In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, many companies are facing challenges when it comes to building and scaling their technology infrastructure. Hiring a full-time Chief Technology Officer (CTO) can be costly. Sometimes more than $200,000 per year along with a comprehensive benefits package and year end bonus. Which, I’ll be the first to admit, may not always be necessary for companies in the early stages of growth. This is where the benefits of hiring a Fractional CTO can come into play.
I’ve written a bit about the value of a Fractional CTO, where to find Fractional CTOs, etc.
However, this post will provide a broad overview of the general advantages of hiring a Fractional CTO. While the “Value of a Fractional CTO” post dives deeper into specific, practical examples of how a Fractional CTO adds immediate value to a startup or growing business.
Cost-Effective Leadership
As a Fractional CTO, I offer high-level technical leadership without the full-time salary, benefits, and overhead costs of a full-time CTO. For companies managing tight budgets, this means you get the strategic expertise you need without the financial burden—something I’ve seen firsthand while optimizing enterprise software strategies at the VA, saving millions of dollars annually.
Expert Guidance for Startups
With nearly 10 years of experience working with small to mid-sized startups, large government organizations, and consulting at Fortune 200 companies, I help early-stage startups develop a scalable technology roadmap and manage technical decisions with confidence. My broad experience ensures your startup stays agile while scaling.
Flexible Engagement
Whether you need strategic planning, team mentoring, or infrastructure setup, I work on a part-time or project basis to meet your specific needs. At the VA, I oversaw the Developer Experience and DevSecOps initiatives, improving efficiency for thousands of engineers across the department. My adaptability ensures that I can scale my involvement based on your business needs.
Faster Time to Market
I specialize in leading teams and implementing processes that accelerate product development. For example, at Ibotta, I led the development of a single-page application that dramatically reduced errors and saved the company millions. My experience in optimizing software delivery pipelines means your product can reach the market faster.
Access to a Broader Network
I bring connections across a wide range of industries—from telecommunications to public sector projects. I’ve helped build robust solutions for clients such as large telecom companies, enabling technologies like OAuth 2.0 and Google Home integrations. My network can help open doors and solve challenges efficiently.
Immediate Problem Solving
I have a history of identifying and resolving technical bottlenecks quickly, whether it’s consolidating identity management systems for millions of VA users or streamlining CI/CD pipelines for telecommunications clients. I bring this problem-solving approach to ensure your tech runs smoothly and securely.
Strategic Technology Planning
At the VA, I advised on long-term technical strategies, from Developer Experience improvements to Zero Trust and software factory models. As your Fractional CTO, I’ll align your technical roadmap with your business goals, ensuring scalability and a solid foundation for future growth.
Mentorship for Existing Teams
At Bloc, I mentored over 1,000 students and managed a team of engineers, helping them grow into more advanced roles. As your Fractional CTO, I’ll mentor your engineering team, providing the guidance they need to innovate and improve their technical skills.
Scalable Infrastructure Setup
Whether at the VA or Slalom Consulting, I’ve set up scalable infrastructures that continue to support companies as they grow. I’ll ensure your technology stack is robust and capable of scaling alongside your business.
Improved Technical Oversight
With hands-on experience implementing DevSecOps, cloud infrastructure, and developer tools across public and private sectors, I ensure your company avoids common technical pitfalls. My oversight has saved organizations both time and resources by improving system efficiency and security.