Data center management association AFCOM (West Chester, OH) has announced Tom Roberts, a 30-year veteran of the data center industry, as its new president. AFCOM said in a statement that Roberts' domain expertise combined with his long history with the association makes him uniquely qualified to lead.
Roberts most recently served as senior technical architect for data centers at Trinity Health, a $9 billion health care system where he was responsible for 25 data centers across nine states. His experience as a data center professional spans all facets of the data center including IT and facilities management, computer operations and data center management. The depth and breadth of his experience led him to be named AFCOM's Data Center Manager of the Year in 2011.
Roberts was one of the founders of AFCOM's Michigan chapter and served as its chapter president from 2003 to 2012. He has attended more than 13 Data Center World conferences and most recently delivered the keynote at AFCOM's Data Center Symposium in Australia. He has served on the Data Center Institute Board, AFCOM's research think tank, since 2004.
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In all, the association states that Roberts "has lived the life of an AFCOM member, chapter leader and industry visionary focused on what information and tools are needed today to prepare for the operational and technological changes looming ahead for data center professionals."
"After 30 years growing as a data center professional, I could not have found a greater next step in my career nor such a fulfilling opportunity to give back to an industry and a profession I have passionately practiced for so long, " commented Roberts. "The data center industry is evolving rapidly and creating greater pressures on the ongoing knowledge demands of data center and facilities managers. My vision is to ensure that AFCOM delivers data center management professionals the relevant tools and knowledge to share, connect and learn in preparation for opportunities and challenges in the future."
After 20 years working key roles at AFCOM with the most recent ten as AFCOM's president, Jill Yaoz is stepping down to pursue new ambitions including the start of a family. "I know Tom well and believe he is the perfect person to lead this association," said Ms. Yaoz. "He brings an incomparable wealth of industry knowledge and a love of AFCOM that is sure to help him succeed at this new venture in his life."
Roberts' responsibilities as AFCOM president will include the growth and continual improvement of AFCOM's chapter program and member services. In addition, he will serve as chair of Data Center World events with direct responsibility for developing world-class educational programs. Additionally, he will lead the Data Center Institute with a focus on thought leading research and best practices.
"Jill has been an exceptional leader for AFCOM and its members, keeping the association current and relevant in the face of enormous changes in technology and economic volatility," concludes Roberts. "I look forward to leveraging what I have learned to take AFCOM to the next level in serving the needs of data center professionals around the world."
