b'lasting Alum Deploys Technology and Innovation at Luxury Brand VINCEFor imp ctnearlyatwenty years, Heather Wilberger 11 has led technologyfrom her studies and operated Skyride Internet, an ISP provider transformation and innovation in the privatein Bend, OR, that grew to serve some 1,200 customers in rural Oregon. That led to a position as IT manager at Mt. Bachelor and nonprofit sectors. She is currently the chiefSki Resort. Wilberger completed her SOU degree in 2011 after transitioning to a position as director of IT and project support transformation and information officer at VINCE,services at the Oregon Health and Science University Foundation the global luxury apparel and accessories brand.in Portland. Wilberger pivoted to The Randall Group in Portland as chief Wilberger joined the company in 2022 to lead ainformation officer (CIO) in 2012, helping one of the metro areas largest private real estate owners transform its business strategic vision that blends operational and tacticaloperations. Wilberger moved to Detroit, MI, in 2018, to serve excellence with a talented group of technologists.as Bedrocks Managements first-ever CIO, responsible for overseeing and managing the information technology team She has leaned into her SOU experience to findand all strategic technology acquisitions for the company. I was recruited to drive a focus shift from a highly-operational, success at every level.tactic-focused technology team to a focus on big picture After just one year on the job, Wilberger and VINCEinitiatives related to enterprise data strategy, strategic application announced a new technology transformation strategy in 2023deployment, and modern infrastructure, she said. While that focused on the dual priorities of boosting profitability andthere, Wilberger helped the IT team shift to a service-centered realizing cost savings. Our transformation journey began withorganization capable of managing 30 percent of Bedrocks a big-picture goal in mind: to rethink how we operate at everystrategic initiatives. level and to make a lasting impact across the organization, saidIt was while leading a team of engineers and data management Wilberger. The transformation is about making us more agileprofessionals at Rocket Homes in 2022 when Wilberger was and resilient in a fast-changing marketkeeping us competitiverecruited to VINCE. In many ways, it is Wilbergers dream job. and aligned with our customers needs. She has leveraged all her skills and experience into a consumer Wilbergers journey to the nationally recognized VINCEindustry that has changed dramatically since COVID. In her first brand began in Oregon. She attended the University of Oregonyear at VINCE, Wilberger was recognized by The Lead in its 2023 but transferred to SOU because she sought a more intimate andDirect 60 List, which honors the nations top executives who are personal educational experience. SOU and Ashland are in aretooling their company infrastructure for a world where every spectacular setting nestled in the Siskiyous. As a lover of thebrand is a direct-to-consumer brand. outdoors and an avid fly fisher, I thought transferring would bringUnder Wilbergers leadership, VINCE has adopted new what I sought in my educational journey. And it did, she said.technologies which have allowed the company to reach As a business and marketing major, Wilberger said a finance classconsumers more effectively. Both the company and Wilberger taught by Curt Bacon left a lasting impression. He taught thatare continuing to transform, thanks to her SOU education. As small class with passion and detail, but it was his ability to bringa transformation and innovation executive, I can honestly say life to the course and make it relevant and understandable to histhat I lean into my business education and campus experience students that made it so interesting. Thats a lesson I use on a dailyat SOU at every turn. I learned the value of team building, basis with clients, customers, and my team, said Wilberger. mentoring, and how to motivate customer-driven teams, and Ill After attending SOU for two years, Wilberger stepped awayalways think fondly of my time and that beautiful educational environment that is Ashland, she added.THE RAIDER|FALL 20249'