Now accepting 3 new clients for Q1 2027

Fractional CIO & AI leadership, without the executive salary.

Fractional CIO Services is a Dallas–Fort Worth firm that gives growing companies a seasoned technology executive on a flexible engagement — putting AI to work safely, governing the risk, and turning IT from a cost center into a competitive advantage.

Take the 2-Min AI & IT Readiness Check

Sample figures, to be replaced with real client results

Avg. IT cost reduction
27%
vs. full-time CIO cost
1/3
Time to roadmap
30 days

Technology Health Score Illustrative

+34 pts

86

/ 100 after 6 months

Risk & compliance92%
IT spend vs. budget81%
AI governance88%
DFW-based · serving clients nationwide in HealthcareProfessional ServicesFinancial Services

Core Services

Fractional CIO services: AI governance, IT strategy, and security. One accountable leader.

We plug in at the executive level, align technology to your business goals, and stay until the results are measurable.

AI Strategy & Governance

Most companies are adopting AI faster than they can govern it. We set the policy, pick the use cases that pay off, and get your people ready to use AI well.

  • ✓AI readiness assessment & data readiness
  • ✓AI use policy, governance & shadow-AI controls
  • ✓Use-case roadmap with ROI targets
  • ✓AI upskilling, coaching & change leadership

Strategic IT Planning

A 12–36 month technology roadmap tied directly to revenue, margin, and growth targets — with budgets your CFO will actually approve.

  • ✓Board-ready IT strategy & budget
  • ✓Vendor & contract rationalization
  • ✓IT operating model, governance & decision rights
  • ✓M&A technology due diligence

Cybersecurity

Risk-based security programs that protect your data, satisfy insurers and auditors, and stand up to today's threat landscape.

  • ✓NIST CSF / CIS gap assessments
  • ✓SOC 2, HIPAA & PCI readiness
  • ✓Incident response & tabletop exercises
  • ✓AI vendor risk & data-leakage controls

Business Systems & Operations

Get real value from the systems that run your business — ERP, CRM, EHR, and HR platforms — with processes and people that actually use them.

  • ✓System selection & implementation oversight
  • ✓MSP & vendor performance management
  • ✓Business continuity & disaster recovery

How We Engage

Fractional CIO engagement models: start small, scale when it's working.

Most clients begin with a fixed-fee assessment, then move to an ongoing retainer once the roadmap is clear.

Sample pricing, to be finalized

Start here

AI Readiness Assessment

$7,500 fixed fee · 3–4 weeks

A clear picture of where AI can pay off, what risk you already carry, and what to do first.

  • ✓Leadership interviews & tool inventory
  • ✓Shadow-AI and data-readiness review
  • ✓Prioritized use cases & 90-day plan
  • ✓Executive readout
Most popular

Ongoing

Fractional CIO Retainer

$5K–$12K per month

A part-time technology executive who owns the roadmap, the budget, and the results.

  • ✓Executive & board participation
  • ✓AI governance & IT strategy
  • ✓Vendor, MSP & budget oversight
  • ✓Monthly scorecard

Defined scope

Project Leadership

Scoped per project

Senior leadership for a specific initiative with a clear start, finish, and outcome.

  • ✓AI rollout & upskilling programs
  • ✓System selection & implementation
  • ✓SOC 2 / HIPAA readiness
  • ✓M&A technology due diligence

The Fractional Advantage

Fractional CIO vs. full-time CIO vs. MSP: C-suite expertise at a fraction of the cost.

See how a fractional CIO compares to the alternatives most companies consider.

Recommended Fractional CIO
Full-Time CIO MSP Only
Annual cost $60K–$150K $250K–$400K+ $40K–$120K
Time to impact 2–4 weeks 4–6 months (hire + ramp) 1–2 weeks
Executive-level strategy & board reporting
Cross-industry best practices Partial Partial
Cybersecurity program leadership Partial
Vendor-neutral recommendations
AI strategy & governance Partial
IT governance & operating model
Manages your MSP and vendors
Scale up or down as needed Partial
No recruiting, benefits, or equity

Cost and timing figures are typical market ranges for companies with 50–1,000 employees.

Placeholder testimonial, to be replaced with a real client quote

“Within one quarter, our fractional CIO rebuilt our IT roadmap, cut $410K in redundant licensing, and got us through our first SOC 2 audit. It felt like hiring a Fortune 500 CIO overnight.”
JM

Jordan M.

COO, 250-person healthcare services firm

Free Assessment

Free AI readiness assessment: how ready is your business for AI?

Answer 8 quick questions to get an instant AI & IT Readiness Score, a breakdown across key areas, and your top recommended next steps.

  • 1Takes under 2 minutes
  • 2Instant, personalized results
  • 3No email required to see your score
Question 1 of 8 Strategy

FAQ

Fractional CIO and AI governance questions

What is a fractional CIO?

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A fractional CIO is an experienced Chief Information Officer who works with your company part-time or on a defined engagement. You get executive-level IT strategy, budgeting, security oversight and vendor management without the cost of a full-time hire.

How much does a fractional CIO cost?

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Most fractional CIO retainers run a fraction of a full-time CIO's $250K–$400K+ total cost. Our engagements start with a fixed-fee AI Readiness Assessment, and ongoing retainers are priced monthly based on scope and time commitment.

What is the difference between a fractional CIO and an MSP?

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A managed service provider (MSP) runs day-to-day IT: help desk, devices and networks. A fractional CIO sets strategy, owns the budget and roadmap, and holds your MSP and other vendors accountable. Many clients keep their MSP and add a fractional CIO to lead it.

What is an AI readiness assessment?

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An AI readiness assessment reviews how your company uses AI today, including unapproved “shadow AI” tools, how ready your data is, and where AI can deliver measurable value. You receive a prioritized list of use cases, a risk summary and a 90-day plan.

Does my company need an AI use policy?

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If employees use ChatGPT, Copilot or any other AI tool, yes. An AI use policy defines approved tools, what data can and can't be shared, and who is accountable, which reduces the risk of leaking confidential or regulated information.

Do you only work with companies in Dallas–Fort Worth?

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We are based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area and meet DFW clients in person, but most of our work is remote, so we serve growing companies across the United States.

Stop guessing about technology. Start leading with it.

In 30 minutes, we'll identify your biggest IT risks and quick wins — free, with no obligation.