Fractional CIO & CISO Services for Strategic IT and Security Leadership

Empower your business with part-time CIO expertise tailored to drive strategic growth, strengthen resilience, and ensure compliance.

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Fractional CIO & CISO

Meriplex’s Fractional CIO Services provide businesses with flexible, high-caliber IT and cybersecurity leadership without the cost of full-time executives. Our experienced CIOs and CISOs bring strategic insights, working directly with your leadership team to manage technology and security confidently. With Meriplex’s tailored guidance, you gain access to the expertise needed to align IT and security strategies with business goals, ensuring effective, scalable solutions to meet your unique needs on a fractional basis.

Key Features

Strategic IT Roadmapping

Develop a tailored IT roadmap that drive business growth, efficiency, and digital transformation.

Cybersecurity Strategy

Create a robust security framework to protect critical data and proactively minimize risk.

Regulatory Compliance

Achieve and maintain compliance with essential industry standards and regulations.

Risk Management

Identify, assess, and mitigate IT and cybersecurity risks to safeguard your organization.

Vendor & Technology Evaluation

Select the right technologies and vendors to support your business objectives and long-term vision.

On-Demand Leadership

Access executive-level expertise as needed, without the commitment and cost of a full-time hire.

Why Choose Meriplex for Fractional CIO/CISO Services?

Meriplex’s Fractional CIO and CISO services provide organizations with high-level IT and security expertise, tailored to fit your business’s needs and budget. Our experienced executives bring strategic insight, hands-on guidance, and a results-driven approach to managing IT infrastructure and cybersecurity. With Meriplex, you gain the advantages of strategic leadership, allowing you to drive innovation, manage risk, and maintain compliance—all while controlling costs.

What's Included

All Inclusive Fractional CIO and CISO Services

Strategic IT & Security Leadership

Receive executive-level guidance to align IT initiative with business goals.

Cybersecurity Planning

Implement and maintain a robust security framework to protect data and mitigate risks.

Compliance Management

Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and data protection standards.

Risk & Vendor Management

Proactively manage IT risks and strengthen vendor relationships.

Flexible Engagement

Scale our services to meet your evolving business needs.

Problems We Solve

Business Outcomes

Improved IT & Security Strategy

Gain expert leadership to drive technology and security initiatives.

Access executive-level expertise without a full-time commitment.

Achieve regulatory compliance and reduce cybersecurity risk.

Meet the vCIOs and vCISO

Financial and Banking

Michael Clemmons, Chief Information Officer 

With over 30 years in the Information Technology industry, Michael Clemmons is a seasoned expert across all IT disciplines. His extensive experience spans strategic planning, corporate management, technology deployment, project management, and client and network operations. Michael’s approach is rooted in aligning technology with business goals, ensuring clients have the resources they need to thrive in a complex, fast-paced environment. Known for his insight and results-driven leadership, Michael is dedicated to delivering tailored solutions that drive efficiency, innovation, and success for Meriplex clients in the financial and banking sectors.

Healthcare

Lance Goudzward, MSHA, FACMPE, Chief Information Officer

With over 20 years as a healthcare executive, speaker, and published author, Lance Goudzwaard serves as Meriplex’s Virtual CIO, bringing a wealth of expertise in healthcare operations, financial management, program expansion, strategic planning, and customer service. His leadership experience spans roles as Administrator for a 60-physician internal medicine practice, CEO of a 48-provider gastroenterology group, and COO of both a 62-provider orthopedic practice and a 144-provider integrated delivery network.

Lance has served on the national Medical Group Management Association board, where he led as chairman of the Western Region and president of Colorado MGMA. As one of only 950 fellows in the American College of Medical Practice Executives, Lance provides Meriplex clients with strategic insights that drive efficiency and growth.

Adam Pendleton, Chief Information Security Office​

As CISO at Meriplex, Adam Pendleton leads security strategy, governance, and managed security operations, advising clients on strategic security and compliance. With over 25 years of experience, Adam has built and led global security teams, delivering solutions that protect data confidentiality, integrity, and availability—all while supporting business growth.

Joe holds master’s degrees in management information systems and management, along with a bachelor’s in computer information systems. He has also been a professor at Webster University (20+ years), Columbia College (10+ years), and Denver University (3+ years). Joe’s extensive experience and leadership make him a trusted advisor for Meriplex clients

Oil & Gas, Financial and Banking

Joe Turnbough, Chief Information Officer

Joe Turnbough, a decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran, brings over 35 years of IT expertise to Meriplex. During two tours, Joe served as a Base IT Manager and Analytical Intelligence Specialist, participating in both Desert Shield/Storm and the Iraq War. After his military service, he worked as an IT Systems Analyst at CH2M Hill and later co-founded Optimum Networking Inc., which he led to success until its acquisition by Meriplex in 2021.

Joe holds master’s degrees in management information systems and management, along with a bachelor’s in computer information systems. He has also been a professor at Webster University (20+ years), Columbia College (10+ years), and Denver University (3+ years). Joe’s extensive experience and leadership make him a trusted advisor for Meriplex clients

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Get Started with Meriplex's Fractional CIO and CISO Services Today

Gain strategic IT and cybersecurity leadership on a flexible basis with Meriplex’s Fractional CIO and CISO services. Contact us to discuss your needs.

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