OIT Leaders Share Holiday Faves
'Tis the season to be jolly and our OIT leaders - Rajiv Uppal, Director and CMS Chief Information Officer (CIO); Bobby Saxon, Deputy Director; George Hoffmann, Deputy Director & Deputy CIO; and George Linares, CMS Chief Technology Office - have made their holiday favorites lists and checked them twice. If you want to find out who loves to sing carols and who prefers breakfast pizza over turkey leftovers, read on!
This past Thanksgiving, Americans ate a whopping 46 million turkeys, which happens to be Hoffman and Saxon's favorite holiday dish. Long after the meal, they continue to relish the many forms of turkey leftovers. Hoffman smothers his turkey with gravy, while Saxon layers his on a sandwich with mayonnaise, black pepper, and Texas Pete hot sauce.
Hoffman and Saxon may be talking turkey during the holidays, but Uppal's sweet tooth demands a slice of pecan pie, while Linares’ favorite holiday food is a non-traditional breakfast pizza.
Whether you love or hate holiday music, you must admit that the sounds of the season evoke feelings of nostalgia and homecomings. Everyone has a soft spot for seasonal songs or movies, including our OIT executives. If you hear “O Holy Night,” think of Hoffman, who lists this carol as his favorite. Hoffman says one of his holiday pastimes is "singing whenever he can."
Saxon's favorite holiday tune and film share the same title of “White Christmas,” although he is growing fond of Blake Shelton's and Gwen Stefani's “You Make it Feel Like Christmas." Saxon might prefer classic films, but Hoffman and Linares love to laugh along with the ‘90s comedies The Santa Clause and Jingle All the Way, respectively. While Uppal didn't mention a favorite, what he enjoys most is how his family selects holiday movies to watch.
Winter holidays are a time for reflection, gratitude, and expressing goodwill. OIT executives are grateful for everyone’s commitment over the past year, and each has expressed a special holiday wish for all of us.
Linares’ hopes we will enjoy a safe holiday season with those we love. Uppal echoes that sentiment and is also "very thankful for the great team we have in IT.” Hoffman promotes spreading love, joy, and random acts of kindness. Finally, Saxon encourages everyone to keep their calendars light, enjoy the holidays to the fullest, and have fun. Happy Holidays!