CIO-Level Strategy Without Managed Services
You already have internal IT or an MSP handling day-to-day operations. What you're missing is executive-level technology leadership to connect IT, AI, and security to the business plan.
Our Fractional CIO (vCIO) services give you strategic direction, annual planning, and board-level guidance—without replacing your current IT team or bundling in managed services you don't need.
Is Fractional CIO Right for You?
Fractional CIO is standalone strategic IT leadership—not bundled with managed services. It's a fit when you already have IT or an MSP handling day-to-day work, but you need an executive partner to set direction.
This is for you if:
- You have internal IT staff or an MSP handling day-to-day operations
- You need strategic technology leadership, not more support tickets
- Your current IT provider gives you support but no vision
- You want CIO-level thinking without a $300K+ salary
- You're planning major technology investments and need executive guidance
- Your board is asking for a technology strategy you can't articulate
Consider our Virtual IT Department if:
- You need both strategic leadership AND operational IT support
- You don't have internal IT staff and need a complete IT department
- You want one partner for strategy, operations, and support
The Difference
Fractional CIO = Strategy only. Your existing IT operations (internal team or MSP) stay in place—we focus purely on leadership, roadmap, and decisions.
Virtual IT Department = Strategy + Operations + gShield Security + Support. vCIO is included as part of a complete IT department solution.
Three Ways to Engage
Choose the engagement model that fits your situation—ongoing fractional, interim coverage, or project-specific leadership.
Fractional CIO
Ongoing strategic IT leadership on a part-time basis. Ideal for companies that need consistent executive guidance without a full-time hire.
Best for: Growing companies that need ongoing strategic direction
- Regular leadership meetings (weekly/bi-weekly)
- Annual technology roadmap and budget planning
- Vendor management and contract negotiations
- Board-ready reporting and presentations
- AI and digital transformation guidance
Interim CIO
Full-time executive leadership during transitions. Fill the gap during CIO departures, leaves of absence, or while recruiting a permanent hire.
Best for: Companies in leadership transition
- Full executive presence during transition
- Team leadership and direction
- Critical project continuity
- Recruitment support for permanent CIO
- Knowledge transfer and documentation
Project-Based CIO
Executive leadership for specific strategic initiatives. Bring in CIO-level expertise for major projects without long-term commitment.
Best for: Specific initiatives or assessments
- M&A technology due diligence
- Major system implementations
- Digital transformation initiatives
- IT strategy development
- Technology stack assessment
What Your Fractional CIO Delivers
Strategic technology leadership that turns IT from a cost center into a driver of growth, efficiency, and risk reduction.
Annual Budget & Investment Plan
Your IT budget is built from a 12-month roadmap—not from surprise projects. You know what you'll spend, why you're spending it, and what you can say "no" to.
Technology Roadmap
A clear 12-month plan that ties systems, security, and AI/automation initiatives to business goals. Every major decision is filtered through business impact and ROI, not hype or vendor pressure.
Vendor Strategy & Decision Support
When vendors call, your team can say: "Talk to our CIO at GXA." We screen pitches, compare options, negotiate contracts, and make sure new tools fit your architecture, budget, and priorities.
AI & Automation Guidance
We help you see where AI is already in use (officially or not), identify high-impact use cases, and roll out secure, company-approved AI with guardrails—so AI becomes an advantage, not a risk.
Cost & SaaS Optimization
We audit infrastructure, licensing, and SaaS to reduce sprawl and waste—consolidating tools, right-sizing licenses, and freeing budget for the initiatives that actually move the needle.
Executive & Board Reporting
You get simple, board-ready reporting that explains IT, security, and AI progress in business terms—giving leadership clarity on risk, spend, and value instead of technical noise.
CIO-Level Thinking,
Fractional Investment
A full-time CIO costs $200K-400K+ per year. Most growing businesses can't justify that—but they still need strategic IT leadership.
Our Fractional CIO model gives you dedicated executive attention at a fraction of the cost, with access to a team of specialists backing them up.
Your Fractional CIO Will:
- Join your leadership meetings
- Understand your business goals deeply
- Present technology strategy to your board
- Coordinate with your internal IT or MSP
- Be available when you need strategic guidance
Ready for Strategic IT Leadership?
Let's discuss how a Fractional CIO can help align your technology with your business vision—without changing your current IT operations.