When you work with colleagues on a philanthropy project, it benefits your career. That’s what Becky Blalock, senior vice president and CIO of Southern Co. in Atlanta, tells her staff. “The issues we are facing are universal,” Blalock says. By talking with peers, she might come across the answer to a problem she’s been trying to solve. Blalock has been working with TechBridge, a nonprofit that provides IT consulting to other nonprofits, for several years. Among many projects, she has worked alongside other major corporations in Atlanta to build Habitat for Humanity houses. “I like it because my security people are out there with security people from Georgia Power,” she says.Vendors can pitch in too. “We allow vendors to participate with us, which they like because they get some airtime with us,” she says.Blalock’s charity and volunteer work is extensive. That’s why Computers For Youth (CFY) gave her this year’s CIO of the Year award, recognizing a CIO for community service. Blalock’s already thinking of ways to help CFY. “I’m hoping to build a partnership between TechBridge and CFY,” she says. “A lot of kids don’t have access to technology, and they’re in a world where, to be successful, you have to have that.” Related content brandpost From edge to cloud: The critical role of hardware in AI applications The rise of generative artificial intelligence By Broadcom Jun 06, 2023 5 mins Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence brandpost The new value calculator: Levers for business optimization Squeezing maximum value out of your data is not only about cost-savings—it’s time to create significant potential by transforming your competitive position. By Sandrine Ghosh Jun 06, 2023 5 mins Data Management brandpost The new wave of data observability Innovative ‘applied observability’ can detect issues and diagnose their root causes swiftly and effectively. By Sandrine Ghosh Jun 06, 2023 4 mins Data Management brandpost Let Business Needs Guide Your Winning Data Team With skill shortages continuing, IT leaders must optimize their data science team investment. Start with your organization’s key objectives. By Paul Gillin Jun 06, 2023 3 mins Business Intelligence Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe