Barbara A. Romano Promoted to First Woman CIO at SJI
January 24 2024 - 8:57AM
Barbara A. Romano Promoted to First Woman CIO at
SJILeonard Brinson Jr. Announces Retirement
FOLSOM, NJ, January 24, 2024 – SJI announced
today that Barbara A. Romano has been promoted to chief information
officer, replacing Leonard Brinson Jr., who is retiring at the end
of the month.
Romano, who previously served as SJI’s vice present for
technology and operations, becomes the first woman to take on the
CIO role at the utility holding company that provides natural gas
to more than 725,000 customers in New Jersey.
“I am both honored and excited to break through barriers and
pave the way for more women in leadership roles,” Romano said. “My
goal is not only to navigate the currents of information technology
but to empower our teams, foster collaboration, and illuminate a
brighter, more connected future for our company and the communities
we serve."
Romano joined SJI in 2015 and has held multiple roles with
increasing responsibly and most recently served as vice president
of Technology & Operations. In her new role, Romano
will provide strategic guidance, leadership, and direct oversight
at the corporate level for all technology and business information
system initiatives for SJI and its subsidiaries.
Romano will also be responsible for advancing and sustaining the
corporate infrastructure and network for new technology
initiatives, ensuring the performance, integrity, and security of
SJI’s technology platforms.
"I am delighted that Barb will be taking on the crucial role of
CIO for SJI,” said SJI President and CEO Michael Renna. “Her
results-focused mindset and energetic leadership have consistently
driven success across various sectors, demonstrating a deep
understanding of technology's pivotal role in achieving our
business, technology, and financial objectives.”
Before joining SJI, Romano held various positions across
multiple verticals, including global supply chain manager at Case
New Holland, development manager at QVC, Inc, and as a principal
consultant at the WGroup, providing strategy, management, and
execution services to Fortune 500 companies.
Romano has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer and
information sciences from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania and
is actively engaged in the BU Alumni Association, having served as
President of the Alumni Board of Directors.
Leonard Brinson Jr. retires from SJI as SVP & CIO after
nearly seven years with the utility. He joined in 2017 as vice
president and SJI’s first chief information officer in 2017 and was
appointed Senior Vice President and CIO in 2021.
Renna said Brinson will be remembered as an IT legend at SJI who
had a multifaceted impact on the company, employees, and the
community.
“Throughout his tenure, Leonard has been the driving force
behind our company's remarkable transformation,” Renna said. “From
swiftly transitioning our entire workforce to a virtual environment
amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in just two weeks to
orchestrating a seamless acquisition that united three companies,
he and his team have made it all seem simple.”
Renna said Brinson’s contributions extend beyond IT
transformation for the company. For example, his leadership as an
executive sponsor of the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp has
empowered over 100 local high school students in SJI’s service
territory with invaluable insights into AI technology.
He has also been a leader as part of the New Jersey chapter of
the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) and on SJI’s
Diversity Council, underscoring his dedication to diversity,
equity, and inclusion in the energy sector.
“He has been a mentor and inspiration to many within our
organization, fostering a culture of growth and excellence,” Renna
said. “His commitment to nurturing talent has left an incredible
mark on our people, shaping the future leaders of our company.”
About SJI
SJI, an energy infrastructure holding company based in Folsom,
NJ, delivers energy services to customers through two primary
subsidiaries: SJI Utilities (SJIU) and SJI Energy Enterprises
(SJIEE). SJIU houses the company’s regulated natural gas
utility operations, delivering safe, reliable, and affordable
natural gas to more than 725,000 residential, commercial, and
industrial customers across New Jersey via its South Jersey Gas and
Elizabethtown Gas subsidiaries. SJIEE houses the company’s
non-utility operations primarily focused on clean energy
development and decarbonization via renewable energy production and
energy management activities. Visit sjindustries.com for more
information about SJI and its subsidiaries.
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