TCC Chief Information and Technology Officer Todd Kreuger has gone against the grain in a world where people are put into career boxes from an early age.
His path in life took him through detours, from being an accounting major to overseeing a college’s technological needs.
From software and Wi-Fi to the help desk, Todd is the person who makes sure students and staff can study and work daily. On the flip side, his life is not only about zeros and ones, but he also paints a picture using emotion, rhymes and metaphors.
Kreuger’s creative side comes out in poetry.He self-published his book “People Are Truly Amazing”, in 2021.
“I paint word pictures, for instance,” Kreuger said. “What I talk about is the journey to innovative and transformational. It runs on the streets of communication, over the bridge of trust, through the community of
collaboration.”
In his work life, Kreuger has demonstrated that he is a fixer. He can come into an institution with IT problems and build a relationship with the IT employees at all levels, create solutions and help them solve their problems.
“When they described the challenges and opportunities,” Kreuger said. “And I really like to be able to fix things, so that was a great opportunity.”
During his early life, he saw through his mother’s hard work and perseverance in raising him and his brother during a difficult time, which instilled in him the belief that people can overcome obstacles if they keep pushing through.
The poems in his book tackle issues such as self-worth and the importance of not using the word can’t. Sometimes life takes on an detour that we didn’t expect, but there is a reason for it. His poems are about helping people see the best in themselves and the best in others.
“I enjoy helping others find what’s amazing about them,” Kreuger said. “And when you walk into an organization, a lot of what I do is put the guideposts around and empower people to accept, and that’s really what leadership is.”
In the introduction of his book, he says that the poems are about people recognizing the potential within themselves and others, be they strangers, friends, family or colleagues.
“Todd exudes a sincere and extremely focused attitude of excellent customer service and communication,” said Peggy Leis, executive assistant to Kreuger. “He defines the customer as anyone and everyone we encounter every day.”
Kreuger’s ability to work well with people and make sure people feel seen and heard at work is a theme that played out repeatedly when speaking with his team.
“I think his background in poetry helps us a lot there because he’s really, really good at understanding people’s needs,” said Marcus Kerr, executive director of project and portfolio management and explaining technical stuff in a way that makes it really understandable for other folks.”
Kreuger said it’s important to help people find their unique qualities, which can positively impact work environments and organizations.
“His leadership style is one of positivity, excellence and service,” said Natalie Gamble, manager of data and information.
He joined TCC’s IT department when many people had left. Once in-person learning resumed again, employees had to come back into the office. He built a connection with people and made them feel that everything was going to be OK.
“There could be 40 of us sitting in attendance at the town hall,” said Pat Boudreau, IT contracts and compliance manager. “And it has become a game since he’s started having these this past year where he goes through the entire room and tells everybody their name.”
Boudreau, who is an avid reader, shared more of her favorite poems from Kreuger’s book, including one called “People Are Truly Amazing.”
“This poem immediately made me think of my mom,” Boudreau said. “My mom’s favorite thing to say was ’God will never put on you more than you can bear.’ I’ve learned that to be true through the many trials of my life. I choose to be stronger moving forward.”
Prior to Kreuger joining TCC, Boudreau was considering retiring, but once she worked with him, she could see that things would get better at work.
“He’s very good at guiding people,” she said. “I consider him a friend and a boss.”
