[Leadership Vault] Brian Benn: Bridging The Access Gap

by Jeff Bond

At the core of my work is helping global business, communications, and people leaders create meaningful engagement with their teams and customers. Together with my wonderful colleagues at Chat With Leaders Media and People First Elevation Team, we deliver all-hands meeting support, content, podcasts, creative, cross-cultural training, speaker coaching, and strategic advisory solutions. We are committed to unlocking the power of inclusive storytelling, shared experiences, leadership development, and mixed media to help our clients authentically connect with their most important stakeholders.

Our core values—Partnership, Inclusion, and Empowerment—guide everything we do. By fostering strong partnerships, embracing diverse perspectives, and equipping leaders with the tools to succeed, we aim to transform the way people engage while achieving meaningful work.

Outside of work, I cherish time with my wife and three children, balancing my roles as a husband and father with my professional life in Atlanta, GA. Let's connect and explore how we can create impactful media solutions for your business.

Chat Guest

Brian Benn is Chief Information Officer and Senior Vice President of the Atlanta Housing Authority. Brian is responsible for the development and implementation of technology strategies that are aligned with and anchored by the overarching strategy of the agency, ultimately supporting the 25,000 households and 55,000 participants served. Brian studied Computer Science and Mathematics at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and has a Master of Business Administration degree from Belhaven University. Brian has a wealth of IT leadership experience in both the private and public sectors including the Department of Defense and NASA where he began his career. Brian volunteers as an Executive Ambassador for TechBridge, Incorporated, serves on the Board of Directors for the Technology Association of Georgia, the Executive Advisory Board for Atlanta Technology Professionals, the Advisory Board for the Government Technology Special Districts Program, the Greater Atlanta CIO Governing Body for Evanta and serves as board chair for the Technology Association of Georgia’s Southeastern Software Association. Brian is a technology evangelist with a passion for bridging the digital divide. Brian seeks to be a servant leader – mentoring individuals, promoting development/growth, and empowering others to maximize their potential individually and collectively.

Chat Highlights

Why has bridging the digital divide and “digital inclusion” become even more critical as a result of the pandemic at Atlanta Housing and in our community?
Share more about your leadership of Atlanta Housing’s ACCESS initiative. Where does it stand today and what’s your vision for its ongoing impact? (Achieving Connectivity to Create Equity and Self Sufficiency)
What are the three ways you approach ACCESS to ensure it’s having the type of intended impact in our community?
Why is social responsibility so important to you as a leader?
Why should leaders use their influence and platform to make a difference in their communities?