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CFC’s Chief Digital Officer Named Finalist for Prestigious 2025 HoustonCIO ORBIE Awards

Capital Farm Credit’s Chief Digital Officer Joseph Paulraj was recognized for his exceptional leadership and innovation as a finalist for the 2025 Houston CIO ORBIE Awards. 

Hosted by HoustonCIO, a chapter of the Inspire Leadership Network, the prestigious awards honoring chief information officers and C-suite technology leaders who drive business transformation and industry impact. 

The ceremony, which took place at Marriott Marquis Houston, brought together top executives and industry leaders to celebrate excellence in technology leadership. 

“Amazing CIOs understand how connections drive transformation,” said Shachella James, HoustonCIO Chair. “The ORBIE® Awards recognize CIOs who leverage relationships to drive innovation, solve complex challenges, and deliver impacts that shape the future of their industries and beyond.” Paulraj was recognized as one of 39 finalists out of 230 executives in the Corporate category for his work in impacting Capital Farm Credit’s customer and employee experience. Some of these achievements included:
  • Implementing over 150 process automations across critical functions, including HR, sales, legal, loan operations and loan administration.
  • Launching the use of the Nintex platform, which has been a pivotal development for our organization, winning a competitive Nintex award for his efforts.
  • Establishing a three-year digital transformation roadmap with a cloud-first approach.
  • Modernizing digital loan application, resulting in more than 80% of our FLCA loans now being closed digitally, compared to the industry benchmark of 40%.
  • Leading the development of a mobile-friendly check-in app for youth livestock shows across Texas, which has served thousands of students and reinforced CFC’s marketing presence and community engagement.
     

In a recommendation letter to HoustonCIO, CFC president and CEO Jeff Norte said Joseph addresses immediate challenges and envisions future possibilities to ensure that CFC continues to lead in technological advancements and operational excellence.

“Joseph has been a vital part of growing our association, and his strategic approach in aligning employee and customer experiences through technology continues to support our organization’s objectives,” Norte said. “Joseph’s ability to identify and implement innovative solutions have helped advance our association and helped us to receive national recognition among other members of the Farm Credit System.”

Besides being named the Chief Digital Officer earlier this year, Paulraj serves on the Farm Credit Artificial Intelligence Cohort, which is comprised of 31 farm credit associations that are exploring the use of AI, identifying and creating potential projects, demonstrations and processes. He is also an influential representative on the Farm Credit IT Symposium Committee, which is comprised of 55 associations. His leadership led to the Texas District farm credit entities being chosen to assist in hosting the 2026 event in Austin. 

“The huge success of technology is realized when Business and IT are aligned,” Paulraj said in a video at the awards ceremony.

The ORBIE is the preeminent executive recognition for C-suite leaders. Since 1998, the ORBIE Awards have recognized leadership excellence, building relationships between executives and trusted business partners, and inspiring the next generation of executives. Finalists and winners are selected through an independent peer-adjudicated process led by prior ORBIE recipients based on leadership and management effectiveness, business value created by technology innovation and engagement in industry and community endeavors.