About the Advisory

Strategic guidance grounded in decades of CIO leadership and enterprise transformation.

Built for the AI Era of Leadership

Blue Heron Strategy is a strategic advisory firm founded by a seasoned chief information officer (CIO) to help organizations transition into AI-driven operations. The firm works with executive teams to align technology decisions with long-term business objectives. Its focus is not experimentation but measurable business impact.

CIO Experience Shaping Enterprise Decisions

Ted is a chief information officer with over 40 years of IT leadership experience across enterprise environments. He has led organizations through digital transformation, operational modernization, and large-scale technology change. His work bridges business strategy and technology execution at the executive level.

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Bio

Ted Tompkins is the founder of Blue Heron Strategy, an independent CIO and AI advisory practice focused on helping senior leaders turn AI ambition into practical strategy—and real business outcomes. With more than 25 years of experience as a CIO, CTO, and senior technology executive, Ted has led large-scale digital, data, and operating model transformations across private equity–backed, growth-stage, and enterprise organizations.

Throughout his career, Ted has worked at the intersection of business strategy and technology execution—aligning AI, data, and digital investments with measurable commercial impact. As Chief Information Officer for a $500M global education company, he led enterprise-wide transformations spanning AI-driven personalization, ERP and supply chain modernization, cloud platforms, cybersecurity, and advanced analytics—driving significant improvements in growth, efficiency, and resilience through periods of rapid change. Earlier, he helped scale a veterinary healthcare technology company from startup to an $80M business and successful private equity acquisition, while building highly available, compliant, and data-driven digital platforms.

Today, Ted advises CIOs, CEOs, and boards navigating AI-driven change—bringing calm, independent guidance rooted in real operating experience. His work spans AI strategy and governance, AI-ready architectures, digital and cloud transformation, and technology leadership development. He does not sell tools or platforms; every recommendation is business-led, unbiased, and designed to scale safely and effectively. Ted is a former CIO of the Year award recipient, past president of the Society for Information Management (SIM), and a trusted advisor to executive teams seeking clarity beyond the hype.

Business First Technology Point of View

Technology only creates value when it advances business outcomes. AI, data, and cloud initiatives must be governed, intentional, and embedded into how organizations operate. Blue Heron Strategy advises from the standpoint of an experienced CIO-not a vendor or tool provider.

Advisory Services for Executive Teams

Guide organizations through AI adoption and AI-enabled operating models

Advise executives on digital transformation and operational efficiency

Provide executive-level technology and innovation strategy aligned to business goals

Serving Leaders Responsible for Long-Term Growth

Blue Heron Strategy works with C-suite leaders responsible for long-term planning and innovation. Typical clients include CEOs, COOs, CFOs, CIOs, and strategy leaders. Engagements focus on enterprise-wide impact rather than isolated technology initiatives.

Independent Advisory Built on Leadership Experience

CIO-led advisory grounded in real-world leadership experience
Independent guidance focused on outcomes, not products
Calm, strategic support for organizations navigating complex change

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Trusted Partner in Executive Decision-Making

Blue Heron Strategy acts as a trusted partner to executive leadership. The firm helps leaders make confident decisions about AI, technology investment, and organizational readiness. Every recommendation is tied to business value, risk management, and sustainable execution.

Start a Strategic Conversation

If you are evaluating how AI, data, and technology fit into your long-term business strategy, a focused conversation can bring clarity. Let's discuss whether this advisory approach aligns with your leadership priorities.

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