technology innovation. She oversees IT Strategy, Digital Workplace, and Architecture at Sargento Foods Inc., guiding how systems, data, and processes work together to support growth, efficiency, and innovation. Her teams help the business get the most from its technology investments, ensuring they are focused on productivity, simplification, and measurable results.
Erin is recognized for driving innovation and strengthening collaboration between business and IT. She has led enterprise-wide technology modernization at Harley-Davidson and contributed to large-scale transformation programs across industries. Erin is regarded for her leadership in innovation practices and her ability to connect emerging technologies to real business outcomes, helping organizations adopt change with confidence and clarity.
Bill Blount | Light The Way Technology, LLC
Bill Blount is a technology executive who accelerates business growth through strategic platform development and operational excellence. With a 30-year track record, he has delivered transformative results across healthcare technology, financial services, SaaS platforms, and e-commerce. Currently, Bill is providing strategic advisory and IT leadership consulting services as Principal and CIO at Light The Way Technology, LLC.
Throughout his career, Bill has scaled technology teams and successfully implemented AI, analytics, and cloud transformation initiatives. His consulting experience includes the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, TSA, and Oracle Corporation. Bill serves as President of SIM Chicago and is a member of the Governing Body for the Gartner C-Level Community. He was named CIO Innovator of the Year in 2021 and was a CIO of the Year Finalist in 2020. He actively mentors professionals and college students.
Bill earned his BS in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse and his MBA through the University of Wisconsin MBA Consortium.
Tylor Elm | discoverpc.NET Computer Solutions Center
Tylor Elm is the co-owner and manager of discoverpc.NET Computer Solutions Center, a locally owned IT services business in Superior, Wisconsin. With more than 20 years of personal experience, he and his team provide computer solutions, cybersecurity, cloud and server support, and IT consulting for individuals and businesses. In addition to his business leadership, Tylor has served as the 6th District City Councilor for the City of Superior since 2017, where he currently chairs the Public Safety Committee, co-chairs the Finance Committee, and founded the Communications & Information Technology Committee. He was instrumental in launching ConnectSuperior, one of Wisconsin’s first city-owned open-access fiber broadband networks. Active in numerous civic organizations, Tylor is committed to advancing both technology and community. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife Heidi, their daughter Nova, and supporting local events and organizations.
Brandon Harris | Dependable Solutions
Brandon Harris, MBA, MS, is Chief Technology Officer at Dependable Solutions, an IT managed services provider. He leads high-performing teams and builds scalable platforms that align cybersecurity, cloud operations, and automation with measurable business outcomes. Combining financial acumen with deep technical expertise, Brandon modernizes service delivery, strengthens margins, and elevates client experience; current priorities include AI-assisted development and accessible-by-design, secure-by-default products.
Tom Huelhorst | Northwestern Mutual
Tom Huelhorst, Executive MBA, is the Assistant Director of Cloud Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) at Northwestern Mutual in Wisconsin, where he applies data-driven insights and engineering principles to enhance system performance and resilience. Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, Tom built his career in database management and analytics at Kohl’s, where he led the Enterprise Data Warehouse team before moving into broader leadership roles. His experience leading database and infrastructure SRE teams allowed him to merge his data-driven mindset with automation and reliability practices to improve system performance and customer experience.
Jeanne de Vries Sand | MedVet
Jeanne de Vries Sands is Chief Information Officer at MedVet, where she leads all aspects of information technology, including application development, data and analytics, infrastructure, security, and support. Before joining MedVet, she served as CIO at Summit BHC, where she implemented an enterprise EHR across 28 sites and drove major gains in efficiency and revenue. She also held senior IT leadership roles at SSM Health, Presbyterian Healthcare, and Advocate Aurora Health, managing large teams and multimillion-dollar initiatives. Based in Brentwood, TN, Jeanne serves on the boards of TN HIMSS and New Resources Consulting. She is fluent in Spanish and enjoys reading, exercising, and following celebrity news.
Siobhann Steindorf | DuraTech Industries
Siobhann Steindorf is the Information Systems Team Leader at DuraTech Industries in La Crosse, WI. She oversees software development, database operations, and ERP systems that support DuraTech’s mission to deliver world-class products through a commitment to quality, innovation, and service. She leads system integrations, process improvements, and security initiatives while overseeing the Information Systems team and projects.
She has more than 20 years of leadership experience spanning manufacturing, financial services, banking, and tribal government. Her work includes ERP transformations, cloud migrations, CRM implementations, and building secure IT governance frameworks. Siobhann earned a Master of Science in Information Technology Management from the Universities of Wisconsin Collaborative (issued through the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse).
Ali Vanalli | Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
Ali Vanalli is an IT Infrastructure Supervisor at the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. Ali has more than decade of experience in enterprise technology operations, specializing in project and program management as well as IT solution architecture, and has also served as an Enterprise Architect for Wisconsin state agency. Ali brings a strategic perspective on modernization, technology transformation, and advising leadership on technology strategy and governance. He is committed to leading through vision, values and is passionate about bridging higher education with the IT profession. Ali holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science from India, Master’s in Computer Science from the United Kingdom and pursued Organizational Leadership program at Harvard Business School.