A few weeks back, I started a discussion in the PhilCeCNet Online Community on the question “Is it necessary for a CeC manager be an IT professional?” Many of the respondents cited that the CeC manager need not necessarily be an IT professional. To be IT literate is enough. What's important is the commitment and dedication of the individual to his or her responsibilities as CeC manager. What it actually takes to be successful is his or her values towards work, the commitment to do what's best for the CeC, plus the will to undertake improvements. 

Furthermore, the CeC manager should have character, commitment and competence - though the latter, particularly in terms of IT, can be acquired or developed. Others commented that an IT professional heading the CeC is a major advantage in managing the center’s IT projects.

In totality, the role of the CeC manager does not begin nor end with being an IT professional or IT literate. As CeC manager, he or she must have the administrative and technical skills to ensure that the goals of the CeC are accomplished.

Lastly, a highly innovative person is also a good choice for a CeC manager as he or she may have lots of good ideas that can be put to use in the CeC. One of the seven habits of highly innovative people derived from Scott Berkun’s “The Myths of Innovation“ is  persistence. According to him, “Innovation involves more than just great ideas. We need faith, hard work and a laser sharp focus for the end result to keep persisting for our vision in the face of roadblocks. We tend to see the end result of a creative idea in awe, but what we don’t see are the actions, hard work and persistence behind the scene to make the vision a reality.” And, as Thomas Edition is quoted as saying, “Invention is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration“.