I couldn't agree more. As the non-gearhead IT Director/CIO for a university, I find that I am called on to participate in all aspects of our organization, not just IT. I believe this is because I have held positions on both the administrative and the academic side of the higher ed house, and have experience at both small and large, public and private institutions. Obtaining that experience and the academic tickets, with a couple of "subject matter expert" side trips working in the software arena, paved the way for me to obtain this leadership role, both for our IT unit and in our organization as a whole. And did I mention how much reading and research I do to keep up, how many conversations I have with all the managers, directors and VPs at our university to understand their needs, and how well all the techies work with my techy managers on our wonderful team? And that we have the results to prove it?! And how in the end, no matter what organization you work for, it takes a group of committed people with many talents making decisions every day, large and small, and working hard, every day, to bring a great product or service to your customers? Best regards, Eileen