Good afternoon,
Standing here today as the incoming President of TAGITM is truly one of the greatest honors of my professional career. I am humbled and deeply grateful for the trust you've placed in me to help lead this extraordinary organization into its next chapter.
TAGITM has been a constant source of support, inspiration, and connection for me over the years. Like many of you, I once worked in a small IT shop, juggling priorities, wearing too many hats, and often feeling isolated. It was during that time I found TAGITM—or maybe more accurately, TAGITM found me. And it changed everything. When I joined TAGITM, I was the network admin in a 2 person IT shop supporting a city around 48,000 people, with 450 users including 24/7 operations for police, fire, EMS and emergency management. I did not have time to solve the problems, just managed to keep our head above water. With the immediate welcoming of me into the family, I knew I had found my home. TAGITM was my lifesaver and that is why it has been so important to me to be involved and give back. I challenge you to find your why and get involved.
TAGITM is not just an organization, it’s a community. It's a collection of people who show up for each other. People who are generous with their time, their experience, and their knowledge. People who lift each other up, offer advice, answer the phone when you’re stuck, and celebrate each other’s wins. That sense of community, that spirit of helping and belonging, is what makes TAGITM truly remarkable.
I’m standing on the shoulders of giants, leaders who served before me with vision, integrity, and passion. Each past president has contributed to a legacy that is both strong and enduring, and I do not take lightly the responsibility of continuing that tradition. I’m committed to honoring the groundwork laid before me, while also working hard to ensure our organization remains dynamic, inclusive, and future-ready.
As we move forward together, I hope to leave behind a legacy of impact, of building stronger connections across our membership, amplifying the voices of small and large entities alike, and staying true to our mission: to provide leadership, education, and collaboration in information technology for local government.
TAGITM has always been more than just a professional network. It’s a family. A place where we learn, grow, support one another, and rise to meet challenges, not alone, but together.
I look forward to serving all of you, and to continuing the remarkable journey of TAGITM with energy, humility, and purpose.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Let’s make this year a great one, together.
James O’Brien