Lou Kalis

About Lou Kalis

I am an IT leader with a strong background in enterprise technology, project delivery, and operational leadership across both private and public organizations. My career began in technology consulting, where I was brought in by multiple firms to lead complex initiatives from design through implementation and closeout, often stepping into environments that required clarity, structure, and steady execution.Today, as Director of Information Technology at Hawkins Ash CPAs, LLP, I am a member of senior leadership and responsible for the firm’s overall technology strategy, operations, and information security posture. I oversee the systems, infrastructure, and flow of information that support firm growth, client service, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency across a multi office organization. My role requires close collaboration with executive leadership to align technology investments with business priorities, manage risk, and ensure technology enables the firm rather than slowing it down.I lead the IT department’s strategic and operational planning, with responsibility for cybersecurity, cloud and infrastructure platforms, core business applications, vendor relationships, budgeting, and disaster recovery. I have served as project manager and technical lead for major initiatives, including financial core system replacements and firm wide technology modernization efforts. Clear governance, disciplined execution, and transparent communication are central to how I approach large scale change.I am known for strong communication skills and the ability to translate between technical and non technical audiences. I regularly present to executive leadership and governance groups, helping decision makers understand risk, cost, and business impact without unnecessary complexity. I place a high value on vendor partnerships, negotiation, and accountability, and I work to build trust with both internal teams and external partners.Outside of work, my focus is on my young family and coaching youth baseball and football. Coaching has reinforced my belief that every person has strengths worth developing. When individuals understand what they are good at and are given the right coaching and support, confidence follows. That same philosophy shapes how I lead my teams professionally, by recognizing strengths, providing clear direction, and investing in people so they can perform at their best.

Experience

1. Director of Information Technology

   Hawkins Ash CPAs

   Aug 2023 — Present · La Crosse, WI, US

   As Director of Information Technology, I provide firm wide technology leadership in support of Hawkins Ash CPAs, LLP’s strategic, operational, and compliance objectives. I am responsible for setting IT direction, aligning technology initiatives with executive priorities, and ensuring that systems, security, and services scale effectively to support a multi office public accounting firm.I lead enterprise technology planning, governance, and budgeting, working closely with firm leadership to evaluate risk, prioritize investments, and deliver solutions that improve efficiency, reliability, and client service. This includes oversight of infrastructure, cloud platforms, cybersecurity, business applications, vendor relationships, and disaster recovery planning.A significant focus of my role is information security and regulatory alignment. I guide the firm’s security strategy, data protection standards, and compliance efforts, including risk assessments, policy development, and controls that support professional, regulatory, and client confidentiality requirements. I regularly collaborate with executive leadership and external partners to ensure technology decisions are well governed, defensible, and aligned with firm risk tolerance.I manage and mentor IT staff, establish service standards, and drive accountability across day to day operations and long term initiatives. I also serve as a key liaison between IT and business leaders, translating technical concepts into clear business impact, and ensuring technology enables growth rather than becoming an obstacle.

Education

• University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

  Bachelor's degree, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

  1992 — 1997

Skills

• Time Management
• Public Speaking
• Technical Support
• Business Analysis
• Account Management
• Forecasting
• Customer Service
• Microsoft Office
• Sales
• System Administration
• Training
• Process Improvement
• Active Directory
• Research
• Security
• Inventory Management
• Coaching
• Databases
• Budgets
• Management
• Team Building
• Servers
• Crm
• Troubleshooting
• Microsoft Word
• Team Leadership
• Software Documentation
• Project Management
• Leadership
• Windows
• Integration
• Project Planning
• Networking
• Strategic Planning
• Supplier Negotiation
• Analysis