Rowland Ugboaja’s distinguished career is a testament to the power of technical mastery fused with steadfast integrity and a lifelong dedication to service. Over the course of more than 45 years, Rowland has navigated the constantly shifting terrain of technology with resilience, curiosity, and a deep sense of responsibility. His journey—from early systems programming in the 1970s to leading quality assurance initiatives for high-stakes insurance software, and now toward a purposeful transition into cybersecurity—reveals a professional shaped by vision, tenacity, and an unwavering desire to make a meaningful impact.
Rowland’s career began in the 1970s, when computers filled entire rooms and programming demanded a deep understanding of machine language. Fresh out of Rutgers University–Camden with a B.A. in Mathematics and later an M.Sc. in Statistics from Rutgers University–New Brunswick, he was quickly immersed in the world of assembly language programming. His early work at Educational Testing Service (ETS) laid the groundwork for a systems-thinking mindset that would define his approach in decades to come. He was entrusted with developing software that processed and scored standardized tests—mission-critical operations that demanded precision, performance, and fail-proof logic.
From there, he entered the aerospace domain with General Electric’s Space Division, contributing to international infrastructure projects including wind turbine systems in the Middle East and satellite systems for Japan. These were no ordinary software tasks; Rowland operated at the interface of engineering and innovation, collaborating with hardware engineers and applying his programming skills to shape the future of global technology infrastructure. Each line of code he wrote had far-reaching consequences, and he embraced that responsibility with humility and rigor.
The next phase of his journey brought him to NASA through a role at Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC). In a position requiring rare technical acuity, Rowland was responsible for analyzing memory dumps to troubleshoot system crashes—a role requiring not just technical skill but also patience and a methodical, almost forensic approach to problem-solving. These early experiences embedded in him a deep respect for quality, accuracy, and the human lives impacted by every software system, especially those used in mission-critical environments.
Returning to Nigeria in the 1980s, Rowland channeled his expertise into entrepreneurial efforts as Managing Director and Principal Consultant of Blitz Information Systems Ltd. There, he played a transformative role in the digitization of the country’s financial and insurance sectors. From building online banking software to developing payroll systems and conducting technology readiness assessments for businesses, Rowland was a pioneer of digital transformation in an emerging economy. His work helped modernize internal processes for multiple institutions, empowering them with tools to manage risk, improve efficiency, and prepare for a future increasingly dependent on technology.
After more than a decade of entrepreneurial success, Rowland returned to the United States and joined the New York Compensation Insurance Rating Board (NYCIRB), where he would spend over two decades and leave a lasting legacy. As Projects Coordinator and later Director of Quality Assurance, Rowland spearheaded major modernization efforts. He successfully led the Y2K remediation initiative, rewriting legacy applications in Assembly Language to ensure operational continuity. Later, he project-managed the organization’s migration from IBM mainframes to Oracle PL/SQL and .NET systems—a monumental transition that laid the foundation for NYCIRB’s future scalability.
As Director of QA, Rowland’s contributions reached their apex. He built rigorous testing frameworks, blending automation and manual verification guided by meticulous use-case modeling. His methods led to a near-zero defect ratio in production environments—a remarkable achievement in an industry where data integrity is paramount. Under his guidance, NYCIRB not only preserved its reputation for reliability but expanded its client base and influence, thanks in large part to his uncompromising quality standards and visionary leadership.
What sets Rowland apart is not just his technical mastery but his philosophy: he believes that technology is most powerful when it is used to serve. This is evident in his commitment to knowledge-sharing, team collaboration, and mentorship. He has been a steady leader, assembling cross-functional teams that leverage individual strengths to produce cohesive, high-quality outcomes. While he never sought the spotlight, his work has consistently illuminated the path for others—technologists, clients, and institutions alike.
Now, Rowland is embarking on the next chapter of his career with a focused interest in cybersecurity, he recently completed an 11-month Cybersecurity Bootcamp at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in 2024, and holding a CompTIA Security+ certification. Rowland also took a course with CompTIA named ‘AI Essentials’ to be conversant with some basic working knowledge of AI, like how AI learns, its capabilities and limitations, and how it can be trained and used for business services. His passion for safeguarding data, infrastructure, and users is not new—it has been a consistent thread through all his work, from NASA to insurance systems. This transition marks not a reinvention but a deepening of his lifelong mission to uphold integrity, ensure resilience, and protect what matters most.
Rowland’s values extend beyond the workplace. With roots in Britain and Nigeria, and extensive professional experience across the U.S., his international exposure has cultivated a global perspective. He is fluent in both English and Ibo, and brings a cultural sensitivity that enhances his ability to lead, communicate, and connect across diverse audiences. Public speaking, particularly in faith-based communities, has been a personal avenue for sharing wisdom and inspiration—a reminder that leadership for Rowland is as much about heart as it is about intellect.
As he now seeks to contribute to board-level leadership, Rowland brings not only a remarkable professional pedigree but also a profound sense of purpose. He sees this as a pivotal opportunity to shape policy, guide strategy, and add value to organizations committed to growth, innovation, and ethical leadership. In every role he has held, from systems programmer to director, he has remained true to his mission: to bring value to everyone he meets. That mission continues.
Character:
Rowland is guided by a quiet confidence, shaped by decades of hands-on experience and a foundational desire to serve. His ethical approach to leadership ensures that every project, team, and system he touches is marked by integrity and intentionality.
Knowledge:
His technical knowledge spans from assembly language and Oracle database systems to cybersecurity and policy assurance. With over four decades of learning and application, he continues to evolve and adapt with each technological era.
Strategic:
Rowland excels in long-term vision and systemic thinking, proven by his successful oversight of enterprise transitions and technology modernization efforts. He sees both the micro-details and macro-impact of decisions, always aligning tactics with broader goals.
Communication:
Through team coordination, public speaking, and cross-functional leadership, Rowland demonstrates clear, persuasive, and empathetic communication. His ability to translate complex systems into actionable insights makes him a vital bridge between technical and executive teams.
