Title: Deputy Chief Technology Officer
Company: Dallas Independent School District
Location: Farmers Branch, Texas, United States
Michael Anderson, deputy chief technology officer at Dallas Independent School District, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in education and coaching.
With over two and a half decades of experience, Mr. Anderson has built a successful career in education, specializing in lifestyle and business coaching, cybersecurity, and privacy. He currently serves as the deputy chief technology officer for the Dallas Independent School District, a role he has held since 2023, and as founder and chief executive officer of Your Thought Life Mindset Coaching, which he has led since 2020. In his role as deputy chief technology officer, he is responsible for overseeing enterprise systems, cybersecurity, and privacy, while collaborating with over 220 members within IT and educational technology. He is also involved in shaping and implementing the district’s strategic plan, providing direct reports to ensure alignment from managers to individual contributors, and coaching young professionals. As founder and chief executive officer of Your Thought Life Mindset Coaching, he focuses on helping clients overcome mindset challenges to accelerate personal and professional success. His accelerated mindset growth program is designed to help clients address and resolve mental barriers, enabling them to make significant progress within six weeks. His experience also includes serving as chief information security officer for the Dallas Independent School District from 2022 to 2023, and adjunct professor of cybersecurity at Collin College during the same period, dual roles as chief information security officer and chief product officer from 2018 to 2021, and head of enterprise security at BenefitMall from 2013 to 2018. Earlier in his career, he served in the United States Army from 1988 to 1998, where he was a senior intelligence analyst and network manager in the Military Intelligence Corps.
Mr. Anderson laid a solid educational foundation with a Bachelor of Science in computer information sciences from Bellevue University in 2004 and a Master of Science in information systems and technology management from Capella University in 2018. He is also certified as a cognitive behavioral therapy practitioner through The Academy of Modern Applied Psychology, an integrative neuro-linguistic programming practitioner, and a Certified Information Systems Security Professional. Reflecting on his path, he takes immense pride in overcoming trauma and transforming his mindset from the one he was conditioned to have into one that has enabled his success. Despite growing up in a challenging environment with limited role models, he faced his personal struggles head-on, which ultimately had a positive impact on his professional life. Rather than making snap judgments or retreating in the face of adversity, he has consistently moved forward, learning and growing until achieving his goals. He attributes his success to this unwavering determination to overcome obstacles and his refusal to step back in the face of challenges.
Mr. Anderson also draws inspiration from his father, who worked multiple jobs and built a business to provide for their family, motivating him to establish his own business. He also expresses deep gratitude for the individuals who guided and prepared him for his current role. The challenges he encountered in Dallas County have significantly shaped both his personal and professional growth, reinforcing the importance of continuous development. In the coming years, he aims to find a suitable successor to take over his business, Your Thought Life Mindset Coaching, as he plans for retirement. He envisions expanding his reach and building broader support for his initiatives. He is currently enjoying life, having recently been invited to speak at an event, and is considering reviving a family tradition by passing on his business to loved ones.
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