President's Message

 

SIM Charlotte – President’s Message (2025-26)
Melissa Sawyer, President, SIM Charlotte

Welcome, and thank you for visiting the SIM Charlotte website!

I’m honored to serve as President of SIM Charlotte and proud to lead this vibrant community of technology executives, thought leaders, and changemakers. Our chapter has a rich history of connection, leadership development, and giving back—and we’re just getting started.

SIM (Society for Information Management) is a national organization built by and for senior IT leaders who are passionate about advancing the practice and impact of technology leadership. Here in Charlotte, our chapter has become a trusted space for relationship-building, professional growth, and meaningful community engagement.

Why SIM Charlotte matters
Whether you're navigating digital transformation, building high-performing teams, or exploring your next leadership opportunity, SIM Charlotte offers something unique:

  • Connection with peers who "get it"—senior leaders who’ve walked similar paths and are willing to share lessons, ideas, and support.
  • Leadership development through SIM’s national and local programs, tailored for all stages of your career.
  • Impact through STEM-focused philanthropy, mentorship, and engagement. SIM Charlotte has donated over $950,000 to local STEM initiatives since our founding in 2010, and we remain committed to preparing the next generation of tech leaders.

Our events are where it all comes together:
From quarterly networking events and CIO enclaves, to SIM Women meetups, Members in Transition (MIT) forums, and our signature Tech on the Tees charity golf tournament, our programming is designed to spark connection, share insights, and fuel growth.

My own SIM journey began several years ago when I attended a SIM Charlotte dinner. I immediately felt the strength of this community—warm, welcoming, and filled with people who were not only successful, but generous with their time and knowledge. I’ve since co-led SIM Women, served as Vice President, and built lasting relationships that have helped me grow both personally and professionally.

As President, my goal is to keep this chapter grounded in relationships, energized by new ideas, and driven by purpose. I invite you to get involved: attend an event, reach out to a board member, or follow us on LinkedIn. Whether you’re an IT executive, rising leader, or corporate partner, you have a place here.

Let’s lead, grow, and give back—together.

Warm regards,
Melissa Sawyer
President, SIM Charlotte
Director of Client Engagement, Hylaine