Employment History:
Scenario Developer, Operations and Deputy Program Manager, Systems and Information Technology Group (1992-2000); Infantry Officer, United States Army (1980-1992)

Published Works:

Public Speaking Experience:

Why He is an Expert:
Mr. Longanacre is an efficiency-driven leader experienced in building and uniting cross-functional departments, creating cohesive, high performance teams, implementing strategic action plans, and effectively managing resources to cut overhead expenses – all while maximizing performance and profitability.

Best Advice:
"Understand the business, whatever it is. Often, an IT employee has no idea of the impact their work may have on the organization. If the worker understands the business, they are more likely to produce a better quality product. It is also extremely important, especially in today’s environment, to appropriately compensate your staff. In tough economic times this is not easy to accomplish; however, the alterative, in the long run, is more costly."

Passionate about:
"Building teams that excel in their chosen profession. I am also passionate about bicycling. I love the feeling I get when I push myself to the edge of the envelope."

Biography Excerpt:
Edwin R. Longanacre is the senior vice president of information technology for Amerisafe. His expertise is in personnel and operations management, and information technology systems. He employs his leadership abilities to manage resources (both human and budgetary) and for team building. “I support the training of my staff to understand the business arena; I also provide technology training and education,” he explains. Amerisafe, Inc. is an insurance company specializing in workers’ compensation insurance including underwriting, assigned risk and claims.

     

Cambridge Who's Who: What are your short-term and long-term career goals? What specific steps have you taken toward achieving these goals?  
EDWIN R LONGANACRE :  The short-term goal is to continue my career in the technology field. The long-term goal is to use my expertise in leadership, planning, operations and technology to become an executive level officer of a forward-thinking and aggressive organization. I am achieving these goals through a personal development plan consisting of continuing education, seminars, conferences and peer networking.

How have you noticed the IT industry change throughout your 28-year career?
I have not been in the direct IT industry throughout my career. But over the last 12 years, the technology itself has changed about every 18 months. The real effects of the changes occur at the business and personal levels. The business costs are tremendous and, if not managed, will quickly outweigh the benefits. On a personal level, people can now get phone calls, e-mail, driving directions, weather reports, stock options, video and music from a handheld device. All of this functionality and convenience occurred within the past 10 years. I think it is amazing.

What are some of the obstacles to acquiring and retaining a qualified staff? How are you and your organization addressing the issue?
A major obstacle is the lack of people with the appropriate skill sets. There is a lack of qualified candidates and those that are qualified are sometimes not easily persuaded to change jobs or companies. However, once we hire someone, we attempt to retain them by providing challenging work, training, work-life balance and recognition at the department and company levels.