Meet Terry Hackelman, SDI’s SVP of SLED West, whose career journey spans roles from accountant to consultant, contributing to his versatile leadership today. With a passion for learning and a deep commitment to his team, Terry stays ahead of industry trends by listening to customers and rolling up his sleeves to collaborate. Whether he's strategizing on tackling the biggest challenges in the public sector or gearing up for the MISAC conference, Terry's dedication to making a difference is clear. And when he's off the clock? You’ll find him on the golf course or tinkering with cars in his garage!
Terry, can you share your journey of how you became the SVP of SLED West at SDI?
My career journey has included performing in many job capacities—including accountant, programmer, financial analyst, business analyst, competitive analyst, marketing, project manager, consultant, sales, and various levels of leadership. I was fortunate to work for companies that provided diverse opportunities without constantly changing companies to gain new experiences. Having this broad-based skillset has been important in my career advancement.
How do you stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the SLED industry?
The potential information sources are extensive these days; however, some of the most significant insight comes from our customers, who are actively trying to apply innovative technologies to solve day-to-day issues. I learn most by taking the time to talk with customers to understand their challenges and how they are working to overcome them.
What strategies do you use to lead and inspire your team at SDI?
Leading and inspiring a team requires a multi-pronged strategy, including:
- Listening to your team
- Collaborate with your team to ensure a shared vision – ensuring we are all rowing the boat the same direction
- Be willing to roll up your sleeves and work side-by-side with the team
- Recognize and celebrate the success of individuals and the team
- Trust your team and let them do what they know how to do
- Be open to change – showing adaptability and flexibility as change is inevitable
What are the biggest challenges our customers face in the SLED sector, and how do we help solve those challenges?
Keeping day-to-day operations afloat with increasing costs and limited budgets will continue to be a challenge. Then, when you stack on the need to innovate, integrate, secure, and expand, there is no shortage of challenges. The exciting news for technology in the public sector is that the value proposition for investing is as high as ever; however, how an agency does that within the budget and resource realities is the trick.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job at SDI?
Making a difference. The opportunity to assist public servants in succeeding in their jobs means better citizen services, transparency, increased efficiencies, and more. Helping our clients be more successful gives me a great deal of job satisfaction.
What are you most looking forward to at the upcoming MISAC conference?
It is a rare opportunity to interact with clients and friends in person. It is great to renew old connections and make new ones. Having all that knowledge and expertise about local government IT in one location is amazing. What the MISAC organization and membership have fostered is remarkable.
Do you have any hobbies or interests that people might be surprised to learn about?
For those who know me, they will not be surprised to learn that I love golf and cars. Outside of work, you will likely find me on a golf course or in my garage.
What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?
I have been fortunate to have had many mentors in my career. I don’t know if there is any single “best advice,” but several key near and dear to me include:
- Listen to those around you
- Be flexible and adapt to change—don’t resist it
- Never stop learning
- Have a passion for what you do
Ready to work with a team that’s as passionate about IT as Terry? Contact SDI for effective utilization of technology and a framework for future procurement and implementation.
We celebrate diversity; the views expressed above are those of the interviewed individual, not SDI.
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