Ray Paganini is a seasoned IT executive, business consultant, and board advisor with over 30 years of experience in the technology and managed services sector. Known for his expertise in IT services, cloud computing, and security-focused solutions, Ray has led multiple successful IT companies and advised on transformative growth strategies for mid-market and enterprise businesses. His career has been dedicated to helping organizations leverage best-in-class technologies, particularly Microsoft solutions, to achieve operational excellence and scalability.
Currently, Ray serves as an Advisor to Logically, a prominent full-service IT firm with over 400 employees and a presence across multiple locations. In this role, Ray focuses on delivering secure, scalable IT solutions for mid-market and enterprise clients, driving impactful technology implementations across industries. This position follows Logically acquiring Cornerstone IT, an IT firm Ray founded and led for two decades, known for its exceptional service quality, Microsoft Gold Partner status, and numerous industry awards. Under his leadership, Cornerstone IT received the Lake Geauga FastTrack 50 Award for ten consecutive years and the Weatherhead 100 Award multiple times, demonstrating Ray’s commitment to operational excellence and client satisfaction.
Beyond his executive responsibilities, Ray is actively involved in community and professional boards, contributing his knowledge and leadership to regional and industry-focused organizations. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees at University Hospitals (formally Lake Health), the Board of Directors at Leadership Lake County, and as an Advisory Board Member for The Salvation Army. These roles allow Ray to apply his expertise in strategic planning, team development, and community engagement to support organizational growth and resilience.
Ray’s commitment to professional development extends to his role as Cleveland Chapter President of the International Association of Microsoft Certified Partners (IAMCP), where he has served since 2005. Through this position, he has strengthened industry relationships, facilitated knowledge-sharing, and promoted Microsoft technologies’ best practices. His longstanding relationship with Microsoft, coupled with his hands-on experience in IT automation, positions Ray as a trusted advisor in both technology and strategic implementation.
A graduate of Cleveland State University, Ray holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, providing him with a solid technical foundation that underpins his IT leadership and consulting work. This technical background, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, has been instrumental in his success as a technology leader and business advisor. His education laid the groundwork for his commitment to continuous improvement, adaptability, and the pursuit of innovation.
In addition to his formal education, Ray has garnered a reputation as a skilled public speaker on topics such as healthcare, workplace technology, and AI. His insights into the evolving role of AI and IT automation in business make him a sought-after speaker for industry events, where he shares practical strategies for integrating emerging technologies into everyday business practices. This public speaking experience reinforces his ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and inspires his audiences to embrace transformative change.
Ray’s approach to leadership is characterized by his focus on building strong, effective teams and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to work with diverse personalities, navigate complex challenges, and drive teams toward shared goals. His strategic insight, combined with his well-organized, methodical approach to problem-solving, makes him an invaluable asset to any organization seeking to grow or improve operational efficiency.
With a range of skills endorsed by industry peers—particularly in areas like cloud computing, strategic planning, and managed services—Ray’s extensive expertise extends to consulting roles, where he helps small and mid-sized companies optimize their IT infrastructure, staffing, and financial operations. His unique combination of IT expertise, business acumen, and interpersonal skills has enabled him to become a trusted advisor to companies in various growth stages, particularly those considering acquisitions or large-scale transformation.
Ray’s interests outside of work include flying and skiing, both of which mirror his professional life by balancing precision with adaptability. As an experienced leader, he continues to seek ways to expand his influence in the industry through board roles, consultancy, and public speaking engagements, aiming to drive meaningful change in the technology landscape.
Character:
Ray is a detail-oriented and highly organized leader known for his collaborative approach and his ability to work effectively with a variety of personalities. His strong character and dedication to building trustworthy relationships have positioned him as a reliable advisor in both business and community settings.
Knowledge:
With over 30 years in IT services, cloud computing, and managed services, Ray brings extensive technical and industry knowledge. His expertise spans Microsoft technologies, IT automation, and security, making him a versatile resource in driving technology-focused growth strategies.
Strategic:
Ray combines visionary thinking with practical implementation, enabling him to lead organizations through growth opportunities and complex transitions. His strategic insight into operational efficiency and security-focused solutions is invaluable for businesses looking to scale or enhance their technological capabilities.
Communication:
A skilled communicator, Ray excels at conveying complex technical concepts in clear, accessible terms for diverse audiences. His public speaking experience on topics like AI, healthcare tech, and workplace tools further highlights his ability to engage and inspire both industry peers and broader audiences.