CFC Chief Digital Officer named a finalist for a 2026 ORBIE Award

HoustonCIO has named Capital Farm Credit Chief Digital Officer Joseph Pauraj as a finalist for a prestigious 2026 HoustonCIO ORBIE Award.

The awards, supported by the Houston Business Journal, honors chief information leaders who have demonstrated excellence in technology leadership, driving innovation and transforming leading organizations.

“Joseph is a transformational technology leader whose influence extends well beyond our association to the broader Farm Credit System. He turns strategy into measurable impact,” said CFC President and CEO Jeff Norte.

In his finalist’s application, Joseph noted his team’s achievements in a variety of technology innovations, including deploying over 150 process automations that have gained over 30,000 hours of productivity for the Association, the AgriNext digital loan processing and the Texas Show Pass app for livestock show registrations and check-ins.

“Collectively, these efficiency, cost-avoidance and risk-mitigation initiatives produced a 119% return on investment, validating IT as a strategic value driver rather than a cost center,” Joseph said.

The ORBIE Awards are divided into six categories, based on an organization’s size.

This is the second consecutive year Joseph has been named a finalist for an ORBIE Award in the Corporate category.

Competing with Joseph this year is John Baker with Lexitas, Jeff Green of Strike, Tony Keo of Race Rock, Michael Lewis of Management Controls and Misty Witner of Galveston County.

The 2026 HoustonCIO ORBIE Awards event is scheduled for April 24 at the Hilton Houston North.

About cover photo: Finalists for the 2026 ORBIE Award gathered in March to receive their plaques.