Carrie Goetz is a powerhouse in data centers, IT infrastructure, and technology leadership. With over 40 years of experience in the field, she has made a lasting impact as the Principal and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of StrategITcom, LLC. She is also an Amazon best-selling author and a mentor advocating for women, veterans, and underrepresented groups in tech.
Her expertise spans construction, cloud computing, IT management, and mission-critical infrastructure. She has traveled the world consulting businesses on optimizing their technology strategies. She has received multiple accolades throughout her career, including the AFCOM/Data Center World Lifetime Achievement Award and recognition as one of the Top 25 Women in Mission Critical.
In this article, we explore Carrie Goetz’s career journey, her contributions to the industry, and how her work shapes the future of technology.
Early Career and Background
Her career began in an unexpected place: architecture. Her first degree was in architecture, and she initially planned to work in that field. However, technology found her when she started teaching architecture in college and was introduced to CAD (Computer-Aided Design).
The integration of technology in architecture sparked her passion for IT. From that moment, she became deeply involved in IT infrastructure, intelligent building design, and data centers, eventually leading her to a lifelong career in technology and innovation.
Her ability to adapt to new technology and her love for learning positioned her as a leader in IT and data centers. Over the years, she expanded her expertise to include data center operations, disaster recovery, IT strategy, and cloud computing.
StrategITcom, LLC – Bridging the Gap in IT Leadership
Carrie Goetz is the Principal and CTO of StrategITcom, LLC, a company she founded in 2019. StrategITcom provides fractional CTO services (CTOaaS) to businesses that need executive-level technology guidance without the cost of hiring a full-time CTO.
What Does StrategITcom, LLC Do?
StrategITcom specializes in:
- CTO as a Service (CTOaaS) – Helping businesses make smart IT decisions without hiring a full-time executive.
- Data Center Design & Optimization – Ensuring companies have scalable, efficient, and cost-effective data centers.
- Intelligent Building Design – Integrating IT infrastructure into modern smart buildings.
- Technology Planning & Procurement – Helping businesses find the right tech solutions to fit their needs.
- Technical Writing & Training – Making complex IT concepts easy for businesses and professionals to understand.
Carrie Goetz has worked with global enterprises, startups, and government organizations, ensuring their technology investments align with business goals.
Advocacy for Women, Veterans, and Trades in Tech
One of Carrie Goetz’s most passionate missions is bridging the diversity gap in technology. She is a vocal advocate for women, veterans, and tradespeople entering the data center and IT industries.
Why Does This Matter?
The tech industry has historically been male-dominated. According to Goetz, many women leave the data center industry due to a lack of mentorship, inclusivity, and opportunities. At one point, the attrition rate for women in data centers was 67%—meaning that more than half of women left the industry entirely.
To combat this, she:
- Mentors women and veterans to help them transition into high-paying IT careers.
- Speaks at global conferences to raise awareness about diversity and inclusion in tech.
- Partners with industry organizations to create apprenticeship programs and educational initiatives.
Her book, Jumpstart Your Career in Data Centers, is designed to introduce people from all backgrounds to data center careers—offering resources, training recommendations, and insights into industry opportunities.
Publications & Thought Leadership
Carrie Goetz is an Amazon best-selling author, an international keynote speaker, and has been published in over 250 publications across 69 countries.
Books by Carrie Goetz
- Jumpstart Your Career in Data Centers – A guide to careers in data centers, focusing on women, trades, and veterans in tech.
- Educator’s Reference for Data Center Education – A resource to help teachers integrate IT and data center knowledge into their classrooms.
- Polly Packet’s Precious Payload: All Smiles to the Data Center – A children’s book designed to introduce young kids to technology careers.
Why These Books Matter
Her books are designed to be accessible—offering non-technical, easy-to-understand explanations of the data center industry. She believes that making tech education more approachable is key to bringing more people into the industry.
Industry Recognition and Awards
Carrie Goetz’s contributions to the tech industry have earned her numerous awards and recognitions:
- 2023 AFCOM/Data Center World Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2023 ICT Woman of the Year
- Top 25 Women in Mission Critical (2022 & 2023)
- 30 Most Influential Women in Tech (2021)
- Top 10 Most Influential Women in Technology (2020)
- Comptia Women in Leadership Spotlight Finalist
These awards highlight her influence, leadership, and commitment to technology education.
Speaking Engagements & Global Influence
As an international keynote speaker, Carrie Goetz has shared insights worldwide at data center conferences, STEM events, and business summits. Her talks focus on:
- Data center strategy & future trends
- Diversity and inclusion in tech
- How businesses can leverage IT for growth
- Best practices for IT leadership and infrastructure planning
She has also been featured in major industry publications, podcasts, and panel discussions.
STEM Advocacy and Educational Contributions
Carrie Goetz believes that education is the key to workforce development. She actively supports STEM education and apprenticeships by:
- Collaborating with schools and colleges to introduce IT and data center courses.
- Encouraging companies to hire apprentices instead of requiring expensive degrees.
- Hosting workshops for students and job seekers.
She also partners with organizations supporting veterans and tradespeople, helping them transition into high-demand tech careers.
What’s Next for Carrie Goetz?
She is continuing to expand her impact through:
- Massive Open Online College Courses (MOOCs) – Making data center education accessible worldwide.
- New Books & Training Resources – Helping more people understand technology without technical jargon.
- Apprenticeship & Mentorship Programs – Partnering with organizations to create career pathways into tech.
Her mission remains the same: to educate, mentor, and make technology careers more accessible for all.
How to Connect with Carrie Goetz
For those looking to learn from or work with Carrie Goetz, here’s how you can connect with her:
- Website: CarrieGoetz.com
- Company Website: StrategITcom.com
- Books on Amazon: Search for Carrie Goetz on Amazon or Audible.
- LinkedIn & Social Media: Follow her for insights on IT, data centers, and leadership.
Final Thoughts
Carrie Goetz is a pioneering force in the technology industry. Her leadership, mentorship, and advocacy have opened doors for countless individuals in IT and data centers. Through her work at StrategITcom, LLC, her books, and her commitment to diversity, she is shaping the future of technology and workforce development.
If you’re interested in a career in IT, data centers, or technology leadership, Carrie Goetz is someone you need to follow. Her insights and mentorship can help anyone navigate and succeed in this fast-evolving industry.