Gary Flowers

CIO, Transformation and Technology Services, Year Up United

Gary is the Chief Information Officer, Transformation and Technology Services of Year Up United, Year Up United, a national workforce development organization committed to expanding access to economic opportunity for all young adults and providing talent, business, and community solutions to reshape the world of work.

Gary joined Year Up United in 2021. As CIO, Gary is at the forefront of revolutionizing how young adults access career opportunities through digital innovation. A visionary leader who speaks nationally to technology leaders, and aspiring professionals, he champions the transformative power of technology in reshaping workforce development and educational access. With over 30 years of experience, Gary leads Year Up United's enterprise-wide digital transformation, orchestrating a strategic shift from project-based operations to a product-focused organization while harnessing emerging technologies like AI to revolutionize essential skills training. He oversees services across business intelligence, product, and design, learning excellence, and business operational excellence.

Prior to Year Up United, Gary held CIO positions for national online education providers and global contingent workforce management organizations. Early in his career, Gary spent 10 years in management consulting for national and global firms. He is a proud alumnus of Florida State University where he received a B.S. in Management & Information Systems and has an MBA Executive Certification from Tulane University.

Gary serves as board member and workforce committee chair at Gulf Coast JFCS, and as finance committee chair and Treasurer at St. Pete Free Clinic. Through speaking engagements nationwide and investments in education and STEM initiatives, he inspires the next generation while promoting technological innovation as a catalyst for social change.

A Florida native, when Gary is not giving back, he can be found doing fitness-related activities or checking off international bucket list locations.