Biography

Ken Fanta is an IT Business Relationship Manager (MBRM) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health who believes meaningful transformation in IT begins – and ends – with relationships. With more than 31 years in IT and 18 years in higher education, Ken champions a relationship-centered approach that reframes IT from a service provider into a trusted strategic partner.

Ken’s work focuses on connecting people before connecting systems. He advances BRM maturity by building trust, fostering alignment, and helping leaders move from transactional interactions to purpose-driven collaboration. His approach emphasizes curiosity, listening, and shared accountability as essential enablers of sustainable change.

Prior to his current role, Ken served as Director of IT for Orthopedics & Rehabilitation and Urology, where he led teams through complex organizational change, major infrastructure transitions, and multimillion-dollar investment decisions. These experiences continue to shape his practical, human-centered perspective on technology leadership.

Ken holds a Master’s degree in Information and Communication Technology from UW-Stout and brings a practitioner scholar mindset to his work as a Master of Business Relationship Management professional. A committed mentor and community builder, Ken is passionate about cultivating cultures where trust fuels collaboration, relationships drive results, and technology ultimately improves people’s lives.

2026 Session:

Stop Solving. Start Asking: The Inquiry Mindset for IT

2025 Session:

Connecting relationships to results: Enhancing IT and business partnerships