Dan Post always enjoyed using math and problem-solving skills to help people develop new solutions. For him, Purdue’s Department of Computer and Information Technology was a perfect choice because it allowed him to apply what he learned in the classroom to real-world situations that impact people’s lives.
He began his career at ExxonMobil 23 years ago and now manages and owns several global IT services for the company: Enterprise Storage, Scientific Computing, Midrange Computing, eBusiness Infrastructure, Retail Infrastructure, and the Facilities Security Service. He is also responsible for maintaining the IT strategic business plans for each service and overseeing a team of about 300 employees located around the world.
Post’s previous positions with ExxonMobil include upstream IT services manager, gas and power marketing company and upstream business services IT manager, corporate headquarters IT manager, and computer engineering and design manager.
While at Purdue, Post was inspired by his professors. Alka Harriger selected him to help teach an introductory computer technology class, which in turn allowed him to develop valuable skills like public speaking and connecting with an audience. Lonnie Bentley was also an inspiration, providing him not only with knowledge about the fundamentals of systems analysis and design, but also with a focus on business processes.
Post spends his spare time volunteering as a 12th-grade Bible study leader at his church and has coached boys’ and girls’ basketball for his local YMCA. He enjoys traveling, boating, wakeboarding, fishing, golf, snow skiing, and basketball. He and his wife, Judi, live in Houston, Texas, with their four children.
This was originally written for the Distinguished Technology Alumni Awards in 2009.