Transforming the Game Experience with the NFL’s First CIO, Michelle Mckenna

What does it mean to be a trailblazing CIO in one of the biggest and most celebrated sports organizations in America, the National Football League (NFL)? How can a digital leader leave their mark in such a complex organization with countless moving parts to manage every day?

Michelle McKenna, Founder & CEO of the Michelle McKenna Collaborative, served as the first-ever CIO for the NFL and its first female C-suite executive. She went on to achieve a number of other “firsts” during 10 seasons with the organization before she stepped away in April of 2022.

In addition to driving digital transformation and launching new businesses, Michelle led the league through the 2020 virtual draft and the 2020 season during a global pandemic. She spearheaded the implementation of new technologies and processes that have led to better experiences for players, coaches, refs and fans alike. Michelle knows what it takes to think differently about the possibilities of technology and how to create a powerful legacy of digital leadership.

Join us as we discuss:

• How Michelle laid out a 10-year plan during her interview process
• How to shape the role you’re interviewing for before you’re hired
• Why all tech projects are really about the human experience
• Why digital leaders need the curiosity and courage to move out of their comfort zones
• How Michelle led her team through complex production and operational challenges
• Some of the unique moments Michelle experienced while working on the field
• How Michelle led the charge to replace sideline printers for play information with digital tablets 

More information about Michelle and today’s topics:

• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-mckenna-194472a/
• Company Website: https://www.mckennacollaborative.com/