As Chief Digital Officer, Brian Abrahamson is driving a comprehensive digital transformation at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to bolster its status as a globally recognized research institution. His team is multifaceted, with expertise in cybersecurity, HPC, systems engineering, IT, UX design, and computation. Abrahamson’s passion for consumer-driven computing and improving user experiences shapes his approach to IT, emphasizing the importance of simplicity in workplace tools that mirror intuitive consumer technologies. His experiences, such as a pivotal class at Accenture, highlight the subconscious impact of design on decision-making, reinforcing the importance of detailed attention in IT services.
Under Abrahamson’s guidance, PNNL maintains a focus on fundamental IT reliability while advancing strategic digital processes. He introduced a digital hierarchy akin to Maslow’s, ensuring foundational aspects like network reliability are meticulously monitored and addressed in real-time. Abrahamson collaborates with CIOs from other federally funded R&D centers to share insights and strategies, fostering a consumer-driven IT culture. These meetings provide a platform to discuss successes and challenges, promoting a community of continuous improvement and innovation. Abrahamson's commitment to sustained principles and strategies ensures enduring organizational resilience and excellence in digital transformation.