Governing Body Spotlight

David Todd leads the Information Technology and Cybersecurity functions for White Lodging Service’s portfolio of approximately 60 premium Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt hotels; a private collection of world-renowned luxury ranches; 40 locally relevant, award-winning restaurants; and 10 market-leading rooftop bars.  

With over 35 years of technology experience, David is an accomplished leader in a variety of industries including insurance, hospitality, and retail. David holds two Master’s degrees and over a dozen information technology and risk management certifications from leading industry organizations such as ISACA, SANS, (ISC)², and ISO.  

Learn more about the Chicago CIO community here.
 

Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.

Someone once said, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” In 2005, I was tapped for a management job in Internal Audit at Progressive Insurance. I accepted the role even though I didn’t know much about Sarbanes-Oxley and PCI. I sought out training and others who knew more than I did. Eventually those experiences and risks I was willing to take on myself led me to a Chief Information & Security Officer role at White Lodging.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

Interestingly, I think Dr. Seuss said it best when he said, “Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So, love the people who treat you right, forgive the ones who don’t, and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get the chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said it would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.”
 

With disruption being a key theme of the past few years, where do you see your role as a CIO going in the next 1-2 years?

Following the aftermath of the global pandemic and organizations struggling with rebuilding their workforce, the business is more open to giving technology a seat at the table. CIOs are getting more involved with long-term strategic planning and learning to “speak the language of the business.” CIOs can help translate those business requirements for their technology team to meet enterprise goals.
 

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the role as a CIO?

Listen, learn, ask questions, then speak.
 

Tell us 3 fun facts about yourself.

1. My wife and I met in college, and we’ve been happily married for 38 years. We enjoy every opportunity to spend time with our children and grandchildren.
2. During my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, and playing golf.
3. I was in college at the same time as my two boys. While they were getting their Bachelor’s degrees, I was working on my second Master’s.
    

What is the value of participating in a professional community through Evanta?

I’ve enjoyed being part of the Evanta community, especially participating in the networking events. I’ve met some amazing technology leaders who are willing to share from their experiences to assist their peers through their own challenges.
 

Evanta Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.
 

by CIOs, for CIOs
 

Join the conversation with peers in your local CIO community.