Take Five: Jeff Cunningham (South Florida)

It is important for BDPA to maintain a strong presence in Miami, Florida. We rely on BDPA South Florida chapter president Jeff Cunningham to provide the leadership necessary to recruit and retain members. I am grateful to Jeff Cunningham for sharing his insights in our Take Five interview series.

---

1. How did you get involved in working with BDPA? - I have been a member of BDPA since 1993. I was a member of the BDPA Memphis Chapter for most of my history with this organization and a few years ago, made the move to the sun and surf of South Florida where I began to restart the local chapter.



2. What is the most rewarding aspect of working with BDPA? - BDPA has afforded me the best opportunity to mix, mingle, and network with some of the top Black IT professional from around the country. This is the only organization that can say this.



3. Tell us about a defining moment in your life? - Being alive to see the Inauguration of the first Black President of the United States.



4. Who is your hero and why? - No real answer for this one.



5. Any advice for people considering donation to BETF? - Understand and appreciate the role of BETF and how they utilize your donations for the betterment of BDPA.

---

What are your thoughts about BDPA presence in Florida? Any insights from Jeff strike a chord in you?

President Profile: BDPA South Florida Chapter (Jeff Cunningham)

Jeff Cunningham, President
BDPA South Florida Chapter

Address: PO Box 680086
Miami, FL 33168
Phone: (212) 696-6892
Website: None
Newsletter: None

BDPA South Florida Chapter was at a crossroads earlier this year. The chapter activity slowed down considerably over the past year or so. The chapter either needed a new leader to emerge or face possible end of BDPA in that city. Jeff Cunningham rose to the challenge when he agreed to become acting president pending elections.

Jeffrey Cunningham is a seasoned technology professional in South Florida and a principal with J. Cunningham & Associates. His firms delivers information technology services including Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance, Corporate Governance, Assessments of ERP applications, HIPAA Compliance, Document Retention & Management, Project Management, and Enterprise Security.

Jeffrey is active in the his community with organizations such as: BDPA South Florida, Black MBA Association, Project Management Institute, Information Systems Audit and Control Association, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Sarbanes Oxley Compliance Professionals Association, and Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society

Jeffrey received a Bachelor of Arts degree from LeMoyne Owen College and Masters Degree from Central Michigan University. He is currently pursuing a second Masters degree in SAP.

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Jeffrey was awarded in 2002 by the Memphis Business Journal as one of the Top 40 Executive under 40 for the state of Tennessee. In 2007, Jeffrey was nominated Who's Who in Black South Florida.

Jeff's wants to move BDPA South Florida chapter in three specific areas over the coming weeks and months:

1. Increase membership by reconnecting with past members
2. Build strategic alliances with other professional, technical, business and member organizations
3. Build a BDPA presence on the campus of Florida Memorial University

Jeff's favorite quote: "Watch your mouth kid, or you'll find yourself floating home" - His Mom!

His favorite BDPA memory: "Attending my first BDPA National Conference many years ago and seeing so many people of color in Technology."