Goverment CIO Outlook: Specials Magazine

For Tom Kureczka, Chief Information Officer for the City of Winston-Salem, technology isn’t just about systems, networks, or software—it’s about community. With over 47 years in the Information Technology (IT) field, Tom’s journey is a testament to the value of experience, mentorship, and a deep-rooted sense of service to others. Kureczka’s entry into the world of IT was anything but planned. Growing up in Buffalo, New York, Tom envisioned a career as an FBI agent or Secret Service officer. It wasn’t until his senior year of high school, when he consulted his guidance counselor about his future, that the idea of a career in technology was introduced to him. “I literally flipped a coin,” Kureczka laughs, recalling how the suggestion of computer science was a complete gamble. In 1973, there were no fancy programming boot camps or tech-focused college prep programs. But with a knack for mathematics and a curious mind, Tom decided to pursue computer programming. He enrolled in a two-year school for programming before transferring to a four-year institution. His early career took him to Rochester, New York, where he worked for Bausch & Lomb in programming, and later to Richmond, Virginia, working for Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) during its peak years. It was at DEC, a tech giant of the ‘80s, that Tom honed his craft in IT, consulting with major corporations and government agencies. But it wasn’t until 1985, when DEC offered Kureczka a job in Winston-Salem, that his roots truly took hold in this North Carolina city. “I came here with my family, and one of my first major clients was RJ Reynolds, the large tobacco company,” he reflects. This move to Winston-Salem marked the beginning of a career that would see him transition from a technical role into strategic leadership in public service. After 18 years in the private sector, Kureczka made the leap into government work, joining the City of Winston-Salem in 1996. Now, nearly th

In 2023, an earthquake of 7.8 magnitude shook the nation of Türkiye. Search and rescue teams raced against time, working through the rubble to save lives. Supporting their heroic efforts was a quiet force in the background—SpecOps Group Inc.’s Finder MK4. The incident reflected the values that SpecOps embodies: combining advanced technology and field expertise to deliver mission-critical solutions. When the news of the first earthquake broke out, SpecOps immediately dispatched multiple units of the Finder MK4. The product’s precise detection capabilities proved crucial in locating survivors trapped under debris, resulting in a deserving recognition from the Turkish government. Over the past two decades, SpecOps has established robust international networks with support from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Services. Its innovations enable first responders and the military to protect people and reinforce security. Through collaborations with embassies and foreign ministries, it has always been one of the first to come to the aid of regions affected by natural disasters, enabling swift and responsive actions. “The U.S. Commercial Service has helped us out considerably by introducing us to different embassies and ministry officials,” says Adrian Garulay, co-founder and CEO. The Finder MK4—a life sign detection system—helps first responders to quickly locate survivors and carry out rescue missions with unmatched precision. The device utilizes proprietary microwave radar to detect heartbeats from up to 200 feet away, even if they are concealed beneath rubble, behind walls or other obstacles. This allows responders to quickly locate survivors during disasters without risk..