Ginger Breon
This month the spotlight shines on Ginger Breon. A Nittany Lion turned Buckeye, Ginger is working dual roles for OTDI as the Interim Vice President and Chief Information Officer and Executive Director for Research Computing. Since joining the university in 2018, Ginger has led transformational initiatives like advancing research technology infrastructure and implementing enterprise-wide solutions to enhance collaboration and innovation. A proud farmer, lifelong learner and dedicated mother/grandmother, Ginger approaches all aspects of her life with passion, hard work and a collaborative spirit. When she’s off the clock, Ginger is likely planning her next trip to Disney World or unwinding with a Hallmark movie.
Q: What is your role at the university? Currently two roles: 1) Interim Vice President and Chief Information Officer 2) Deputy CIO and Executive Director for Research Computing
Q: How long have you worked at Ohio State? Since September 2018
Q: Have you worked on any large projects since you’ve been here? A few projects and initiatives I have or am overseeing are: the implementation of enterprise-wide solutions for the Shared Active Directory service; the Faculty Activities Reporting system to capture faculty contributions; a new library service platform.
I championed the development of the research technology infrastructure and support model for the Pelotonia Research and the Energy Advancement and Innovation centers in the newly designated Carmenton Research District. These technology advancements expand and enable interdisciplinary research collaboration across the University and with external partners. This digital transformation provides the innovative technical foundation for the expansion of the research district. The success of these accomplishments is founded on the great collaboration across the university.
Q: What are you currently working on? What does a typical day look like for you? I am currently working on leading the implementation of the recommendations from the Software Management Working Group to improve the purchasing process and return on these investments, changes to the Microsoft 365 service model to enhance management of solution and minimize future increases in costs, advancing SDES, exploring opportunity for one scheduling system for the university, evaluating and implementing AI tools advance the university’s missions and improve operational efficiencies.
A typical day includes meetings with team members to learn of the great work OTDI is doing to enable and support the academic missions, identify opportunities for leveraging the expertise across the team, and champion collaboration across OTDI and the university. Also, I attend meetings with senior leaders of the university to learn of opportunities and challenges and determine how technology resources can be aligned to take advantage or overcome, be a partner on strategic initiatives, and improve operational excellence.
In addition to meetings, I spend time developing and implementing a strategy that advances the university.
Q: What do you like best about your job? The people. Every day I am amazed by the expertise, dedication to Ohio State, and the great work of our OTDI team members. Also, I enjoy collaborating and partnering with colleagues across and outside of the university. The whole is always greater than the sum of the parts – amazing impact from great collaboration. Further, I get great satisfaction from supporting the higher education missions – impact on people’s lives and society.
Q: How do you create and innovate? I enjoy learning – from team members, personal research, partners, colleagues. Having a learning mindset opens the door to possibilities.
Q: Did you always know this is what you wanted to do as a career? Well, my childhood dream job was to be movie star. We see how that worked out ;) I always had an ability to analyze data. Initially financial date so that is the reason I got one of my degrees in accounting. Also, being born and raised on a dairy farm you learn how to fill many different roles at all levels (vet, agronomist, mechanic, operator, etc.), which enables me to be agile and a multitasker.
Q: How did your career path bring you to work for us? I had a very rewarding career at Penn State as was able to retire early, which opened the door for me to pursue the opportunity within the College of Engineering at Ohio State. I was primary care giver for my mother and after her passing Ohio State reached out to me – it was like my mother was saying, “Time for a new adventure.” Also, my son and his family live in Columbus, so I get to spoil my grandson while enjoying my job.
Q: Why did you choose to work at Ohio State? For the reasons outlined above. A new adventure close to my farm in Pennsylvania, but also near my son’s family. Best of both worlds.
Q: Of what are you most proud? My family and our farming background. Hard work, but you work together to get it done and you learn so much about so many things.
Q: What was your very first job? My first job was an accounting clerk at Penn State University right out of high school. I had gone the clerical path in high school. Had not intended to go to college. After working three months, I decided I wanted to go, so I had to take math courses at night and SAT test to meet admissions requirements. I am the first in my family to attend college, therefore very thankful for the land grant missions.
Q: Where did you go to college? Penn State. I have dual degrees in Accounting and Ag Business Management. Also, earned my MBA. Enjoyed being a student.
Q: Where are you from originally? Warriors Mark, Pennsylvania, about 17 miles from Penn State’s main campus.
Q: What is your favorite place to visit? Disney World and continues to be my favorite – always fun, always something new, and I get to be a kid again.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Two travel destinations on my bucket list are 1) take a European river cruise focused on War World II. My father served in the 77th Tank Division and learned a lot from him but would like to see where the land where he fought. 2) Take my grandsons to the national parks in the west (Bryce, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone).
Q: Can you tell us about your family? My father was born and raised on a dairy farm. His family immigrated to the United States in 1752 through Philadelphia. My mother’s father was a coal miner. They met after World War II as my mother was a Rosey Riveter and engaged to another man who was killed on the Rhine River early in the US engagement. My dad’s mother, my grandmother, worked in the production line at a Sylvania plant beside my mom when she got the news. My future grandmother loved my mom and took a picture from her purse and sent to my dad while he was in Europe fighting. My dad started corresponding to her asking for film as he took a lot of pictures while serving. After the war they met and married. My dad convinced my mother that farming was a good profession, so they bought their own farm. Both continued to work in public works while raising five of us (three sons, two daughters).
Q: What do you do for fun outside of work? Do you have any hobbies? My main “hobby” is managing the farm financials to enable my brothers to work hard and not earn much but love what they do. Also, you can usually find me in the barn on weekends. I am on the county’s USDA and Conservation District boards.
Q: What kinds of things are you passionate about outside of work? Family, Farming and Disney.
Q: What is something most people might be surprised to know about you? I am a cancer survivor.
Q: Favorite place to eat in Columbus? One of the things great about Columbus is there are SO many great places to eat!
Q: Favorite quote? My dad’s: “Right is right and wrong is wrong, you do the right thing.”
Q: Do you have a favorite book or movie? Favorite leadership book is Good to Great by Jim Collins
Q: It’s 9 p.m. on a Saturday. What are you doing? Hmm...probably watching a Hallmark movie or reading.
Q: Give three adjectives that best describe yourself. Extrovert (I enjoy people), Dedicated, Hardworking.