Michael Locke

Background

About Michael Locke

I believe that behind every great organization is an IT infrastructure that enables employees to do their best work. As Director of IT at Navarre Corporation, I’ve built that backbone from the ground up - creating the systems, automations, and tools that drive performance, streamline operations, and reduce costs across the business. From designing our IT ecosystem to launching company-wide ticketing systems, KPI dashboards, and automated reporting workflows, I focus on technology that creates real, measurable impact. My initiatives have saved companies over annually, not by cutting corners, but by investing in smarter solutions that maximize efficiency and empower teams. I also ensure compliance, manage the IT budget directly, and am trusted by leadership to allocate resources that deliver long-term value. At the core of my work is a belief that IT should be collaborative, people-centered, and strategically aligned. I lead an ever-expanding IT team, mentoring each member by aligning their day-to-day work with their long-term goals. We pride ourselves on being approachable, proactive partners. Not just a team that steps in when something breaks, but one that actively shapes how the business moves forward. I also contribute to the design and business strategy of an AI startup building next-generation dispatching software, and I’m currently earning my Executive MBA at Vanderbilt University to deepen my understanding of finance, strategy, and organizational leadership. Whether it’s in a startup or a large organization, I see IT as a driver of innovation—one that enables people to focus on what they do best. My goal is to build technology systems that not only support the business but elevate the people within it.