Cathy Ford is Management and ICT professional who has worked in the sector for more than 25 years.  During this time she has held many senior leadership positions specializing in business transformation, portfolio management, professional service delivery, and the creation of business value from the application of technology.

Her recent roles include General Manager of Information, Productivity and Technology for a large IT Infrastructure firm and Chief Operating Officer for a specialist consulting firm. In these capacities Cathy’s focus is to work with senior executives to transform their business through the application of sound management advice and technology innovation. Aside from the provision of strategic advice, Cathy has been intimately involved in all stages of strategy execution, from portfolio and program planning, to solution planning and implementation and people management.

Prior to this Cathy was Regional Director for the Queensland division of SMS Management & Technology; a position she fulfilled from 2000 until 2008.  In this capacity she was responsible for managing all aspects of SMS's consulting business throughout Queensland including strategic direction, business development, financial planning and human resource management.

Cathy’s role was also one of people leadership, responsible for the recruitment, development, motivation and retention of the Queensland consulting base which had grown from 24 Consultants to a team of over 80 under her leadership.  Cathy is also experienced in strategic sales and the ability to identify market trends and areas of need.

Before taking on the role of Regional Director with SMS, Cathy held a number of senior consulting roles with major clients. Her professional achievements include Program Director for a multi-million dollar process improvement program and strategic planning for a major redevelopment project.

Cathy has a Graduate Diploma in Computing Science from Queensland University of Technology, and was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree with first class honors from the University of Queensland. She is past Chair of the Australian Institute of Company Director’s.  Her expertise and experience in the ICT sector is recognized by her inclusion on multiple boards and focus groups advising on various aspects of business management & technology.