Technology leadership requires more than technical skill — it requires judgment informed by real experience building, governing, and exiting technology companies. Our fractional CTO, CIO, and Chief AI Officer services provide that judgment on a schedule that matches your needs.
We bring deep expertise in AI systems, information security, and computational infrastructure — backed by nearly 50 publications, 3,800+ academic citations, and hands-on experience across the full company lifecycle from founding through acquisition.
Why Us
Most fractional CTOs are generalist technologists. We bring deep, published expertise in AI systems, computational modeling, and information security — combined with governance credentials and real experience building and exiting technology companies. For organizations adopting AI, this combination of technical depth and governance rigor is essential.
What We Offer
Fractional CTO
Technology strategy, architecture review, engineering leadership, build vs. buy decisions, and technical due diligence.
Fractional CIO
IT governance, digital transformation roadmaps, vendor strategy, enterprise systems, and infrastructure planning.
Fractional Chief AI Officer
AI strategy development, responsible AI governance, model evaluation, vendor assessment, and organizational AI readiness.
AI Governance & Risk
AI risk frameworks, bias evaluation, compliance with EU AI Act and NIST AI RMF, and responsible AI policy.
Security & Compliance
Security posture review, ISO 27001 and SOC 2 readiness, and information security governance.
Technology Due Diligence
Technical assessment of platforms, architecture, and AI systems for investment, M&A, and strategic decisions.
Technology Leadership in Practice
Our fractional technology executive practice draws on direct experience building production AI systems, leading engineering teams, and governing technology organizations.
AI Systems & Research
Nearly 50 publications in AI, computational modeling, and legal informatics — including work published in Science and Cambridge University Press. Pioneered systematic AI evaluation on professional licensing exams. Built and oversee production-scale AI data infrastructure spanning 132 million+ copyright-clean documents.
Building & Exiting Technology Companies
Co-founded, scaled, and exited multiple technology companies — including leading technology strategy, architecture, and engineering through successful acquisition. We assess technology decisions from the perspective of people who have built the systems under review.
Responsible AI Governance
Certified AI Auditor credential earned in the first cohort in 2022, before ChatGPT launched. Oversaw development of the first "Fairly Trained" certified large language model. Active in AI governance research, policy development, and standards work across EU AI Act, NIST AI RMF, and ISO/IEC 42001.
Security & Infrastructure
Hands-on experience with large-scale data infrastructure, cloud architecture, and security governance — including ISO 27001 and SOC 2 readiness, enterprise security reviews, and incident response planning.
When You Need a Chief AI Officer
The Chief AI Officer is the fastest-growing C-suite role. Organizations across industries are recognizing that AI adoption requires dedicated executive accountability — someone who can bridge the gap between technical capability and business strategy while managing the governance, risk, and compliance dimensions that AI introduces.
AI Strategy & Roadmap
Developing a coherent AI strategy that aligns with business objectives — not just chasing the latest tools.
Vendor & Tool Evaluation
Cutting through vendor claims with rigorous, research-informed evaluation of AI platforms and solutions.
Regulatory Compliance
Navigating the EU AI Act, NIST AI RMF, state-level AI regulations, and industry-specific requirements.
Organizational Readiness
Building the data governance, security, and operational foundations that responsible AI adoption requires.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a fractional CTO do?
- A fractional CTO provides senior technology leadership on a part-time basis — technology strategy, architecture decisions, engineering team oversight, build vs. buy analysis, and technical due diligence. Unlike a staff engineer or development agency, a fractional CTO focuses on strategic direction and organizational technology capability.
- What does a fractional Chief AI Officer do?
- A fractional Chief AI Officer (CAIO) provides strategic AI leadership — developing your organization's AI strategy, establishing responsible AI governance frameworks, evaluating AI vendors and tools, managing AI-related risk, and ensuring alignment with emerging regulations like the EU AI Act and NIST AI Risk Management Framework.
- What is the difference between a fractional CTO and a fractional CIO?
- A fractional CTO typically focuses on product and technology strategy — what to build, how to architect it, and how to lead engineering teams. A fractional CIO focuses on enterprise IT governance — digital transformation, vendor management, infrastructure, and aligning technology with business operations. Many organizations need elements of both, which is why we offer them together.
- Does my organization need a Chief AI Officer?
- If your organization is adopting AI tools, developing AI products, or subject to AI-related regulations, you likely need someone accountable for AI strategy and governance — even if you don't have the volume to justify a full-time hire. A fractional Chief AI Officer provides that accountability with the depth of expertise the role demands.
- What credentials does your technology leadership team bring?
- Our fractional CTO and CAIO practice is led by a team with nearly 50 publications and 3,800+ academic citations in AI and computational systems, a Certified AI Auditor credential earned before ChatGPT launched, CIPP/US and CIPP/E privacy certifications, and direct experience building, scaling, and exiting technology companies. We have published in Science, Cambridge University Press, and other leading venues.
- How much does a fractional CTO or Chief AI Officer cost?
- Fractional CTO engagements typically range from $7,500 to $22,000 per month depending on scope and hours. Fractional Chief AI Officer engagements, which require specialized AI governance and strategy expertise, range from $10,000 to $25,000 per month. Both represent a fraction of the $300,000–$500,000+ annual cost of a full-time hire with comparable experience.
- How is a fractional CTO different from a development agency?
- A development agency builds what you specify. A fractional CTO helps you decide what to build and why — setting technology strategy, making architecture decisions, evaluating build vs. buy tradeoffs, hiring and leading engineering teams, and ensuring technology decisions align with business goals. The strategic and organizational dimensions are what distinguish a CTO from a contractor.
- How long do fractional CTO and CAIO engagements typically last?
- Most engagements begin with a 90-day initial term to establish context, priorities, and measurable outcomes. After that, many clients continue on a monthly retainer at a cadence that matches their needs — from a few days per month for strategic oversight to several days per week for active leadership.
- Where do you provide fractional CTO, CIO, and CAIO services?
- We serve organizations across Michigan — Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and throughout the state — as well as nationally. Engagements combine remote strategic work with on-site sessions as needed.
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