Year: 2000

Who: Kerrie Holley​

Where: Currently in California​

What: Kerrie L. Holley, an influential figure in the realm of technology and architecture, has made significant contributions across multiple prestigious organizations, emphasizing his expertise in service-oriented architectures which has enabled global businesses to adapt swiftly to market changes. Born and raised in a challenging environment on the South Side of Chicago, Holley's early life was marked by adversity and limited familial support. Yet, his profound affinity for math and science, coupled with vital mentoring during his time at Sue Duncan Children’s Center, catalyzed his academic pursuits and future career trajectory.

Holley's professional journey is characterized by his role as a Director in Google Cloud's Healthcare and Life Sciences division, focusing on strategy, data, architecture, and generative AI. His tenure at Google was preceded by significant positions at Optum as the first Technology Fellow and SVP, where he propelled advancements in AI, IoT, and genomics. Holley's earlier career phases include serving as a VP and CTO at Cisco and a distinguished tenure at IBM, where he was honored as an IBM Fellow in 2006, the company’s highest accolade for a scientist or engineer. His work has significantly impacted IBM's analytics and automation software portfolios, marking him as a leader in cognitive computing and digital architecture.

Holley's academic background is equally impressive, with degrees in mathematics and a Juris Doctor from DePaul University, enhancing his analytical and strategic capabilities. Elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2023, Holley's career is a testament to his enduring influence in engineering and technology. His election citation highlights his pivotal role in the evolution of service-oriented architectures, underlining his pivotal contributions to technology’s interface with global business operations.

Sources:

Articles:

• Tribune Newspapers, & Donahue, W. (2011, October 28). Remarkable person: Kerrie Holley. Chicago Tribune. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2011/10/28/remarkable-person-kerrie-holley-2/

Journal Articles:

• Arsanjani, A., Ghosh, S., Allam, A., Abdollah, T., Ganapathy, S., & Holley, K. (2008). SOMA: A method for developing service-oriented solutions. IBM Systems Journal, 47(3), 377-396.