MISSISSAUGA, ON (July 9, 2018) – The Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC) is saddened to learn of the passing of former influencer, colleague and friend, David O’Leary. Mr. O’Leary passed in Chilliwack, B.C. on May 26, 2018.
Mr. O’Leary played an important role at ITAC, working with its Board of Directors on a Business Technology Management (BTM) program initiative. BTM was introduced in 2009 at the undergraduate level in response to the feedback that new ICT graduates didn’t have the business skills needed by today’s organizations. Working together with academic institutions, industry and sector associations, ITAC’s talent division (ITAC Talent) went on to define a set of learning outcomes and competency standards required by industry, drawing heavily on relevant international standards for similar programs. Since its development, BTM has impacted thousands of graduates and is currently offered at 19 post-secondary institutions across Canada. BTM applications are rising by an average of 24 per cent, per year.
“Mr. O’Leary recognized early on the importance of collaboration between industry, academia and government to ensure that Canadian students and employers, have the access to information and professionals they need to succeed, in a rapidly changing technology and competitive environment,” said Robert Watson, president and CEO, ITAC.
Mr. O’Leary will be remembered for his humour, kindness and positive outlook.
About Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC)
As Canada’s national ICT business association, the Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC) champions the development of a robust and sustainable digital economy in Canada. A vital connection between business and government, we provide our members with the advocacy, networking and professional development services that help them to thrive nationally and compete globally.
A prominent advocate for the expansion of Canada’s innovative capacity, ITAC encourages technology adoption to capitalize on productivity and performance opportunities across all sectors. A member-driven not-for-profit, ITAC has served as the authoritative national voice of the $170 billion ICT industry for over 60 years. More than 36,000 Canadian ICT firms create and supply goods and services that contribute to a more productive, competitive, and innovative society. The ICT sector generates over one million jobs directly and indirectly and invests $4.9 billion annually in R&D, more than any other private sector performer.
About BTM
For more information on BTM and the corresponding BTM Forum, a marquee organization that provides a unifying voice to the BTM profession as well as accreditation and certification to educational institutions, academics and professionals, please visit btm-forum.org.
To arrange an interview, please contact:
Janet Gibson Eichner
Cell: 416-357-8908 or jgibson_eichner@itac.ca