Glenn Hasteadt, IT Director ,County of Onslow, North Carolina
Glenn is currently leading the ITS and GIS departments for the County of Onslow, NC, and writes, speaks, and teaches on Leadership and organizational culture. The Center for Digital Government has recognized his team as one of the top 10 in the nation for the last eight consecutive years in their population category, and she was recognized as IT professional of the year by the North Carolina Local Government Information Systems Association for 2023.
A Journey through IT Leadership
I’ve had a fascinating journey in the IT industry, focusing on leadership and team building. My career began in the private sector, where I learned the importance of efficiency and innovation. Transitioning to the public industry exposed me to a new level of complexity involving regulations and managing diverse areas, from law enforcement to health departments. In my current role, I prioritize fostering a strong team culture that encourages innovation without fear of failure. I collaborate daily with various county departments to understand their needs and challenges, ensuring we deliver solutions that enhance their efficiency. Also, I oversee ongoing projects, aligning them with our long-term vision for community support. My ultimate goal is to create an environment where my team feels empowered to drive change and contribute to the county’s success.
The IT industry is undergoing significant transformation, primarily driven by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. AI revolutionizes how organizations manage automation, data analysis, and customer service. While it holds immense potential for streamlining operations, it also raises concerns about ethics, security, and job displacement 
Balancing AI Innovation with Ethics and Security Concerns
The IT industry is transforming significantly, driven by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), reshaping automation, data analysis, and customer service. While AI streamlines operations, it raises concerns about ethics, security, and job displacement. Cybersecurity remains a critical challenge as cyberattacks grow in frequency and sophistication. The rise of cloud-based solutions and remote work expands the threat landscape, demanding ongoing innovation in security. Quantum computing, though still in development, promises unmatched processing power for cryptography and largescale simulations. Lastly, augmented and virtual reality are gaining traction in industries like construction and healthcare despite infrastructure and data privacy challenges.
Staying Ahead with Continuous Learning
As a leader, I foster a resilient, adaptable team culture to meet challenges head-on, especially in rapidly evolving fields like AI and cybersecurity. I prioritize open communication and collaboration, empowering my team to innovate and take risks without fear of failure. Continuous learning ensures we stay ahead of quantum computing and augmented reality trends. At the same time, strong partnerships with other departments enable us to develop tailored solutions and maintain agility in addressing complex issues.
Building a Strong Team Culture
My advice to fellow leaders is to create a strong team culture where people feel valued, supported, and empowered. While technology constantly evolves, the success of any innovation relies on the people behind it. Build an environment that encourages open communication, collaboration, and a willingness to take risks without fear of failure. Investing in your team’s development and promoting continuous learning to stay ahead of industry trends. When your team is motivated and aligned with your vision, they’ll be more equipped to tackle challenges and drive success.
