Guide · Fractional CIO
A fractional CIO is a part-time technology leader who sets IT direction for a company that doesn't need, or isn't ready for, a full-time CIO. Here is what the role does, how it differs from your IT provider, what it costs, and how to tell whether you need one.
You'll see the role called a fractional CIO, a virtual CIO (vCIO), or a fractional IT director. They describe the same job: someone senior who owns technology decisions for your company, part time.
I call it Fractional IT & AI Director, because for most growing companies today the IT questions and the AI questions arrive together, and they should be answered by the same person, in the same plan.
Your IT provider, or your in-house IT person, keeps things running: devices, accounts, tickets, backups. That work matters, but it answers the question "is it working?"
A fractional CIO answers different questions. What should we be doing next year? What should it cost? Are we secure enough for our insurer? Is our provider doing a good job, and are we paying for things we don't need?
I don't replace your IT provider. I work alongside them, set direction, and hold them to it. If they aren't the right fit, I help you choose a better one.
It fits best at 20–50 people, with an outside IT provider or a junior IT person, and nobody setting direction.
| Option | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| IT & AI Roadmap | $1,500 one time | A remote review of your systems and a written 12-month roadmap, credited to your first month if you continue |
| Companies with 15–50 employees | $2,500 a month | Up to 8 hours a month |
| Companies with 50–150 employees | $5,000 a month | Up to 12 hours a month |
| Beyond your monthly hours | $250 an hour |
3-month minimum, then month to month. All work is remote; when something needs hands-on attention, I coordinate a vetted local technician.
A part-time technology leader who sets IT direction for a company that doesn't need, or isn't ready for, a full-time CIO. Fractional IT director and virtual CIO (vCIO) describe the same role.
Your IT provider keeps systems running. A fractional CIO decides what should be done, builds the roadmap and budget, and holds the provider to it. I work alongside your provider rather than replacing it.
With me, $2,500 a month for companies with 15–50 employees (up to 8 hours) or $5,000 a month for 50–150 employees (up to 12 hours), and $250 an hour beyond that. 3-month minimum, then month to month. The one-time IT & AI Roadmap is $1,500, credited to your first month if you continue.
Yes. All my work is remote, with clients across the United States: video meetings, email, and shared documents. When something needs hands-on attention, I coordinate a vetted local technician.
Book a 20-minute call. You can start with the IT & AI Roadmap; its fee is credited if you continue.
Tell Ava a little about your company, and she'll find a time on my calendar.
Book a 20-minute call