About
Ryan Drumheller
Fractional CIO • Technology Leader • Advisor • The Extroverted IT Leader
Rare Leadership. Real Results.
Technology Leadership Without the Full-Time CIO Cost
I help organizations bring structure, clarity, and leadership to their technology decisions. After more than 20 years in IT leadership, I have seen where businesses lose time, money, and momentum and what it takes to turn technology into a real business advantage.
My approach is practical, executive focused, and built for leaders who need stronger direction across technology, risk, operations, AI, and change.
Credentials Snapshot
My Story
Built at the intersection of technology, leadership, and business execution
My career has been built at the intersection of technology, leadership, and business execution. I have led infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud, operations, M&A, transformation, and emerging technology work while helping organizations make better decisions and move forward with more confidence.
What I saw over and over again was this: many organizations either had IT in place but no real executive direction, or were growing so fast that their technology foundation could not keep up. Both create the same problem — reactive decisions, increased risk, and slower execution.
The same is now true with AI. Many organizations are experimenting without enough strategy, governance, prioritization, or leadership alignment. That creates confusion instead of value.
Stellar Horn Group was built to solve that problem. It is a way for me to bring executive level leadership, strategic clarity, and practical guidance to organizations that need more than tactical IT support.
What I Bring
Executive technology strategy and prioritization
Leadership through complexity, risk, growth, and AI adoption
Business alignment for IT, cybersecurity, AI, and operations
Clear communication with executives, boards, and teams
Mentorship and development for emerging leaders
Beyond the Resume
The person behind the work
I am an extroverted person who genuinely loves people, and meeting someone new is always a pleasure. The best part of this work is the conversations and relationships that come with it.
I am a family man first. My wife, my stepdaughter, and our five indoor pets are the center of my world. I care deeply for my family, my friends, and the people I lead and mentor. That care shows up in how I work too.
I am a golf enthusiast who came to the game later in life. I fell in love with it the moment I realized it gave me a way to turn off the screens, step away from the desk, clear my mind, and reset. It is one of the few places I am fully unplugged.
I am a die hard Detroit Lions, Pistons, Red Wings, and Tigers fan, and a proud Michigan Wolverines supporter. I am almost always listening to music and I love a great live show.
When I am not helping businesses chase their success and their dreams, you can find me doing any of these things.
Family
Music
Golf
Detroit
Click any photo below to enlarge
Like what you see?
Want executive technology leadership that operates like this?
Stellar Horn Group is built around the same people-first, direct, results-focused approach. If that resonates with how you want to lead, let's talk.
Experience Highlights
A leadership path built on results, credibility, and a people first approach
Technology Leadership
Led major initiatives across infrastructure, cloud, cybersecurity, operations, enterprise transformation, and strategic technology planning.
M&A and Integration
Led major M&A integration efforts while balancing speed, security, continuity, and execution.
Cybersecurity and Risk
Helped leadership teams better understand risk, strengthen governance, and create more resilient operating environments.
AI and Emerging Technology
Helped leaders think more clearly about AI strategy, governance, risk, and responsible adoption in real business environments.
Selected Achievements
Results, leadership, and business impact
Helped drive major cost savings through smarter IT strategy and vendor decisions
Led large scale technology and cybersecurity initiatives across complex environments
Supported M&A integration efforts requiring speed, structure, and business continuity
Built and developed strong teams while mentoring future leaders
Created clarity for executives navigating technology risk, growth, change, and AI adoption
Why clients work with me
Clients are not just hiring someone with technical experience. They are hiring judgment, communication, leadership, and the ability to connect technology to real business priorities.
That now includes helping leadership teams think clearly about AI strategy, governance, vendor choices, risk, and implementation without losing sight of business outcomes.
I bring an approach that is direct, practical, people first, and built for organizations that need stronger direction without unnecessary complexity.
Education & Credentials
Depth built through experience, study, and discipline
I take leadership and learning seriously. My education and certifications reflect that commitment.
MBA in IT Management
MS in Management and Leadership
Bachelor’s in Computer Science
Harvard Business School Certificate of Specialization in Leadership and Management
170+ certifications across leadership, governance, security, AI, and technology
Selected credentials
Replace the placeholder links below with your direct certification URLs, Credly links, LinkedIn licenses, or credential detail pages.
Leadership and Management
Cybersecurity and Risk
Architecture, Governance, and Delivery
Cloud, AI, and Platforms
Why it matters
Credentials do not replace experience, but they do reflect discipline, curiosity, and a commitment to bringing real depth into the room.
Clients are hiring leadership, judgment, and the ability to connect technology, AI, governance, and business outcomes.
What former colleagues say about Ryan
Public LinkedIn recommendations from former managers, peers, and direct reports. Every quote here is verifiable on LinkedIn.
I had the pleasure of managing Ryan Drumheller during his time as IT Manager at NeoPollard, where he led a team of technicians while overseeing both our internal IT operations and client support. Ryan brought real leadership to the role. He is calm under pressure, solutions oriented, and someone his team genuinely rallied around. He balanced a demanding dual workload with professionalism and consistency, and he advocated equally well for his people and the business. His technical skills were never in question, but it's his ability to lead, communicate, and build trust across the organization that truly set him apart. Any company would be lucky to have him.
Jay Whitmore
Director of Information Security at KERV.ai
Jay managed Ryan directly
14 May 2026
I had the pleasure of working with Ryan Drumheller as my manager, and now call him a friend. He's one of the most driven and supportive leaders I've ever worked with. He's big on continuous learning and growth, not just for himself, but for everyone around him. His ability to connect technology with business strategy is impressive, and he leads with a people first mindset that makes a real impact. Anyone would be lucky to work with or learn from him.
Colin Courter
Systems Engineer
Colin reported to Ryan directly
3 June 2025
Ryan has that energy that brings people together and working for this individual has been a blessing. Ryan really cares about his team, organization, and is always willing to go that extra mile to make sure everyone is happy and has all the resources to succeed. Out of all the great things this individual has going for him, one that stands out the most to me is his willingness to mentor you on how to be successful in your IT career. I personally wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for him taking a chance on me. He is one of those leaders that will get in the trenches with you when things are not going right and walk out of them with you when the situation has been resolved.
Dustin Smith
System Engineer at NeoPollard Interactive
Dustin reported to Ryan directly
5 October 2023
Ready to Connect?
Looking for executive level technology leadership?
If your organization needs stronger direction, better alignment, and a clearer path forward for technology, AI, and business change, let's start the conversation.