PSCU technologist named finalist for ‘CIO of the Year’

Sam Esfahani one of three vying for award from Tampa Bay Technology Forum
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(PR NewsChannel) / October 27, 2014 / ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. 

PSCUSam Esfahani, Chief Information Officer for PSCU, the nation’s leading credit union service organization, was named one of three finalists for the Tampa Bay Technology Forum’s (TBTF) CIO of the Year award. The organization will announce the winner at its 11th Annual Industry Achievement Awards Gala to be held November 21, 2014 in Tampa, FL. The TBTF award recognizes commitment, vision and leadership in building a technology infrastructure and culture that drives business growth, client satisfaction and operational efficiencies.

“I am honored to be considered for this award among such a talented group of technology leaders,” said Esfahani. “The recognition by our executive team and Board of Directors of the role technology plays in growth for our credit unions drives our commitment to innovation. And this support inspires our technology teams to excel. We’re always looking for better ways to serve our Member-Owners with technology.”

In two years as CIO, Esfahani has implemented game-changing disciplines and transformed PSCU from a commodity-based organization to a competitive-advantage business. Esfahani introduced and implemented various successful enterprise solutions related to operational improvement and efficiency. This includes utilizing new processes and methodologies for enterprise architecture, refreshing enterprise infrastructure, and combining agile software engineering and product management with a reality-based business approach and financial acumen.

By streamlining roles, processes, and technology components, PSCU’s systems have achieved 99.95% uptime. The organization is now in the process of elevating uptime to 99.99% system platform availability and reliability for the company’s consumer-facing systems and applications, which include self-service for credit card data, Internet banking, mobile banking, and bill pay.

Based on feedback from business partners seeking stability and standardization, Esfahani enforced the adoption of industry-accepted solutions and training for software engineers. Open source tools are leveraged, supporting the adoption of agile development.

The company conducted its third annual KnockOut collaboration and innovation summit in September, a competitive 24-hour brainstorming event that challenges teams of PSCU and credit union staff to create solutions that benefit credit unions and their members. Esfahani’s teams were on hand to assist teams with design and implementation advice.

In each of the company’s locations in Florida, Michigan and Arizona, PSCU has established internship programs that give aspiring business leaders and technologists the opportunity to gain valuable experience in a collaborative environment.

About PSCU: Established in 1977, PSCU (St. Petersburg, Fla.) is the nation’s leading credit union service organization (CUSO) and serves more than 1,500 financial institutions nationwide. The company is owned by nearly 700 member credit unions representing 18.5 million credit, debit, prepaid, online bill payment, mobile and electronic banking accounts. Comprehensive 24/7/365 member support is delivered through four contact centers located throughout the United States that handle more than 18 million inquiries a year.

Through a focus on collaboration and initiatives to mine the collective intelligence from all corners of the cooperative, PSCU’s Member-Owners are positioned at the leading edge of innovation. The combination of PSCU’s commitment to leadership in mobility and excellence in risk management, strategic consulting and technology creates PSCU’s foundation for the strongest partnerships with its Member-Owners. For more information, visit the PSCU website at www.pscu.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Jim Major, PSCU
Phone:     (800) 443-7728 ext. 4189
Email:     

Claire Simmons
On behalf of PSCU
Phone:      919-277-1159
Email:     

Direct link:  https://prnewschannel.com/2014/10/27/pscu-technologist-named-finalist-for-cio-of-the-year/

SOURCE:  PSCU


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