Administrator Spotlight

B.J. Burgess

Chief Information Officer, Greenbrier Public Schools

B.J. Burgess's technology career with Greenbrier Public Schools started while he was still a student in high school. "I started out as a part-time technology worker during the summer," he says. "I worked through college and eventually came on full-time as a technician." After a few years, he became network administrator and started installing and managing servers and networks. That role transitioned into assistant technology director and then eventually director. He states, "I’m starting my 23rd year and my title today of Chief Information Officer encompasses all technology, information systems, cybersecurity, data privacy, and reporting."

B.J. says his favorite thing about his job is the location. "Greenbrier is my alma mater, it’s our home and just part of our blood," he states. "My wife, Misty, and I grew up here, we have three kids in school here. It is a privilege to be able to work and contribute in the same school and community that shaped me growing up. I wouldn’t have it any other way." He also enjoys getting to see how technology can enhance everything from student learning in the classroom, to district core operations.

On the other hand, the integration of technology into so many areas can present challenges. "It is overwhelming when you think of all the systems that rely on technology and information systems to function. Everything we do is somehow reliant on IT," he states. One of the most challenging aspects of his job is staying on top of the latest threats in the cybersecurity realm. "There’s always a new threat and an update for something that can be applied and new technologies and services that we are pursuing and implementing," he explains. "Doing all of that while ensuring the integrity of the systems and data is a challenge."

The growing impact and importance of technology in schools is also the biggest change he's seen over his career. He says, "Early on in my career, computers and computer networks were an added bonus. Extra things that were nice to have and made things fun or interesting. Now, the systems we manage are critical to all district operations and services." Those considering a similar career should know that while it's very rewarding when things go right, it is also very demanding and stressful if equipment or services fail, and the ability to troubleshoot problems under pressure is vital. "Everything the organization does requires some type of network, data or Internet access to function normally. This makes our job as IT specialists so critical."

? Q&A ! with B.J. Burgess

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Do everything with honesty and integrity and everything else will work itself out.

What is the most daring thing you’ve done?

We had a pretty exciting summer this year. Misty and I took a 20th anniversary trip to Curacao. We did a 45 ft. cliff jump into the ocean while there and then the next week we took the whole family to Pigeon Forge and were able to do white water rafting which was really cool.

What do you enjoy doing during your time off?

When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love bass fishing, we love to hike as a family, swimming, river floats, lake days and family movie nights. And our kids are in a lot of sports and activities so we stay busy with football, basketball, baseball, volleyball and gymnastics.

What do you feel is your greatest professional accomplishment?

Outside of leading technology initiatives at Greenbrier, I’ve had the privilege to serve on the board of TEL-AR and currently serve as president. This has opened up a whole new platform allowing me to share with and learn from other technology leaders in the state, attending and leading sessions and conferences. Obtaining the CISSP certification this past year was something I have wanted to do for many years and finally took the time to tackle that.

What is one of the things on your “Bucket List?”

I’ve never made it to Yellowstone National Park and would enjoy a trip out west to see the unique landscape and wildlife there.

What do you see as the biggest benefit of AAEA membership?

AAEA has allowed our TEL-AR group to get involved in the right conversations and with the right people to make connections and forge critical relationships across the state. We are launching a mentoring program for new technology leaders in school districts and hope that this will further engage our group. We have started an EdTech Leadership survey that hopefully will continue to provide valuable information to decision makers across the state. Our group's connections through AAEA have ignited many opportunities for our members.