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Fractional CAIO |
Fractional CTO |
Technology Strategy Consultant

Hi, I’m Tony Schmidt. Take a look around to explore my background and 15+ years of experience delivering data-driven solutions in fintech, SaaS, and emerging AI.

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Helping growth-stage SMB & mid-market companies harness AI, cloud, and data innovations to drive efficiency and ROI.

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Goal

I seek engagements where AI-powered software, systems integration, and strategic tech planning unlock growth. I bring 15+ years translating complex business challenges into secure, scalable solutions offered on a consulting, fractional-executive, and (in the right fit) full-time basis.

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My Story

I’ve always been resourceful and practical. This approach served me well as I matured from developer to project manager to leader, directing increasingly larger teams in strategic initiatives. My results-oriented mindset established me as a go-to leader in building complex technical solutions that drive business growth.

As I immersed myself in digital technology, I recognized how crucial my soft skills were to my professional success. I found myself equally comfortable connecting with business and non-technical audiences—a capability I refined through self-awareness, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence.

I’ve thrived working cross-functionally as technology’s spokesperson to achieve remarkable outcomes.

1995-1999

Before "Big Data"

My early calling was to analyze and present data to support better decision-making long before “Big Data” was a thing. Using mainframes, I dug deep into analytics that made an impact.

1999-2003

The Hook

My discovery of coding was a pivotal moment in my career. I devoured all of Microsoft’s early programming tools and pushed the limits of each new release in web development. Soon after, my engineering mentor recruited me to a startup, and I couldn’t refuse. I was all in hook, line, and sinker.

2003-2007

Refining the Framework

I mastered the basics to maximize my impact as an analyst and developer. I did hands-on software engineering up and down the stack and learned how to build good software. This foundation in software architecture prepared me for future project leadership.

2007-2011

Delivering Solutions that Work

My love of tech to drive business helped me advance, leading me to roles leading larger teams in development and integration projects. In these roles, I communicated with techies and executives alike to bridge gaps in understanding. I collaborated with them to make innovative, efficient, customer-focused projects a reality.

2011-2015

Breaking New Ground in Fintech Innovation

My passion for technology grew as I developed innovative API solutions to serve the growing Fintech sector. This industry-leading approach fed the demand for tailored consumer interactions, enabling unprecedented growth and lasting partnerships.

2015-2019

Empathic Leadership in Action

I’ve built on my successes in collaborating with customers and internal stakeholders to find common ground.  I led by example and cultivated authentic connections, gaining the commitment and loyalty of my teams, peers, and customers. My development of mindful self-awareness and empathic approach has served me well in making big things happen.

2019-2024

Innovation for Tomorrow's Challenges

The continued growth of digital technology and the recent explosion of AI and cloud computing opens the door to a new age of opportunity. I love riding this wave of innovation and inventing novel ways to solve business challenges. 

2024-present

Strategic AI Integration & Fractional Leadership

I help organizations move from AI proof-of-concept to production-ready software without pausing day-to-day operations. 

The result: faster innovation cycles, seamless system integration, and measurable ROI for every client engagement, whether I’m acting as a fractional executive or a strategic technology consultant.

Senior Leadership Experience

Throughout my career, I’ve directed technology innovation with a lean-startup approach. This includes 9 deep integrations with the top 15 U.S. banks and over 130 fintechs, which continue to serve as production backbones for more than 95 clients. I’ve spearheaded strategic growth and transformation initiatives, major platform migrations, Agile and DevSecOps adoption, and workflow automation. My track record of leading engineering and operations teams, forging high-value B2B partnerships, and mentoring stakeholders from the C-suite to engineering positions me to drive the next wave of AI-centric, integration-ready innovation.

2025-Present

Fractional Chief AI & Integration Officer

Currently partnering with AiTiate’s rapid-delivery AI team as Fractional Chief AI & Integration Officer. Leading AI solution architecture and integration strategy for clients, and delivering quick AI MVPs (chatbots, AI assistants, automated workflows) that drive efficiency and innovation. This role lets me combine executive vision with hands-on solution delivery, in line with AiTiate’s integrity-driven culture and focus on real-world impact.

2024-Present

Chief Technology Officer

I define digital transformation strategy, technology roadmap, and tech requirements for re-platforming initiatives. This work includes identifying process gaps, inefficiencies, and opportunities for automation and KPI capture while reducing manual processes. I actively engage stakeholders to identify opportunities for increased efficiency and profitability, ensuring alignment between business needs and technical solutions.

2024-present

Chief Technology Officer

I drive MenLiving’s tech vision, strategy, and execution using emerging technology to promote growth and interoperability while cutting costs by 40%. I ensure platform uptime, performance, security, metrics, and escalations. I manage seamless platform integration across HubSpot, Eventbrite, and payment processors Stripe and PayPal/Braintree.

2019-2024

Senior Director, Technology & Customer Engagement

As a senior technology spokesman, I worked cross-functionally to implement custom API SaaS integrations for real-time consumer credit data. I managed multiple technical teams responsible for pre-sales, integration, and operational delivery, supporting $165M in annual revenue. Through Lean-Agile methodologies, my delivery team achieved a 69 NPS score. TransUnion featured me in its 2023 diversity report for championing workplace mindfulness, well-being, and DEIB initiatives.

2017-2019

Senior Director, Technology Solutions

I defined and executed Agile transformative strategies, improving transparency and predictability to 95%  in the Consumer Interactive business unit.  I hired and led a specialized team to deliver high-profile co-developed customer solutions to Fortune 100 companies on tight deadlines, leading to $16M in additional immediate revenue.

2011-2017

Director Of Technology

I directed the development and launch of a first-of-its-kind .NET API for Fintech and big banks to leverage real-time credit data. This solution capitalized on the growth in the Fintech space and secured industry-leading product revenue growth with top-tier customers.

2007-2011

Director, Applications Engineering

I led teams that spanned multiple functions. They delivered custom tech integrations and ensured PCI compliance, improving customer success and tech integration across a broad internal and customer ecosystem.

2003-2007

Technical Architect & Team Lead

I led a small but mighty startup team with engineers and experts from other functions. We used TransUnion’s brand and resources to expand its B2B Interactive Business Unit, which experienced decades of double-digit growth.

Contact me

  • Location
  • Chicago, IL
  • E-mail
  • Phone
  • 773.858.9551
  • Calendar
Schedule time with me