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Kerrie Holley
Kerrie Holley-241.jpg
Born
Kerrie Lamont Holley

Alma mater Kenwood Academy
B.A. DePaul University
Juris Doctor DePaul University
Occupation
Years active 1976–present
Organization
  • Google
  • UHG Optum
  • Cisco
  • IBM

Kerrie Lamont Holley, born in 1954, is an American software engineer, author, and technology leader. He is famous for his important work in how computer systems talk to each other. This is called "service-oriented architecture" (SOA). He also helped create new ways for IBM to build software.

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Kerrie's School Days

Kerrie Holley studied mathematics at DePaul University, getting his first degree in 1976. Later, in 1982, he earned a law degree from the same university. DePaul University also gave him an honorary doctorate degree in 2016. This was a special award for his achievements.

Growing Up in Chicago

Kerrie Holley grew up in Chicago, Illinois, with his grandmother. In 1961, he joined the Sue Duncan Children's Center. There, he received extra help with math and science. He did so well that he later became a tutor at the center. He even tutored famous people like Arne Duncan, who became the U.S. Secretary of Education, and actor Michael Clarke Duncan.

A Career in Technology

Kerrie Holley has had a long and impressive career in technology.

Working at IBM

In 2000, Kerrie Holley became the first African American to be named a Distinguished Engineer at IBM. This is a very high honor for engineers. In 2006, he was made an IBM Fellow. This is an even higher title, and he was only the second African American to receive it in 100 years.

Joining Cisco and Optum

After IBM, Kerrie Holley joined Cisco in 2016. He was the Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for their Software Platform Group. In 2017, he moved to United Health Group (UHG) Optum. There, he became their first Technology Fellow and Senior Vice President. He focused on using new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning to improve healthcare.

National Academy of Engineering

In 2023, Kerrie Holley was honored by being inducted into the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). This is one of the highest honors for engineers in the United States. He was recognized for his work in making computer systems more flexible. This helps businesses adapt quickly to changes in the market.

Awards and Special Honors

Kerrie Holley has received many awards and honors for his contributions to technology:

  • 2003: Black Engineer of the Year
  • 2004: Named one of the 50 Most Important Blacks in Research Science
  • 2005-2010: Member of the Naval Studies Board
  • 2006: Became an IBM Fellow
  • 2007, 2009: Recognized as one of the Most Important Blacks in Technology
  • 2016: Received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from DePaul University
  • 2023: Inducted into the National Academy of Engineering

Books by Kerrie Holley

Kerrie Holley is also an author. He has written several books about technology:

  • In 2010, he published "100 SOA Questions: Asked and Answered." This book helped companies understand how to use service-oriented architecture.
  • In 2012, he co-authored "Is Your Company Ready for Cloud." This book talked about the importance of cloud computing for businesses.
  • In 2021, he wrote "AI First Healthcare." This book explored how artificial intelligence can be used in healthcare.
  • His most recent book, "LLMs and Generative AI for Healthcare: The Next Frontier," was published in 2024. It discusses new AI technologies and their impact on healthcare.

Kerrie's Inventions

Kerrie Holley holds several patents for his inventions. Patents protect new ideas and inventions. His patents cover things like how computer systems can keep working even if parts fail. He also has patents for finding lost mobile devices. He even helped create the first method and model for developing service-oriented architecture. This model helps companies figure out how far along they are in using SOA and how to improve.

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