In the age of digital acceleration, the quiet powerhouses behind the scenes are finally stepping into the spotlight. At the 2025 ORBIE Awards in Atlanta, the role of the Chief Information Officer was redefined—not as a support function, but as a strategic force driving transformation across industries.
The ceremony, held at The Hotel at Avalon, was more than a celebration—it was a declaration. CIOs from Southern Company, Equifax, Cox Enterprises, AGCO Corporation, National DCP, Construction Resources, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport were honored not just for keeping systems running, but for architecting the future.
Southern Company’s CIO was recognized for modernizing one of America’s largest energy grids, weaving AI and cybersecurity into the very infrastructure that powers millions. At Equifax, the tech chief led a data renaissance, rebuilding trust through transparency and real-time analytics. Cox Enterprises earned its spotlight by embracing cloud-native architecture, transforming its media and automotive divisions with speed and precision.
AGCO’s CIO brought innovation to the fields—literally—by integrating IoT and precision farming tools into global agricultural operations. And at Hartsfield-Jackson, the world’s busiest airport, digital leadership meant streamlining logistics, enhancing passenger experience, and future-proofing operations.
The awards spanned eight categories, from Super Global to Public Sector, with winners chosen by a jury of their peers—previous ORBIE recipients who understand the weight of leading through complexity. These honorees weren’t just technologists. They were visionaries, change agents, and cultural architects.
In 2025, the message was clear: CIOs are no longer backstage operators. They are vanguard leaders, shaping strategy, culture, and competitive advantage. The ORBIE Awards didn’t just recognize excellence—they revealed a new blueprint for leadership in the digital age.