Building Infrastructure. Leading with Integrity. Lifting Others as He Climbs.

Marcus Manning’s career in technology began with curiosity.

As a child, he watched his father head to work at NASA as a computer operator in mission control. His dad couldn’t talk about the details of what he did, but that mystery sparked something. It piqued Marcus’s interest in technology and planted the seed for a career that would eventually lead him to become Chief Information Officer and Head of Cybersecurity for Smart Financial Credit Union.

Today, Marcus is a strategic and innovative executive who has held several leadership roles throughout his career. But his path is not defined by title alone, it is defined by impact.

Building What People Rely On

When asked which initiatives he’s most proud of, two stand out.

Marcus led the IT team that built the entire infrastructure for a $220 million hospital. It’s a project he still reflects on with pride.

“I smile with pride and joy each time I drive by that hospital.”

He also led the team that built the IT infrastructure for an airline reservations center in Beijing, China. Despite language barriers, the team succeeded.

“It turns out that we all speak the same ‘techie’ language.”

These weren’t just technical deployments. They were foundational systems supporting healthcare, global travel, and real communities. They required coordination, leadership, adaptability, and vision; qualities Marcus continues to bring to every role.

Leadership Shaped by Lived Experience

Being a Black man in corporate America, and now a C-level executive, has shaped how Marcus leads.

“To be successful, you have to have courage, tenacity, resilience, and perseverance; all while staying true to who you are.”

He is clear about what he will not compromise:

• Character and integrity

• Dignity and respect for all people

• Authenticity

He emphasizes treating everyone with dignity, from the CEO to the janitor.

He also acknowledges a reality many professionals of color understand:

“The landscape is not always fair or equal. From time to time, you may have to work twice as hard. It is an unfortunate reality.”

Rather than allowing that reality to define him, Marcus stays focused on excellence and preparation.

“Always stay two steps ahead.” “What got you here will not always keep you here.” “You must consistently strive for excellence.”

His leadership is grounded not just in performance, but in principle.

Values That Guide His Leadership

Marcus credits his family values for molding him into the leader he is today. Those values show up daily in how he operates:

• Lead by example, behavior is contagious.

• Give 100% in whatever you do.

• Operate in a spirit of excellence.

• Persevere through adversity, tough times don’t last, tough people do.

• Hold yourself accountable.

• Be a problem solver, not an argument winner.

• Never stop learning.

• Trust is built over time.

• Provide psychological safety.

• Meet people where they are.

• Encourage and reward greatness.

• Be authentic and transparent.

• GSD, Get (Stuff) Done.

Empathy is central to his leadership.

He strives to acknowledge feelings, actively listen to comprehend, not to respond, and provide a safe space for open and honest communication.

Two quotes anchor his philosophy:

“The time is always right to do what is right.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said… but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

Those principles shape how he leads teams, engages communities, and makes decisions.

Service Beyond the Office

Leadership for Marcus extends beyond the enterprise.

“Serving others is one of my passions. I experience boundless joy and fulfillment when serving others.”

He is deeply involved with the SMART Foundation, which works to make communities better places to live, work, and play through volunteer efforts and charitable initiatives.

He participates in:

• Komen Race for the Cure

• Houston Meal Pack 9/11 Day

• Houston Children’s Charity – Chariots for Children

• Multiple local philanthropic golf tournaments

Professionally, he is actively engaged with SIM Houston, Houston CIO, the SecureWorld Advisory Council, and serves as a Governing Board Member for the Texas Technology Summit.

Service, for Marcus, is not occasional. It is part of his identity.

The Legacy He Intends to Leave

When asked what kind of leader he hopes to be remembered as, Marcus doesn’t hesitate.

He wants to be remembered as someone who truly cared about his teams and his community, and showed it consistently.

He wants to be remembered as someone who opened doors for others that otherwise may not have been opened.

“It is my responsibility to lift others as I climb.”

He also wants to be remembered as a leader who was not afraid to roll up his sleeves and do the work.

At the heart of his motivation is his family.

“My motivation to keep pushing forward is my family. I have two beautiful daughters and a beautiful wife that really motivate me and inspire me to be the best version of me.”

After a difficult day, three big hugs at home are often the reminder he needs to keep going.

Building More Than Systems

Marcus Manning builds infrastructure, but he also builds people, communities, and opportunities.

His career began with curiosity sparked in NASA mission control. Today, it is defined by integrity, service, excellence, and a commitment to lifting others.

This Black History Month, we are proud to spotlight Marcus Manning; a leader who demonstrates that true impact comes not just from the systems you build, but from the standards you live by.