Paul Yater, CIO and Head of HR, 84 Lumber Company

In this episode of The Think Factory, Paul Yater shares the unconventional path that led him to IT leadership and ultimately to serving as both Chief Information Officer and Head of Human Resources at 84 Lumber—highlighting the value of agile, cross-functional leadership in today’s business environment.

With roots in various IT leadership roles, Yater stepped up to lead HR during a time of transition, relying on his business instincts, people skills, and operational insight rather than formal HR credentials. The conversation also delves into the dual impact of AI from both CIO and HR perspectives, with Yater likening AI to a kitchen microwave.

Yater’s story is a case study in courage, capability, and the power of transferable skills across business domains.