Fractional CTOs in Ann Arbor Making Things Happen in 2025

Ann Arbor Interim Chief Technology Officers to Know

Ann Arbor, Michigan isn’t just home to the University of Michigan and a thriving academic community—it’s also a growing hub for technology, innovation, and entrepreneurial energy. From mobility startups to healthtech and cybersecurity ventures, the city is buzzing with activity. But in a market that moves quickly and values agility, many startups and scale-ups are turning to fractional CTOs—experienced technology leaders who offer executive guidance without the overhead of a full-time hire.

At Digital Reference, we believe in amplifying the work of professionals who are changing how talent operates—from project-based engagements to long-term strategic partnerships. Our platform celebrates radical transparency and radical authenticity—helping solopreneurs, fractional executives, and consultants showcase their impact.

This curated list highlights the most dynamic fractional CTOs in Ann Arbor and Southeast Michigan. These are the operators, builders, and thinkers who help organizations go from concept to launch, from chaos to clarity.

Our Selection Criteria

To create this list, we:

• Identified professionals based in or actively serving the Ann Arbor and greater Southeast Michigan region
• Verified their engagement in fractional, part-time, or interim CTO roles
• Assessed impact via public-facing experience, advisory work, and community involvement

This blog is part of our living library—expect future additions as the network expands.

Featured Fractional CTOs and Tech Advisors in Ann Arbor

Nick Lumsden

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicklumsden/

Nick Lumsden is a name that consistently comes up in Michigan’s startup and technology circles. As a seasoned engineering executive, Nick serves as a fractional CTO and strategic technology advisor, particularly for growth-stage SaaS companies and complex enterprise software firms.

Based in Ann Arbor, Nick brings over two decades of experience leading engineering teams, building cloud infrastructure, and aligning technology roadmaps with business goals. He’s known for helping organizations scale product architecture while coaching technical founders through critical growth stages.

His work spans cybersecurity, healthcare, logistics, and more—making him one of the most versatile and respected technology voices in the region.

Scott Goci

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-goci/

Scott Goci is a technology consultant and fractional CTO focused on early-stage startups, product innovation, and digital transformation. With roots in both Michigan’s academic sector and commercial software development, Scott bridges technical depth with real-world pragmatism.

He supports founders in defining technical requirements, leading outsourced development teams, and designing scalable product architectures. What sets Scott apart is his holistic approach—he’s not just thinking about the code, but about how the technology serves the market.

Startups working in education, enterprise SaaS, or research-backed tech often turn to Scott for both strategy and execution.

Dom O'Connor

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominicoconnor/

Dom O’Connor is a technologist and entrepreneur offering fractional CTO services to companies across Southeast Michigan. With a strong foundation in software engineering and a passion for lean product development, Dom helps startups avoid costly missteps in their early technical builds.

He is especially hands-on during MVP planning, team building, and platform re-architecture. Dom also works with non-technical founders to demystify product development and build tech roadmaps aligned with business strategy.

Whether you're bootstrapped or recently funded, Dom is the kind of CTO who rolls up his sleeves and builds.

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Why Ann Arbor is a Rising Hub for Fractional Tech Talent

Ann Arbor has always been an innovation town. It’s home to deep research, emerging startups, and a strong maker culture. But with capital efficiency becoming increasingly important, many companies are turning to fractional leadership—especially when building out their technology core.

Fractional CTOs allow:

• Startups to access seasoned leadership without full-time cost
• Founders to move quickly without compromising long-term architecture
• Engineering teams to level-up under strategic mentorship
• Investors to de-risk technical execution

It’s a win for founders, a win for companies, and a win for the broader ecosystem.

The Digital Reference Difference

At Digital Reference, we’re not just showcasing professionals—we’re building a platform where their work speaks louder than titles. We enable:

• Verified references to live beyond a single resume
• Video and written proof of work
• Custom shareable portfolios
• Public recognition of independent contributors

Whether you’re a fractional CTO looking to build a stronger presence or a startup searching for real tech leadership, Digital Reference is here to connect you to what’s real.

Relevant Digital Reference Resources

📘 How to Hire a Fractional Executive
A practical guide for founders and operators navigating interim leadership.

📍 The Importance of Professional References
Explore why third-party credibility is more critical than ever in today’s trust-driven hiring market.

📍 Find Local Fractional CTOs & Chief Technology Officers Near Me
Explore why third-party credibility is more critical than ever in today’s trust-driven hiring market.

📘 Collecting Professional References: The Dos and Don’ts
References are often the make-or-break element of your next opportunity. Yet many professionals still treat the reference process as an afterthought or, worse, scramble to collect them last minute.

📗 The Talent Ecosystem: Why Fractional Operators Are Reshaping the C-Suite
Explore the structural shifts behind the rise of fractional leadership and what it means for your next hire.

Get Featured or Nominate Someone

Know a fractional CTO in Ann Arbor who belongs on this list? Are you one yourself?

Drop us a line or create your Digital Reference portfolio to be part of this living record. Let’s continue building a talent ecosystem that values proof, people, and performance.

– The Digital Reference Team

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