SIM Member Spotlight: Pride Edition

Todd Britton has more than 25 years of experience in senior leadership in banking and finance, manufacturing, non-profits, and higher education, including the last 15 years with the University of La Verne (La Verne, California) in positions of increasing responsibility. He has held his current position as Chief Information Officer and Vice President of the Office of Information Technology since 2015. Todd holds an MBA in information technology, leadership, and management, and a doctorate (Ed.D) in organizational leadership and management, both from La Verne University. He also has numerous certifications and professional designations, and is trained in Lean Six Sigma (currently a black belt).

Todd has been a member of SIM since 2018 and is active in the Southern California chapter, including serving on the local board of directors and being actively involved in the SCSIM Annual Summit. We asked him to share his SIM experience and how the society has helped him “Connect, Lead, Give” as an IT professional, as well as his thoughts on Pride Month:

I have a very broad and deep network in the higher education industry. SIM has enabled me to broaden my network to all industries. I regularly connect with Chief Information Officers, Vice Presidents of IT, Chief Information Security Officers and other notable members. Without SIM, I would not have had easy access to all these professionals.

SIM has also exposed me to different ways of thinking and ideas for common business problems. As technology professionals, we are all dealing with very similar situations, SIM enables us to have deeper conversations and discussions around how to address these problems and turn them into opportunities to excel.

As far as giving back, the SIM Southern California chapter has so many options. As an active chapter member and a contributing board member, I regularly engage in the SIM Enclaves, Firesides, Annual Summit, and am an active contributing board member for SCSIM.

As an out gay man, Todd also has opinions on how the corporate world in general, and SIM in particular, can live up to its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We asked him to help SIM acknowledge Pride Month by sharing his thoughts on this topic.

Some in the LGBTQ+ community are hesitant to share their personal lives at work for fear of being treated differently, of being excluded from opportunities, or being overlooked for promotions. Organizations should make their DEI stance clear to all employees, establishing a culture from the top down that honors and promotes the importance of diversity. Organizations should invest in education for all, and provide training and support systems to live their DEI commitments in a meaningful way.

It is also important for individuals to live their truth and be a shining example of what a successful LGBTQ+ person should personify… one who acts with integrity, honesty, and competence in their daily work.

I am pleased with SIM’s DEI initiative and that the society has taken a stance, but I would like to see more education and training for members, and especially more robust discussions on issues that impact the LGBTQ+ community.

I was so lucky to have a supportive family; my parents, siblings and extended family helped me become the person I am today, and also allowed me to live in my truth. Early in my career, I had several bosses whom were not supportive of me or my community, but dealing with them taught me tolerance, self-acceptance, and grace. I am grateful for the mentors and supervisors I’ve had throughout my career who were supportive of me and my community. Showing that support was not an issue for them and they didn’t treat me differently because of whom I love. They taught me about been seen and about acceptance.

To me, it is important to live your authentic self in every way, every day. Only then can you truly be the best version of yourself, and be the leader and beacon for others.

Are you a SIM member who would you like to be featured in an upcoming SIM Member Profile? Or would you like to nominate a fellow SIM member to be profiled? Email us at [email protected].?