About Us

At CIO Northwest, we offer small and mid-sized organizations across the Columbia Gorge something they don’t often get from larger firms: strategic IT leadership that’s local, practical, and right-sized for their needs.

While our company is new, we’re not new to what we do. With over 15 years of experience helping Gorge businesses, and more than 11 years in managed IT services (MSP), we bring deep regional knowledge, long-standing vendor relationships, and proven leadership to every engagement.

We serve businesses and agencies with teams from 10 to 100 people—helping them make smarter technology decisions, modernize infrastructure, and guide IT projects to completion. From dental office remodels and server right-sizing’s to citywide Wi-Fi planning and hotel tech expansions, we’ve been in the room and at the table through hundreds of unique challenges. And we know how to get things done.

We’re not here to overcomplicate things with bloated frameworks. We use the tools that work—and only as much as necessary. If we don’t have the answer ourselves, we know who to call. Thanks to strong ties with local MSPs, electricians, ISPs, and other trusted service providers, we help our clients get reliable, real-world solutions fast.

We don’t sell software. We don’t push products. We simply help you move forward—with clarity, direction, and a trusted advocate at your side.

Be sure to check out out FAQ’s section HERE


Rich Murray - Principal, Senior Consultant

CIO Northwest

Rich Murray is a technical implementation expert and vCIO with 14+ years in the MSP and IT industry. He advises small government, utilities, and professional organizations on IT strategy, infrastructure, vendor management, and security readiness. Rich also serves as a Business Systems Analyst for the State of Oregon, focusing on software improvement initiatives. His work spans sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, food and beverage, aerospace, and public services. Beyond consulting, Rich manages an entertainment arts company and has launched specialty products through e-commerce and AWS.


See an incomplete list of the types of vendors and tools we work with HERE