Best Fractional Chief Information Officer Services in USA

USA Outsourced Chief Information Officer Agencies

When you’re scaling your infrastructure, upgrading cybersecurity, or pivoting toward digital transformation, you don’t always need a full-time CIO—you need the right one, right now. Fractional, outsourced, or virtual Chief Information Officers (CIOs) provide strategic IT leadership without the full-time commitment. Whether you're an early-stage SaaS startup or a PE-backed industrial group, the right tech executive can change everything.

That’s why we created this guide.

This article highlights some of the top Fractional CIO providers in the USA, curated for their reputation, outcomes, and client-centric philosophies. These are the folks delivering high-value technology leadership on a flexible model—backed by real results.

Our Methodology: How We Curated This List of US-based Fractional CIOs

We didn’t just Google a few names and call it a day. Here’s how we built this list of standout Fractional CIOs in the United States:

• ✅ Research-Driven – We reviewed each provider’s digital footprint, including case studies, whitepapers, and service pages.
• ✅ Client-Reviewed – We prioritized providers with strong testimonials, repeat business, and visible referrals on platforms like Clutch, LinkedIn, or G2.
• ✅ Founder-Focused – Each entry includes a spotlight on the founder or CEO, so you can get to know the person behind the strategy.
• ✅ Location-Based – These providers are U.S.-based and serve a mix of local and international clients.

Now, let’s meet the leaders who are redefining what it means to outsource tech leadership.

Fractional CIO Services in the US 🔦 Provider Spotlights

Valerian Technology

🔗 Website: https://www.valeriantechnology.com
🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/dominicholt

Valerian Technology is a forward-leaning IT strategy firm specializing in Fractional CIO services for product-led SaaS companies and government clients. Their approach combines product development knowledge with enterprise-level security and compliance frameworks—ideal for companies that need to scale fast while staying secure.

They offer Fractional CIO, CTO, and CISO support with a clear emphasis on mission-critical digital infrastructure. Valerian’s strength lies in modernizing legacy systems and building scalable architecture across regulated industries like defense, finance, and public sector tech.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Deep specialization in DoD-compliant infrastructure and DevSecOps
• Strong presence in federal contracting and govtech modernization
• Focus on full-stack digital transformation, from cloud to code to culture
  

Dominic Holt, Founder, Valerian Technology

Dominic Holt brings two decades of leadership in software architecture, cloud platforms, and secure enterprise systems. His past roles include CTO at Lockheed Martin and Director of Engineering at multiple defense-focused tech firms. On LinkedIn, he’s known for his insights on cybersecurity in agile environments and how CIOs can act as product enablers rather than IT gatekeepers. Holt often speaks about aligning IT roadmaps with measurable business outcomes, a philosophy reflected in Valerian’s client results.

MR2 Solutions, Inc.

🔗 Website: http://www.mr2solutions.com

‍MR2 Solutions is a Southern California-based firm that provides CIO advisory, IT infrastructure strategy, and digital transformation consulting. They serve as vCIOs for high-growth companies needing modernization, cloud readiness, and vendor strategy.

High-growth SMBs, regional enterprises, and companies modernizing legacy tech. MR2 blends infrastructure expertise with executive-level IT strategy to deliver scalable, secure environments.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Extensive experience in cloud migration + vendor orchestration
• Recognized by clients for fast, measurable IT improvements
• Operate with deep tech partnerships across Microsoft, Nutanix, and others
  

Ron Salazar, Founder, MR2 Solutions

🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ronsalazar-

Ron is a seasoned IT executive with deep expertise in infrastructure, enterprise storage, and systems design. On LinkedIn, his career spans tech leadership roles at companies like EMC and IBM. Ron’s known for helping companies modernize rapidly—without disruption. His unique edge? Translating complex infrastructure needs into real business wins.

Global Compliance Group

🔗 Website: https://globalcgs.com

Global Compliance Group offers fractional CIO, CISO, and IT compliance services, with a strong focus on regulatory-heavy verticals like fintech, healthcare, and defense. Their services range from system audits to digital transformation strategy to vendor governance.

Government contractors, fintech firms, healthcare systems, and companies scaling across borders. They believe security and compliance should be embedded into growth—not obstacles to it.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Known for global IT policy design + deployment
• Bring multi-national compliance frameworks into practical execution
• Strong relationships with defense and finance clients
  

Brad Nassau, CEO/Founder, Global Compliance Group

🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/bradnassau

Brad is a strategic technologist with a reputation for delivering large-scale IT transformations under tight compliance rules. His background includes extensive work with DoD, HIPAA, and PCI frameworks. On LinkedIn, Brad stands out as a pragmatic leader who turns enterprise risk into strategic resilience. He's particularly skilled at helping companies scale while staying audit-ready.

TAG CXO

🔗 Website: https://tagcxo.com
🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/paultheisen

‍TAG CXO is a vCIO and executive services firm offering fractional leadership across IT, finance, operations, and security. They specialize in mid-market companies navigating scale, digital modernization, or M&A transitions.

PE-backed firms, post-Seed to Series C startups, and legacy companies ready to modernize. They deploy "Team as a Service"—a curated bench of executives providing on-demand support with C-level oversight.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Provide multi-functional CXO coverage, not just standalone IT strategy
• Known for delivering business-value-focused IT roadmaps, not tech for tech's sake
• Strong base in Arizona and California, but serve clients nationally
  

Paul Theisen, Founder, TAG CXO

Paul brings decades of experience in enterprise tech, cloud modernization, and executive operations. His LinkedIn shows an impressive track record in both startups and Fortune 500s. Paul leads with a practical but growth-oriented lens, and his thought leadership at TAG positions IT as a business accelerator, not a cost center. He’s also known for building high-trust client relationships that extend far beyond contracts.

Why This Matters: Fractional CIOs, Not Just IT Managers

Too often, companies treat IT like a cost center. But the providers in this guide help organizations rethink that paradigm. They deliver executive-level strategy, not just helpdesk support. Whether it’s migrating a cloud stack, restructuring data governance, or making a product roadmap technically viable, these CIOs do more than “keep the lights on.” They chart a future-proof path—and they do it without bloated salaries or inflexible contracts.

Digital Reference: Why We Do This

At Digital Reference, we believe in radical authenticity and transparency when it comes to executive hiring. Our editorial series on fractional leaders—from CSOs to CMOs to CIOs—is part of our mission to shine a light on the professionals building real outcomes quietly behind the scenes.

Explore more on digitalreference.co and get matched with leaders who show up with vision and velocity—no fluff, no guesswork.

‍