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Fred Collins '87

Alumni Leader Spotlight

Fred Collins, ‘87

Distinguished Engineer and Federal Sector Solutioning Team Executive, IBM

More than 25 years ago I was hired by IBM directly from Virginia Tech to lead the training program of a large federal agency. My career progressed to that of a geospatial architect where I was responsible for the creation, implementation, deployment, and management of IBM’s land registry solutions for clients in Central Europe and Russia). My career progressed to senior information technology architect where I supported multiple federal agencies and departments in various technology modernization efforts. One particularly interesting project I supported was for the Office of Personnel Management.. During a one-year pilot, I successfully solutioned and demonstrated a IBM Blockchain Hyperledger Fabric solution for transferring employee records between IT systems within government agencies for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. I acted as the lead solution architect and led a team of blockchain developers, UI developers, and human resource subject matter experts to successfully field a working prototype. 

In my current role leading IBM’s Federal Sector Solutioning Team, I provide strategic direction, solution development, parametric cost estimation, and opportunity management in support of IBM Federal signings and revenue attainment. My responsibilities include qualifying opportunities, identification of new opportunities, business partnerships, and technology evaluations. I also serve on the board of directors for the Saint Vrain Valley Innovation Center, which in partnership with IBM’s Ptech program is developing today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders, innovators and changemakers. I've had multiple international assignments as the solution architect responsible for the creation, implementation, deployment, and management of IBM’s land registry solutions in Central Europe and Russia. 

All of my degrees are from Virginia Tech, including a Ph.D. in applied math and statistics, a master’s degree in industrial and systems engineering, and a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and operations research. I’m an avid skier, I own and restore vintage Japanese race cars, and live in Colorado.


How Virginia Tech equipped me for the 'real world'...
Virginia Tech taught me how to learn, how to continuously reinvent myself, and how to properly research complex topics.

My no-fail, go-for-it motivational song...
"Get Ready for This" by Dutch music group Unlimited.

If I had a superpower, it would be...
Being able to see the problem from the client's perspective

A key habit, practice, or skill, that's important for success in my industry...
Continuous learning. Your education taught you how to learn, you need to continually update your knowledge to remain relevant.

What was the most influential class you took at Virginia Tech?
Engineering Economics

Something very few people know about me...
I can TIG, MIG, and DC stick weld.

My hidden talent...
Speaking multiple foreign languages

Fondest Virginia Tech memory or tradition...
Football games. Going to see the Hokies in Lane Stadium was clearly a highlight.

The last time I ventured out of my comfort zone...
Last week when I skied the double black diamond runs off Aspen Highlands.

A cause I'm most passionate about...
P-Tech, which is a global education model that offers students all over the world the opportunity to develop skills and competencies that will translate directly to competitive careers.

The most formative experience I've had...
My international work experiences in Sweden, Finland, Russia Austria, Panama, and Japan were all formative.

Favorite way to end the day...
Glass of red wine

Top of my bucket list...
Hike Colorado's 14'ers