Ballard Spahr Chief Information Officer Kim Wismer has been named CIO of the Year by Legaltech News and The Recorder, firm Executive Director Mark C. Langdon announced today. The honor is part of the Innovation Awards, which recognize innovative technology officers and attorneys who advance technology in the legal industry.

Ms. Wismer oversees a staff of approximately 80 people in both Information Technology and Records Management for Ballard Spahr, an Am Law 100 firm with more than 500 attorneys and 14 offices nationwide. She manages all aspects of the firm’s technology and information governance system, including managing the hardware and software components of the firm’s computer network that process data and telecommunications.

“Our lawyers need a highly functional and reliable technology and information governance platform to deliver exceptional value to our clients in every representation,” Mr. Langdon said. “Kim has cultivated—and capably leads— a team of dedicated and talented technology professionals who work tirelessly to assure that our systems are stable and secure, and that our lawyers have the tools they need to meet and exceed client expectations for service quality and efficiency. In a world where data security is paramount—and technological advancements are rapidly changing the way we do business—Kim’s superb ability to keep us ahead of the curve is valued by clients, attorneys, and her peers. I’m delighted that Kim is being recognized by her industry as well.”

Ms. Wismer selects, develops, integrates, and supports all desktop hardware applications, oversees technical training, and manages information governance, including electronic and paper client records. She also manages the firm’s information security program across all systems to assure compliance with client-imposed security requirements.

Ms. Wismer joined Ballard Spahr in 1998. She is active in the local technology community and serves as a member of La Salle University's Computer Science Advisory Board.

“Managing information systems in an industry synonymous with its heavy production of sensitive data is a challenge but also extremely rewarding,” Ms. Wismer said. “I believe that when you enjoy your work—and the people you work with—you do a better job. I suppose this award is a reflection of that. I’m very touched to have been considered.”

About Ballard Spahr

Ballard Spahr LLP, an Am Law 100 law firm with more than 500 lawyers in 14 offices in the United States, provides a range of services in litigation, business and finance, real estate, intellectual property, and public finance. Our clients include Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, life sciences and technology companies, health systems, investors and developers, government agencies and sponsored enterprises, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. The firm combines a national scope of practice with strong regional market knowledge. For more information, please visit www.ballardspahr.com.