Management Team
J. Michael Drake, Chairman and CEO
J. Michael Drake is masterIT’s founder, chairman and CEO. masterIT provides wall-to-wall technology services for small to medium businesses. Founded in 2005, the company services a variety of clients with a portfolio of solutions, including remote monitoring and management; remote back-up and data security; on-site engineering support; and Internet services. The managed service provider also developed IT-as-a-Utility™, a revolutionary methodology in which information technology infrastructure is provided and refreshed
as part of a fixed-fee service.
Prior to founding masterIT, Michael served as President/CEO of Econocom USA, Inc. from 1993 – 2005. The company specialized in technology finance and asset management solutions that allow businesses to regain control of their IT budgets and assets. Under Michael’s direction Econocom USA grew its IT portfolio to over $100 million in 48 states prior to selling its operations to The Meridian Group in Chicago effective December, 2005.
Michael is a 1986 graduate of the University of Memphis with a BBA in Finance and held various banking positions in the mid-south prior to joining Econocom USA in 1990. Michael has served on the Boards of Directors of Crichton College, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Memphis and Chickasaw Country Club.
Gary Wiseman, President and CTO
Gary Wiseman is masterIT's president and chief technical officer. Prior to joining masterIT, Gary was the founder, president and CEO of Wisetech, Inc.
A resident of Memphis, TN since 1969, Gary has been in the technology industry for over 20 years. Formerly a Manager of Information Systems for Physiotherapy Associates headquartered in Memphis, within 5 years Gary's expertise and leadership helped grow the company from 27 facilities to over 200 national and international locations.
In 1997, Gary started Wisetech, Inc. This company was focused on helping small to medium size companies understand, utilize and implement technology. Gary's belief is that the technology should be used as a tool to drive more business and to focus on the task at hand instead of the problems associated with technology. In other words, clients should focus on their core competencies rather than the technology that ultimately supports the business.
Gary's credentials include a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Christian Brothers College, a Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE), CSSA, Evault Certified Engineer, Watchguard Firewall certification (WCSP) and ITIL Certified.
Connie Foster, Senior Vice President
Connie joined masterIT at its inception as Senior Vice President of Finance and Operations. She oversees the functions of finance, accounting, office operations, asset management, Total Cost of Ownership analysis, and is the Corporate Secretary.
Connie was previously employed by Econocom USA, Inc. for 7 years as Senior Vice President of Finance and Operations in charge of bank relationships nationally, lease funding and accounting, office operations and was the Corporate Secretary.
Prior to joining Econocom, Connie was employed by Union Planters Bank, Leasing Services, for 12 years. As Vice President, she was in charge of sales, credit analysis and credit review along with department management and accounting.
Connie is ITIL Certified.
