CIO Profiles: Galen M. Metz Of The Group Health Cooperative Of South Central Wisconsin

Career Track

How long at current company: I've been at this nonprofit managed healthcare organization 4-1/2 years.

Career accomplishment I'm most proud of: Helping an IS staff member with career advancement. I feel a sense of stewardship regarding the IS staff and their career development. In this instance, I saw an opportunity to provide an employee with a new role. I tried to provide a level playing field with a chance for success, coupled with mentoring along the way. I ended up being blown away by the person's success and the results achieved. It's an immensely rewarding feeling.

Most important career influencer: I'm fortunate to have worked for a number of great bosses, and I learned from each. One former CIO emphasized the value of communication and said it was impossible to overcommunicate. Another emphasized the importance of teamwork. Both of those guiding principles have become part of my DNA.

Decision I wish I could do over: While I've had a good track record with people decisions, I would like a "do-over" on one or two hiring decisions. One person quit after a day because of a cultural mismatch. She came from a large, regimented organization and we represented a midsize, nimble, innovative one. She wasn't comfortable in that new environment. Our hiring process is now more extensive, and includes a look at the cultural match.

On The Job

IT budget: $6 million

Size of IT team: 40 employees

Top initiatives:

Vision

The next big thing for my industry will be ... data analytics. Having implemented an EMR system in 2002, we now have a wealth of data to use in creative ways, like patient outreach or cost-saving initiatives.

One thing I'm looking to change: We're continuing to improve our project management processes. This year, we're introducing a project management office to help monitor key projects.

Lesson learned from the last recession: Always work on cost savings. Don't wait until the last minute. As a result of our ongoing efforts, our 2010 spending was 5% less than in 2006.

Kids and tech careers: We have two grown sons and didn't steer them toward technology. They ended up being highly proficient in technology anyway, and both leverage technology extensively in their careers. For me, technology has been an opportunity to continually learn. I don't see that changing much in the years ahead.

Personal

Favorite sport: Football; I'm an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers

Best book read recently: 8 Things We Hate About IT, by Susan Cramm

Favorite president: John F. Kennedy, for having vision and inspiring the nation

Last vacation: Visiting our kids--I'm not good at the concept of vacationing, but continue to work really hard at it

If I weren't a CIO, I'd be ... a magician; I've studied and performed close-up magic since age 8

Ranked No. 52 in the 2010