Pros

Initially it sounded like a great challenge. A newly created position in the IT department with as-yet undefined responsibilities.

Cons

It didn't take long (about two months) to realize that IT was highly disorganized and any suggestions for process improvement promptly ignored by mid level management that were generally too busy fighting fires to deal with actually improving the situation to avoid future fires. The actual CEO of the company was a very good person to work with, visionary! The CIO had no guts or gumption and spent most of the time dodging anything controversial or percieved to make him look unpopular with the Board. He has now been terminated (thankfully) but unfortunately the CEO has moved on. Layoffs underway. The current gentleman at the helm is a good person (Walter) and I wish him the best.

Advice to Senior Management

Most of the polarization in IT is being caused by one senior IT executive who cares more about her personal image and close bevy of "friends" than actually working. She throws away hundreds of thousands of dollars on consulting firms as opposed to actually DOING any work or directing anyone to do it. Once the consulting firm of the day falls from her grace, they are booted and another group is brought in. I'd look at her value to the company with a critical eye, in light of current financial situations.