The evolution of Justine Doerner’s tech career is a story of relentless curiosity, adaptability, and wide-ranging expertise. Beginning with a solid foundation in Computer Information Systems at Harper College—where she graduated with a remarkable 4.2 GPA and achieved high honors—Justine quickly distinguished herself through both academic achievement and a passion for technology’s real-world applications. Early accreditations, including MCSE and MCSA certifications, Network Specialist titles, and honors such as membership in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the National Dean’s List, laid the groundwork for her deep understanding of network infrastructures, cybersecurity, business information systems, and database design.

Sometimes, the simplest moments hold the deepest wisdom. Let your thoughts settle, and clarity will find you.

Justine’s professional ascent has been marked by leadership positions in both public and private sectors. As Director of Information Technology at AdvantageWest Regional Economic Development Group and its subsidiary organizations—including Blue Ridge Food Ventures and the WNC Film Commission—she played a pivotal role in advancing technology for regional growth and economic development. Her responsibilities were diverse: overseeing boardroom technology, managing all aspects of networking and server infrastructure (across Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms), and implementing advanced security and disaster recovery protocols. Particularly notable was her ability to lead digital transformation efforts, such as migrating legacy email and telecommunications systems to modern, secure platforms, and designing and administering Salesforce CRM from the ground up. Her systematic approach ensured that critical nonprofit and government-sector IT operations ran smoothly, securely, and efficiently throughout the twelve western counties of North Carolina.

A hallmark of Justine’s career is her versatility across disciplines—she is as comfortable leading the design and deployment of websites, SEO/SEM campaigns, and databases as she is planning and implementing complex cybersecurity solutions and virtual private environments. Her technical prowess spans over 50 Linux distributions and a variety of infrastructure and compliance standards, including VLANs, VPNs, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and disaster recovery solutions. This ability to adapt and innovate has carried through to her roles at companies such as OmniCare of Illinois, where she served as Head of Information Technology, and at ThermoFisher Scientific, managing networked environments for scientific research and discovery.

Wrapping Up with Key Insights

Today, as Founder and Owner of Future of Things LLC, Justine combines her technical knowledge with a vision for mentorship and ethical technology leadership. Her mission is to guide adolescents and adults within her community, fostering a holistic approach to tech—where innovation, diversity, ethics, and spirituality intersect. Throughout her journey, Justine Doerner has empowered organizations to adopt resilient and forward-thinking IT strategies, while serving as a role model for women and future leaders in technology. Her legacy is defined not only by technical accomplishments, but also by her commitment to building a more inclusive, secure, and innovative technological future.