Chief Information Officer · Houston, TX

Keyunti
Richard

MPA · Technology Leader

From fixing NIC cards as a teen to serving as CIO at the College of Biblical Studies. A people-first, process-driven executive building sustainable IT organizations that support growth, resilience, and long-term impact.

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10+ Years in IT
3 Industries Led
2 Masters Degrees
Keyunti Richard
CIO · OculusIT
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About

The Journey

I am a Chief Information Officer with experience leading enterprise IT strategy across automotive, healthcare, and higher education environments.

My career began in hands-on technical roles — supporting users, managing endpoints, and delivering frontline IT services. That foundation shaped a leadership approach rooted in operational discipline, clear communication, and accountability.

In my current role as CIO, I am responsible for aligning technology strategy with institutional mission, strengthening cybersecurity posture, modernizing infrastructure, and building scalable, people-centered IT operations.

I am particularly focused on developing high-performing teams and mentoring emerging leaders while ensuring technology investments deliver measurable value.

Core Skills
IT Strategy Digital Transformation Cybersecurity Risk Management IT Governance ITIL Leadership Team Building Mentorship Change Management Project Management Strategic Planning Endpoint Management IAM Vendor Management

📧 [email protected]

📞 (713) 582-9326

📍 Houston, Texas, United States

🔗 linkedin.com/in/keyuntir

Career

Where I've Led

A decade-long trajectory from hands-on technician to C-suite executive — spanning higher education, healthcare, and automotive sectors.
Jun 2025 – Present
Director of IT
OculusIT · Full-time · Hybrid, Houston TX
Leading enterprise IT strategy and operations as Director of Information Technology, managing CIO responsibilities for College of Biblical Studies and Southwestern College.
Jun 2025 – Present
Chief Information Officer
College of Biblical Studies – Houston · On-site
Aligning technology strategy with institutional mission. Implemented the institution's first-ever ITSM platform using FreshService, bringing structure and visibility to IT service delivery. Deployed the organization's first EDR solution and conducted a comprehensive risk assessment to strengthen cybersecurity posture from the ground up.
Jun 2023 – May 2025
Desktop Manager
Grambling State University · On-site, Grambling LA
Managed large endpoint environment, user management, and cross-functional IT teams across campus infrastructure.
Jan 2018 – Jun 2023
PC Technician
Grambling State University · Grambling, LA
Frontline technical support and system management building the operational foundation for a leadership career.
Mar 2015 – Jan 2018
IT Specialist
Primary Health Services Center · Monroe Area
Full-stack IT support: AD administration, disaster recovery planning, server support, hardware imaging, and web development. Built new website saving the organization thousands of dollars.
Jun 2013 – Feb 2015
Assistant IT Manager
Holmes Auto Group · Shreveport, LA
Managed virtual servers, Exchange, WAN/LAN, digital marketing, and staff IT support. Recognized as Employee of the Year 2014.
Education
MS
Informatics – Masters
University of Louisiana at Lafayette · 2022–2024
MPA
Master of Public Administration
Grambling State University · 2018–2022 · GPA 3.6
BS
Management Information Systems
Oral Roberts University · 2007–2011
Social Proof

What People Say

"Working under Keyunte was one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional journey. She created an environment where I could truly grow. She trusted me, gave me room to innovate, and allowed me to make decisions while offering just the right amount of guidance. She never micromanaged; instead, she empowered."

AE
Andrew Emeghebo
CS Major & Web Developer · GSU

"Keyunti is a team player with effective problem solving skills and a strong desire to learn and grow professionally. She has demonstrated leadership qualities and creative ideas, with a pleasant personality and good communication skills. She is an excellent worker in the technology industry."

KA
Karla Atwater
Security Administrator · GSU
Credentials

Licenses & Certs

Google
Foundations of Cybersecurity
Issued Jun 2024 · ID: BJJ7W4AJZE4X
Google
Technical Support Fundamentals
Issued Jul 2020 · ID: VBSHW86T5G5Q
Continuing Education
Additional Credentials Available
View full profile on LinkedIn ↗
Personal

Beyond the Office

Technology Trends Leadership Books Legos WNBA & NBA Football Soccer Public Speaking Mentoring Traveling Video Games
Recognition
2014
Most Valuable Employee Award
Holmes Auto Group
Causes I Support
Civil Rights & Social Action · Education · Human Rights · Politics · Poverty Alleviation · Science & Technology
Leadership Philosophy

How I Lead

Three principles that guide every decision, every team, and every transformation I lead.

01
People First

Technology is a tool. People are the strategy. I build teams that are empowered, trusted, and developed — because sustainable IT organizations are built on relationships, not just systems.

02
Process Driven

Chaos is expensive. I bring structure through frameworks like ITSM and ITIL — defining clear processes that reduce friction, improve service delivery, and give institutions the visibility they need to make better decisions.

03
Purpose Led

Every institution has a mission. My job is to make sure technology serves it. From risk assessments to infrastructure modernization, every initiative I lead is aligned to the larger purpose of the organization I serve.

Speaking & Thought Leadership

On the Stage

Sharing insights on IT leadership, digital transformation, and building people-first technology organizations.

Conference Presentation · 2025
EDUCAUSE Annual Conference

Baltimore, Maryland · 2025

Presented to higher education technology leaders on building resilient IT organizations and aligning technology strategy with institutional mission in resource-constrained environments.

Available For
Speaking Engagements

Topics include:

· IT Leadership & Career Development
· Cybersecurity Strategy in Higher Ed
· ITSM Implementation & Change Management
· Women & Underrepresented Leaders in Tech
· Building IT Teams from the Ground Up

Interested in having Keyunti speak at your next conference, panel, or institutional event? Let's connect.

Request to Speak →
Get In Touch

Let's Connect

Whether you're looking to collaborate, invite me to speak, explore a leadership opportunity, or just connect — I'd love to hear from you.

Email keyunterichard@gmail.com
Phone (713) 582-9326
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/keyuntir
Location Houston, Texas
✓   Message sent! I'll be in touch soon.
Insights

Thoughts & Reflections

View All on LinkedIn ↗
Leadership

Not Every Hard Season Is a Sign to Quit. Some Are Preparation.

I was raised to believe you don't quit what you start. In 8th grade, I tried out for the high school varsity basketball team. Basketball was my life — and I didn't make it. That failure taught me something I've carried into every leadership role since: hard seasons aren't always signals to stop. Sometimes they're forging you for what comes next.

1 month ago · Edited Read More →
Growth

Taking a Chance on Yourself

As the year came to a close, I reflected on the decision to take a chance on myself. Growth rarely comes from comfort. Real progress requires stepping into uncertainty, trusting your preparation, and being willing to learn in real time.

2 months ago Read More →
Mentorship

Someone Taking a Chance on You Can Change Everything

In 2013, my first IT boss took a chance on me at Holmes Auto Group in Shreveport, Louisiana. He became a mentor, a friend, and someone who shaped how I approach leadership. He always said: "Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug."

1 month ago Read More →
Leadership

Different Personalities Need Different Approaches

Some people need context. Some need reassurance. Some need directness. Some need space to process. Leadership isn't about changing people — it's about understanding them well enough to communicate expectations clearly and lead by example.

1 week ago Read More →
Mentorship

An Exceptional Leader and an Even Better Person

For students wondering where a career in IT can lead, sometimes you just have to look at the people around you. Leadership is built through service, responsibility, and continuous learning — not just titles.

2 weeks ago Read More →