S. David Brown, J.D.

Background

I'm a technology leader with a somewhat unconventional path. My legal training at UNC School of Law shaped how I approach problems: analytical thinking, attention to detail, and a deep appreciation for risk management. Combined with my business school background, I developed the ability to navigate complex challenges, negotiate critical contracts, and translate technical decisions into business outcomes.

For years, I served as Director of Business Technology and Operations for a critical power infrastructure company with 450+ employees, including 350+ field technicians spread across multiple states. I built the IT function from the ground up, creating an in-house department that saved millions in operating costs through strategic initiatives like the deployment of Business Central and Field Service, and the migration from legacy ERP systems.

Under my leadership, every employee had access to modern, standardized equipment. We streamlined operations, boosted productivity, and built a technology program that balanced innovation, security, and usability. That experience taught me what it really takes to run IT at scale, and now I bring that perspective to the organizations and leaders I work with.

How I Work

I'm a proponent of lean and agile methodologies. I manage using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), ensuring that challenges are met with resilience and efficiency. I believe in using data analytics to drive IT initiatives and optimize costs, making sure every technology decision contributes to measurable business success.

Through PacificaOne, I help IT professionals and organizations make the leap from technical execution to strategic leadership. That takes different forms depending on what you need:

CIO Mentorship for IT managers and directors who have the technical chops but want structured guidance on executive presence, stakeholder management, and strategic thinking. I integrate mentorship into everything I do, offering clear goals, consistent development, and accountability.

IT Consulting for Microsoft-focused organizations (50-1,000 employees) looking to add structure, optimize their technology stack, or implement frameworks that actually stick.

AI Enablement for teams that want to move beyond the hype and get practical value from Copilot, AI agents, and automation. I'm particularly excited about the potential of AI to transform how businesses operate, and I help organizations capture that value rather than just talk about it.

What I Believe

I'm committed to fostering cultures of continuous growth. Professional development shouldn't come at the expense of personal well-being, and I champion work-life balance in every engagement. I also enforce a zero-e-waste philosophy, ensuring that decommissioned technology is either repurposed or recycled responsibly.

I stay at the forefront of industry trends by consuming a wealth of tech news daily. My advice to aspiring CIOs: always question the status quo, understand the reasons behind your actions, and lead with kindness and accountability.

Speaking & Thought Leadership

I speak regularly on AI in enterprise systems, particularly around Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Business Central. Upcoming engagements include the AI Agent & Copilot Summit 2026 in San Diego and DynamicsCon Las Vegas 2026, where I'll be presenting on AI agents in Business Central v27.

I also have a background presenting on technology ethics, including a CLE session at UNC on the ethical considerations of collecting evidence from social networking sites under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct.