As the CIO for the Metropolitan Pier & Exposition, Ellen Barry has successfully implemented revenue generating initiatives by insourcing the delivery of Internet and Technical Services to Exhibitors, Show Management and Meeting Planners. She has installed revenue generating wireless services throughout McCormick Place and Navy Pier and implemented a gigabit circuit to ‘next generation networks’ including Internet2.

Prior to MPEA, Barry was part of the Mayor’s effort to re-invent City Government in the area of technology. Barry held the position of first Deputy CIO for the City of Chicago, responsible for two major outsourcing initiatives. Previous to this role, Barry worked with Chicago’s Police Department in numerous IT and Strategic Planning activities including efforts toward implementation of a major Criminal History Records Information System. Prior to coming to the City of Chicago, Barry worked as an internal consultant for various private sector organizations in strategic IT development, planning and project implementation.

Barry holds a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a MBA in Quantitative Methods and Computers from Loyola University. Barry is the recipient of the 2003 Excellence in Corporate IT Leadership Award presented by WITI (Women in Technology, International) Chicago Chapter.