Thai Vong, BS '05 and MS '14, Information Systems, recently revisited Drexel’s University City campus, a place that still resonates deeply with him.
“It reminded me how formative those years were and how much Drexel’s spirit of curiosity and drive continues to influence the way I lead today,” he said.
Vong is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of ACR (AmerCareRoyal), a leading North American supply chain and distribution company providing essential packaging and supply solutions. As CIO, he is responsible for driving how technology is adopted, secured and scaled to create meaningful impact across the business.
In recognition of his leadership, PhillyCIO named Thai Vong the winner of the 2025 Global ORBIE Award for CIO of the Year. The ORBIE Awards are the preeminent executive recognition for C-suite leaders, recognizing excellence in innovation, business value creation and executive influence among the world’s top chief information officers.
“Winning this award was both humbling and unexpected,” Vong said, explaining: “What makes it unique and truly valuable is that it’s not something you apply for or campaign toward — it’s earned through the recognition of your peers. The ORBIE is one of the most respected honors in our industry because it’s judged through a peer-review process led by fellow CIOs and past award recipients, leaders already operating at the highest levels of the profession. It’s an extremely competitive field with so many accomplished leaders across industries, which makes the recognition even more meaningful.”
Vong sees that recognition extending beyond his own success as well:
“I’m proud of what this represents, not just for me, but for my team and the organization. More than anything, it inspires me to keep raising the bar for what comes next.”
With the technology industry in constant motion, industry leaders like Vong are shaping what comes next.
From early experiences in Drexel’s co-op program to leading initiatives that harness AI, cybersecurity and digital transformation, his journey underscores the power of practical education and strategic thinking. In an interview with the College of Computing & Informatics (CCI), Vong shares insights on staying current, building strong networks and why the future of tech leadership depends on curiosity and collaboration.
CCI: How do you stay current and continue growing in such a fast-evolving environment?
Thai Vong (TV): “I stay connected to the broader technology community, learning from peers, vendors, and other leaders. That exchange keeps me sharp and helps me see what’s next, not just what’s now.
There’s no shortage of information out there, so I’m intentional about what I take in. I focus on quality: curated news, research, and podcasts that challenge my thinking and connect technology, leadership, and business impact.”
Advice to current CCI students and recent grads
Thai Vong: “My biggest advice is to stay curious. Technology never stops changing, and curiosity is what keeps you learning and adapting. But curiosity also comes with responsibility — be intentional about what you chase and how you apply it.
Don’t be afraid to take chances. As you move through your career, others will take chances on you. If you’re afraid to fail, you’ll miss opportunities to grow. Some of the best lessons come from taking smart risks and learning from what happens next.
Build your support system early. No one succeeds alone. Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and people who challenge and support you. That network will make your journey more meaningful.
There will always be more naysayers than supporters — use that energy as fuel. Just because someone else couldn’t do it doesn’t mean that applies to you. Keep an open mind, stay humble, and never be too proud to learn from anyone. Perspective shapes how you grow, but being a good human being is what truly endures.”
CCI: How did your time at Drexel prepare you for the challenges and opportunities in your field?
TV: “Drexel has always stood out to me because of its pragmatic approach to education. The co-op program wasn’t just an academic requirement; it was a professional accelerator.
Before Drexel, I already had hands-on experience repairing computers, so technology wasn’t new to me. My first co-op at Fox Chase Cancer Center built on that foundation, giving me deeper exposure to enterprise systems and infrastructure. My second at ACE Insurance as a web application developer showed me how technology drives business outcomes. Seeing both sides early on allowed me to determine which path I wanted to take in my career.
What also made the experience meaningful were the people. Many of my classmates in the graduate program were working professionals, bringing real-world challenges and perspectives into the classroom. Those discussions expanded my thinking and helped define the way I approached challenges early in my career.
When it came time to pursue my graduate degree, going back to Drexel felt like the natural choice. It always felt like home — a place that grounded me academically and professionally. The quality of education, the professional exposure and the school’s reputation all played a part, but more than that, Drexel had already proven to be a place that builds both competence and a standard of technical excellence. And being in the heart of Philadelphia, where my roots are, made that connection even more personal. This city has taught me resilience, grit and the value of hard work. For me, it wasn’t a question of why Drexel; it was why anywhere else?”
CCI: Are there any skills or mindsets you believe are essential in today’s landscape?
TV: “People often underestimate the power of relationships in technology. Everyone’s focused on deliverables and outcomes, but real progress happens through relationships built on trust. When challenges arise, it’s the people you’ve invested in who help you move things forward. Mentorship and collaboration are just as critical as technical skill.
Equally important is understanding the business. You can’t truly add value through technology if you don’t understand what drives the organization or where the pain points are. Once you connect those dots, you stop being just ‘IT’ — you become a business partner who helps shape outcomes.
The ability to translate between technology and business is a differentiator. Being able to bridge those worlds fluently — and explain complex ideas in a way that resonates with business leaders — is what separates good technologists from great ones. That mindset doesn’t always come naturally, but it can be developed over time through relationships, mentorship and exposure to the right opportunities.”
CCI: How do you see the tech industry developing?
TV: “We’re in an industry where there’s never a dull moment. Cybersecurity and AI are at the forefront of change, driving disruption and impact on a global scale. Every day brings new opportunities and fresh challenges that keep us learning and evolving.
AI is still in the early stages of its evolution, but it’s already reshaping how people work and live. We’ve seen similar paradigm shifts in the past, like the move to cloud computing, but what makes this different is accessibility. AI isn’t hidden in the background; it’s front and center, tangible and available to anyone willing to explore it.
It’s an energizing time to lead in technology. Embracing this level of innovation isn’t just about keeping up; it’s about shaping what comes next. There’s a real sense of discovery happening across industries right now and being part of that evolution is what makes this point in time so pivotal.”
Thai Vong with daughter Tianna Vong during a recent University City campus visit.
CCI: Final thoughts?
TV: “Being back on campus recently brought everything full circle. I was there to support my 13-year-old daughter, Tianna Vong, during the Drexel University Dance Team (DUDT) Fall Clinic, and walking through campus again brought back so many memories. So much has changed since my time at Drexel, with all the expansion, energy and growth, yet the same sense of ambition and innovation still fills the place.
I’m grateful to Drexel for the opportunity to share my journey and reflections. My time at Drexel played such a big part in shaping who I am as a leader, and I hope this story helps inspire other Drexel Dragons to keep pushing forward, stay curious and take chances on themselves.
You can find me on LinkedIn — I’m always happy to help others along the way.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.