As Indiana’s tech community continues to grow and mature, it’s getting harder and harder to narrow down the winners for our annual Tech 25 Awards program. Clearly, there is a wealth of tech talent in the Hoosier state, and they are making incredible moves. Join us in celebrating the Tech 25 class of 2020 through this profile series and learn a bit more about each winner.

Chris Hicks is a Practice Manager for UKG (formerly Kronos Incorporated) at its Indy Tech Center, which is focused on recruiting and developing tech talent for UKG Professional Services. Chris leads a team that is responsible for implementing workforce and human capital management SaaS solutions. Outside of the office, Chris serves as the Make‐A‐Wish Emerging Leaders Board Chair, is a member of the United Way’s Emerging Leaders YP group, and spins some of your favorite tunes as his alter‐ego DJ 290West. Chris received his B.S. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his M.S. from Keller Graduate School of Management.

What led you to get into tech and this occupation? What was your first job in tech?

Growing up in the City of Chicago, I was always fascinated with new technology. My 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Nicole Zumpano, watered the seed which grew into my technology plant. Mrs. Zumpano was instrumental in integrating technology into Chicago Public Schools as well as exposing her students to the world of tech. During undergrad, I landed an internship at Motorola Inc. in the mobile device unit, which was my dream company at the time. Motorola provided first-hand exposure to many different roles in tech (project/program managers, coders, engineers, marketers, HR, etc.), as well as the importance of continuing to reinvent yourself and the organization.

When you think of a day in your life, what are the main work activities you do or responsibilities you have?

I manage a team of 10 – 15; this total fluctuates throughout the year, highly skilled Project Managers and Solution Consultants who are implementing the UKG product suite for our clients. I am responsible for providing governance and oversight to the workforce and human capital management projects within the portfolio. This includes responsibility for P&L.  Some of my work activities include: Monitor portfolio performance in the areas of P&L, customer satisfaction, timeline adherence, and employee engagement. o Hosting weekly team meetings to review operational and financial metrics, training, office and human resource updates.

Which resources would you recommend to those who want to learn more or advance their skills in this occupation?

I prefer to consume information in short, concise passages. As a result, I’m an avid article reader. The websites that I frequent for information are Business Insider, TechCrunch, CIO.com, LinkedIn, and TechPoint.  There are three books that I’ve read through and used as a reference guide throughout my career journey. The First 90 Days, by Michael Watkins, Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson, and Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott. Doug Ding, Practice Director at Kronos, has played an instrumental role in demonstrating to me what it means to be an effective leader inside your organization and in the community.

Chris Hicks is a Tech 25 winner who is helping to grow and improve the tech landscape of Indiana. He was nominated by his Practice Director, Doug Ding. To learn more about the Tech 25 Awards, click here.

Visit the Indianapolis Business Journal website to see the full listing and celebration of the 2020 Tech 25 honorees in the joint CTO of the Year and Tech 25 Awards supplement. You can also watch a video of the livestream from the CTO of the Year and Tech 25 Awards virtual event.