As a kid, I have always wanted to learn how that thing called a computer just worked.  Understanding what is was for and how the lights and chips made it take an action.  Well after opening up and destroying my first computer of which was a Commodore 64, I decided to take it a little bit more seriously.  Over the years, I would always pick up a new pick up a new disk  and put it in the now quite aged floppy drive just to learn more about what made this thing tick.  Well after spending a great deal of money over the years, I decided that being in the field that allowed me to play with my first love was one that I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Meet Van D. Richardson.  Growing up on the south side of Chicago, I have always been known as the guy to always ask about all things computer.  Even in high school at Hyde Park Career Academy with my first electric typewriter I was able to get hands on experience with a wide array of technologies as I became the computer guy.  After that I attended Chicago State University in which I learned that this computer thing was HUGE and I wanted to be a part of it.  While doing so, I became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc in the spring of 1996 and was immediately charged with building websites and helping others grasp this new technology.  Brotherhood, Scholarship and Service are ideals of Sigma that have guided me throughout the years.  As time progressed, I attended two other schools of which enabled me to get a better perspective on business and technology.  My career has progressed from leading systems for major banks to leading technology teams for large organizations of which are publicly traded companies across the globe.  Having graduated from Robert Morris University and ultimately Capella University with an MBA I have been enabled with skills to allow me deliver technology solutions that are tied to business strategies of which enable business to reach their goals.

I currently serve as the leader of Technology for a large organization with the aspirations of continuing my career  VP/ CIO of broader teams. As I look back at my beginnings and appreciate those that have helped me along the way.  I enjoy public speaking as well as mentoring youth about technology.  An element I stress is that it doesn’t matter your ethnic background or the community you grew up in, you CAN be successful!

Until next time!  Follow me on twitter!