surenuts Rob Zschernitz

Operational leadership · Practical technology · Real life

Hi, I'm Rob. I lead practical, trusted technology operations.

I'm a Chicago-area technology executive focused on strong systems, clear priorities, and teams that can actually do the work.

Professional button clicker and meeting attender by day; Dad, husband & outside when I'm not.

  • Chief Technology Officer
  • Operational leader
  • Dad, husband, grandfather
  • Photographer and outdoorsman
Working style

Steady leadership, practical execution.

Calm strategy Strong teams Durable systems Useful technology

I like building teams and systems that earn trust, stay practical, and hold up in real life.

At a glance

Technology leadership shaped by trust.

I joined the Field Museum in 2010, moved into the CTO role in 2015, and have spent much of my career connecting infrastructure, operations, people, and strategy.

2010

Joined the Field Museum and started leading a broader technology transformation.

2015

Stepped into the CTO role after serving on the executive team.

People‑first

Leadership centered on trust, clarity, accountability, and culture as real work.

2022–2026

Recognized by OnCon every year from 2022 through 2026, most recently in late April 2026.

Professional focus

Modern leadership without the noise.

Executive technology leadership

I lead strategy, infrastructure, security, platforms, and execution with an eye toward resilience, practicality, and long-term value.

Cross-functional partnership

I work across leadership teams and business units to connect mission, priorities, and the systems that support them.

Culture and team development

I care about building trusted teams, supporting emerging leaders, and creating environments where good people can do great work.

Operational leadership

I focus on clarity, accountability, service quality, and durable operating patterns that help teams perform consistently.

Beyond work

Built around values, not just a résumé.

The same mindset that shapes how I lead also shapes how I live: family, the outdoors, photography, curiosity, and a strong preference for things honest and built well.

Outside

Outdoors and field time

Time outside gives me perspective, patience, and the kind of grounded attention that good leadership also demands.

Photography

Seeing what matters

Photography is craft and observation for me: composition, timing, light, and learning to notice details that might otherwise pass by.

Connect

Leadership, digital strategy, and real-world execution.

For professional conversations, speaking, collaboration, or consulting inquiries, the easiest path is direct.