“I highly respect Lawrence's leadership as he is a true people enabler. He will champion his people, allowing them to leverage their strengths for mutual team success. I experienced this first hand for many years that I reported directly to Lawrence. He removed roadblocks that allowed me to grow and often be in front of Boards and Executive teams all for the purpose of overall organization success but also because he always looked after his people. This is a leadership characteristic that is needed in all organizations”
About
I am a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in driving transformative initiatives in multiple sectors. Most recently serving as the Founder and Managing Director of Vhael Consulting, I am passionate about shaping IT strategy, leading Cyber Security efforts, and spearheading Digital Transformation initiatives.
Professional Summary:
Throughout my career, I have consistently delivered impactful results, ranging from orchestrating successful digital transformations to restructuring IT divisions for optimal performance. I have a proven track record of developing and leading high-performing, diverse teams, contributing to the success of organizations across various industries.
Key Accomplishments:
- Successfully led the multiple transformation initiatives producing significant revenue, cost, and risk improvements.
- Significantly reduced enterprise risk by implementing a comprehensive IT, Data, and Cyber Security strategies.
- Delivered over $35M in savings through IT cost optimization while also increasing process maturity and delivering strategic and operating outcomes.
Leadership Style:
I thrive on inspiring teams to reach their full potential. My leadership style is rooted in fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment, driving innovation, and achieving excellence in both technical and operational domains.
Educational Background:
I hold a MBA from the University of Manitoba, providing a solid foundation for strategic decision-making and leadership. I am committed to life long learning and maintain professional certifications in multiple IT disciplines.
Community Service:
Recipient of the Volunteer Manitoba award for outstanding contributions to the community. Currently a board member for Technology Manitoba and St. Amant Center (developmental disabilities).
Vision and Strategy:
Committed to navigating complex challenges through strategic thinking and innovation. My vision is centered on establishing and leading initiatives that position organizations for long-term success in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Personal Touch:
My wife Brigitte and I are proud dog parents to Lila and Ash, and we enjoy supporting causes that resonate with our values. We appreciate the chance to travel to warm destinations in winter and host family and friends for summer pool parties.
Call to Action:
I welcome connections and discussions related to IT strategy, Cyber Security, and Digital Transformation. Feel free to reach out for collaboration or networking opportunities.
Contributions
Activity
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University of Manitoba researchers are getting noticed globally for their work on how climate change is impacting polar bears. UM researcher, Ruth…
University of Manitoba researchers are getting noticed globally for their work on how climate change is impacting polar bears. UM researcher, Ruth…
Liked by Lawrence Lazarko
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Welcome to the CIO Association of Canada, new Manitoba Chapter member Gerry Lagadi! Gerry is the Director of Information Technology at Pitblado Law.
Welcome to the CIO Association of Canada, new Manitoba Chapter member Gerry Lagadi! Gerry is the Director of Information Technology at Pitblado Law.
Liked by Lawrence Lazarko
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Proud sister moment: Congratulations to my brother Denis Freynet CPA, CA for achieving his ICD.D! I’m also privileged to know many others on this…
Proud sister moment: Congratulations to my brother Denis Freynet CPA, CA for achieving his ICD.D! I’m also privileged to know many others on this…
Liked by Lawrence Lazarko
Experience
Education
Licenses & Certifications
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COBIT 19 Design and Implimentation
ISACA
IssuedCredential ID https://www.credly.com/badges/b9a15e6f-a86d-494b-a584-5dd433adc5ff -
AOP - Accredited Outsourcing Professional
CORE - Centre for Outsourcing Research & Education
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ITIL v3
OGC
Volunteer Experience
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Board Member
Technology Manitoba
- Present 1 year 1 month
Science and Technology
Technology Manitoba delivers crucial services to private and public entities, aiming to establish a competitive advantage across diverse sectors through the strategic use of technology.
In my role as a Board Member, I contribute my expertise in IT Transformation, Cyber Security, and insights into current and emerging trends to guide the organization's progression.
I actively participate in committee work, focusing on IT/Cyber Risk, Digital Business for members, and contributing to…Technology Manitoba delivers crucial services to private and public entities, aiming to establish a competitive advantage across diverse sectors through the strategic use of technology.
In my role as a Board Member, I contribute my expertise in IT Transformation, Cyber Security, and insights into current and emerging trends to guide the organization's progression.
I actively participate in committee work, focusing on IT/Cyber Risk, Digital Business for members, and contributing to the strategic direction of the organization. -
Board of Directors Member
CIO Association of Canada
- 2 years
Science and Technology
As the Director of Programs for the Manitoba Chapter, I am responsible for the execution of the chapter's annual event programming and collaborates with the national events committee to coordinate significant events
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Board Member
Meals on Wheels
- Present 7 years 1 month
Poverty Alleviation
Serving as a Board Member for Meals on Wheels (Manitoba Chapter), I offer guidance and support to the organization in fulfilling its mission to alleviate hunger within our community.
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Committee Member
ICTAM - Information Communication Technology Association of Manitoba
- 6 months
Science and Technology
Served as a committee member for Maven a start-up focused on making gender parity the new norm in the technology sector. Starting with Manitoba, we are focusing on bringing together, educating and supporting the women and girls of our province to pursue their passion for STEM-related careers.
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Board and Committee Member
St.Amant
- Present 2 years 1 month
Social Services
St. Amant Center is dedicated to serving Manitobans with developmental disabilities and advancing groundbreaking research to enhance the well-being of its beneficiaries. As a sizable organization managing diverse funding sources from both private and public sectors, St. Amant operates within a complex financial landscape.
In my dual role as a Board Member and Committee Member (Finance and Risk, HR), I bring my expertise to support the CEO and Board Chair. Specifically, I provide valuable…St. Amant Center is dedicated to serving Manitobans with developmental disabilities and advancing groundbreaking research to enhance the well-being of its beneficiaries. As a sizable organization managing diverse funding sources from both private and public sectors, St. Amant operates within a complex financial landscape.
In my dual role as a Board Member and Committee Member (Finance and Risk, HR), I bring my expertise to support the CEO and Board Chair. Specifically, I provide valuable insights in IT and Business Strategy, contribute to effective Enterprise Risk Management, and enhance the delivery of Digital Services.
Publications
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Cyber Security Analyst Handbook
ISACA
To be published in Q1-2024 - contributed as an editor to this essential manual for Cyber Security practitioners.
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Canadian Data Governance Standardization Roadmap
Standards Council of Canada
The Canadian Data Governance Standardization Collaborative (DGSC, also known as “the
Collaborative”) was launched as a response to the Digital Charter to coordinate the development and
compatibility of data governance standards and complementary conformity assessment programs
in Canada, contributing to the digital and the datadriven economy. This Roadmap is the first product
of the Collaborative, focused on the data value chain of data governance, describing the current
and…The Canadian Data Governance Standardization Collaborative (DGSC, also known as “the
Collaborative”) was launched as a response to the Digital Charter to coordinate the development and
compatibility of data governance standards and complementary conformity assessment programs
in Canada, contributing to the digital and the datadriven economy. This Roadmap is the first product
of the Collaborative, focused on the data value chain of data governance, describing the current
and desired Canadian standardization landscape, including recommendations to address gaps and
new areas where Canada can be a standards setter and influencer internationally in the sphere of data
governance/big data;
Three broad themes emerge from this Roadmap, based on 35 recommendations from the
Collaborative, highlighting the imperative need for data governance standardization solutions that
focus on both operative and strategic needs:
1. Quality — establishing standardization solutions for systems and controls so that high-quality data
can be achieved.
2. Trust — building the foundation of trust through standardization to know that those using data are
using it properly and respecting privacy, security and transparency regulations and frameworks.
3. Ethics — Ensuring that AI machine learning tools are ethical and that explainability (can be
explained in human terms) can be achieved and supported by standardization, systems and other
forms of controls. -
IT Strategies and Benchmarking (2017 General Rate Application)
Public Utilities Board (2016-2021)
I directly developed content for Manitoba Public Insurance's regulatory filings. This included collaboration with the regulator and its intervenors (presentation, discussion), creating written content for the filing, answering filing related questions, and testifying under oath on all past / present content. I provided this expertise from 2016-2021 and can provide other documents (by year) if required.
In this specific document - see:
Volume 1, Section 3 - IT Update
Volume 3…I directly developed content for Manitoba Public Insurance's regulatory filings. This included collaboration with the regulator and its intervenors (presentation, discussion), creating written content for the filing, answering filing related questions, and testifying under oath on all past / present content. I provided this expertise from 2016-2021 and can provide other documents (by year) if required.
In this specific document - see:
Volume 1, Section 3 - IT Update
Volume 3, Appendix 5: IT Benchmarking
Honors & Awards
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Outstanding Pro Bono Consultant
Volunteer Manitoba
https://ccednet-rcdec.ca/en/news/2015/04/15/congratulations-sparks-first-outstanding-pro-bono
First time this was awarded.
Languages
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English
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Recommendations received
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The LNG team had a great time celebrating our recent successes and cheering on the Goldeyes to a win yesterday! 🏆🎉 #TeamworkMakesTheDreamwork…
The LNG team had a great time celebrating our recent successes and cheering on the Goldeyes to a win yesterday! 🏆🎉 #TeamworkMakesTheDreamwork…
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