Magazine Honors AgriTech Corp CIO as Leading Innovator

Alumna Candi Cole has been celebrated in the May 2024 issue of Business Alabama magazine as one of Alabama's top 24 Women in Tech. The recognition is a testament to her remarkable journey in a field where women have historically been underrepresented.

As the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Foley-based AgriTech Corp., a woman-owned business, Cole has leveraged over 15 years of software implementation experience to drive innovation and excellence within her team. Known for her ability to understand customer needs and translate them into actionable product features, she has led numerous successful software implementations. Her leadership style fosters a collaborative and cohesive work environment, earning her team’s admiration for her communication skills and unifying presence.

Cole graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Alabama A&M University in 2003 and a Master of Business Administration in Management from American Intercontinental University in 2004. Reflecting on her time at Alabama A&M, she says, “The Hill is forever ingrained in my existence as it encourages introspection. I questioned assumptions, challenged my beliefs, and evolved as a person. It was a transformative period that defined me as a bulldog.”

Raised in the small town of Talladega and an alumna of Munford High School, Cole graduated with an advanced diploma. Her career, spanning more than two decades in technology, has seen her in various roles including QA Analyst, Software Engineer, and Software Manager. Since joining AgriTech Corp. in January 2022, Cole has managed the company’s technology vision and led a team of offshore developers, providing crucial support to her senior peers.

Recognized as one of Alabama’s top Women in Tech by Business Alabama, Cole reflects on the honor, noting the significance of visibility for women in a predominantly male industry. “This achievement signifies that anything is possible through hard work and perseverance,” she says. 

Balancing her professional and personal life, Cole is passionate about raising her three daughters and navigating their after-school sporting events. Her career, marked by diverse roles and challenges, has honed her skills in analytical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving, making her a formidable force in the tech industry.