My First Team Building Experience and Committee Tables, Oh My! – James O’Brien

This year was a first for myself with participating in the team building event and what can I say, it was a blast. I previously enjoyed sitting off to the side to not get involved but this time I started walking the talk I have been sharing with others of “get involved” to make a difference. Well, the BBQ sauce edition was a personal hit for me, and our team did an amazing job. We got to have loads of fun with getting the song lyrics, the jellybean flavors, and scrabble words that went along with food. Never knew ingredients were so expensive… This will certainly be an event I do not want to miss going forward.

It was the first attempt with a committee outreach and having tables at the registration event. I hope everyone was able to come by and talk to someone on a committee and find out how you can also serve this great organization. With so many benefits to list, I have come up with a few personal favorites, we get to have community through our committees, you can build your experience, you can expand your relationships and networking, and you can pay it forward. If you are not involved today, reach out to a committee, and get signed up. Easiest place to get connected is on the website at https://www.tagitm.org/page/committees.

As a first-time board member this year, it was exciting to see so many layers of the event come together like an award-winning BBQ sauce. The sessions were spot on for what’s happening in today’s organizations and there are already great ideas that have been thrown around for next year. We have an outstanding foundation for TAGITM and a large list of accomplishments that TAGITM has conquered. I am excited to be part of such an organization that I can put back into with paying it forward to others. All I can say is get involved today, you will not regret it.

James O’Brien, CISSP, CGCIO
Director of Information Technology
City of Friendswood