At Commonwealth Corporation, the I.T. & Facilities department supports the organization’s daily operations by managing technology infrastructure and maintaining the workplace environment. The team ensures employees have reliable equipment, secure networks, and functional workspaces so staff can work efficiently, and programs can run smoothly. 


Team Spotlight: Andre Channer

Today, we are spotlighting Andre Channer, Director of I.T. & Facilities. Andre plays a vital role in keeping the organization running smoothly. With a strong focus on problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability, Andre helps streamline operations, manage vendor partnerships, and support both in-office and remote work. When he is not working, Andre enjoys spending time with his family, unwinding with shows, and trying new recipes.

Q: As Director of IT & Facilities, how do you support CommCorp’s staff and programs behind the scenes? 

A:As Director of IT & Facilities, I support Commcorp’s staff and programs by ensuring the technology, systems, and work environments they rely on run smoothly, securely, and efficiently. This includes maintaining reliable IT infrastructure, managing cybersecurity and access controls, streamlining processes like onboarding and support, and resolving technical issues so staff can stay productive. On the facilities side, I ensure our offices are safe, functional, and comfortable through proactive maintenance and vendor coordination. I also manage resources, oversee vendor partnerships, and plan for future needs, always aligning IT and facilities operations with Commcorp’s mission to enable seamless program delivery behind the scenes.

Q: Why is a strong IT and facilities infrastructure essential to advancing Commcorp’s mission and day-to-day operations? 

A: A strong IT and facilities infrastructure is essential to advancing CommCorp’s mission because it provides a stable, secure foundation that staff and programs rely on to operate effectively every day. Reliable technology ensures seamless access to critical tools, data, and platforms, enabling timely service delivery and informed decision-making. At the same time, secure networks and well-managed access controls protect sensitive information and support compliance. On the facilities side, safe, functional, and well-maintained workspaces foster productivity, collaboration, and overall staff well-being. Together, these efforts reduce downtime, mitigate risk, and create an environment where teams can stay focused on delivering high-quality programs and achieving organizational goals.

Q: Can you share a challenge you’ve faced in your role and how you approached solving it?  

A: One of the most significant challenges I’ve faced was during early days of the pandemic, an experience that stands out as one of the most demanding moments in my time at Commcorp. Although I didn’t hold the Director of IT & Facilities title at the time, it was a period where we truly came together as a team. We had to quickly pivot from an infrastructure built for in-office work to one that could fully support a remote workforce. In a matter of months, we transitioned from desktop-based, on-premises setups to equipping staff with laptops and secure remote access. I contributed by helping prioritize critical needs, ensuring staff have the right hardware and software, expanding VPN and remote access capabilities, and strengthening cybersecurity to protect data outside the office. I also worked closely with vendors and internal teams to streamline procurement and provide clear guidance and support throughout the transition. As a result, we were able to maintain business continuity and ensure staff could continue delivering programs effectively despite the sudden shift in how we work. 

Q: What skills or experiences have been most valuable in helping you succeed in a leadership role within IT and operations?

A: The skills and experiences that have been most valuable in helping me succeed in a leadership role within IT and facilities are adaptability, patience, and a strong focus on problem-solving and communication. In an environment that is constantly evolving, adaptability has been essential in responding to new technologies, shifting organizational needs, and unexpected challenges. Patience plays an equally important role, whether working through complex technical issues, supporting staff with different levels of technical comfort, or guiding long-term initiatives that require consistent, steady progress. In addition, my experience streamlining processes, managing vendor relationships, and aligning operations with organizational goals has strengthened my ability to lead effectively, ensuring that both IT systems and facilities reliably support staff and program success. 

Q: What’s a piece of technology you can’t live without, at work or at home? 

A: One piece of technology I can’t live without, both at work and at home, is my laptop. I’d say my phone, but the screen is just too small to get real work done. My laptop is my central hub for everything, from managing IT systems and supporting staff to communicating, planning projects, and staying organized. In a role that blends IT and facilities, having a reliable, portable device like a laptop keeps me connected and productive whether I’m in the office, at home, or on the go. Ask me again in a year or two, though, and I’ll probably say AI.  

Q: When you are not at your computer, how do you spend your time? 
A: When I’m not at my computer, I enjoy spending time with my family, though lately that’s meant a lot of weekend-long sports tournaments and toddler birthday parties, which keep me busy but always fun. When I do get a little time to myself (and I’m not tackling a project around the house), I like to unwind by catching up on some of my favorite shows, trying viral TikTok recipes (always a request form my kids), watching one of my favorite internet personality Mr. Ballen strange, mysterious and true crime stories or fitting in a bit of gaming whenever I can.