Chad J. Baer
Executive Partner
For more than twenty years, I’ve led technology strategy and cybersecurity for U.S. federal agencies as both a public servant and a consultant, managing high-dollar portfolios and guiding modernization efforts that required accuracy, accountability, and results.
I started BAERHQ to give growing companies access to the same level of experienced leadership. A partner who will focus on progress, technology and business alignment, and measurable outcomes without adding another full-time executive.
Where I Add Value
I work with executive teams to strengthen how technology supports the business.
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Areas of focus include:
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Building or rebuilding technology teams that can grow with demand
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Evaluating operations to close gaps and reduce waste
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Aligning technology spending with business priorities
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Supporting executive hiring and leadership transitions
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Serving as interim or fractional CIO
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Advising on technology strategy, governance, and risk
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My approach centers on helping organizations use technology to move strategy forward. Ensuring technology functions as a driver of business performance, not just a collection of tools.
Experience That Shapes My Work
I spent more than two decades in Washington, D.C., serving as a senior advisor across a wide range of federal agencies and national programs. My portfolio included cybersecurity strategy, enterprise modernization, and technology initiatives that strengthened the nation’s critical infrastructure.
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Earlier in my career, I co-founded a computer forensics and investigations firm that worked with clients such as Walmart, McKesson, and the FBI. That experience grounded my approach in both technical precision and business practicality—knowing how to balance innovation, risk, and results.
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I hold a Master of Science in Management Information Systems from the University of Arizona Eller College of Management and completed the Senior Executive Fellowship at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. I’ve published with NIST, spoken at national conferences, and led teams delivering technology outcomes that mattered.
How I Partner With Organizations
Every engagement begins with understanding where you are today. No jargon or filler just an honest look at what’s working, what isn’t, and where the real challenges lie.
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From there, we define what success looks like, guided by your business objectives rather than vendor agendas or industry buzz.
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Together, we design a path forward that’s practical and achievable. The focus stays on clear priorities and meaningful progress.
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I remain involved through execution, whether serving as a fractional CIO, a strategic advisor, or a trusted voice when critical decisions need to be made.
There’s no one-size-fits-all model. Every organization is different, and your strategy should reflect that. My role is to help build a technology foundation that fits your business and supports where you’re heading next.