Michael L. Manley

Michael L. Manley is President and CEO of Software Systems, Inc., a Morgantown West Virginia based software company specializing in software solutions and support for county governments in West Virginia. The company's Tax Collection and Accounting software processes receipts of over 80% of all property taxes collected by counties in the state. Additional software packages deliver records management and imaging capabilities to County Clerks and Circuit Court Clerks throughout the state. The personal computer division of the company provides manufacturers warranty service for IBM, HP, Compaq, Lexmark, and many other companies, and provides installation, repair, and support services for over 4,000 local customers. The company complements its services with a training division, specializing in Microsoft applications as well as its own software products. The company celebrated 35 years in business in 2009

While pursuing his education, Mike was employed by the WVU Department of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, the Mechanical Engineering Department, the WVU Library, WVU/WVNET as a Senior Systems Programmer, and by the WVU President's Office as its first Administrative Systems Specialist and Unit Coordinator of the Administrative Information Group (now WVU Computing Services). He also served on the WVNET Director's Advisory Board. During this period, he taught undergraduate and graduate courses for the Department of Industrial Engineering ranging from basic computing to discrete and continuous simulations. He left WVU as Assistant Director of Computing Services in 1979 to pursue his career with Software Systems, Inc.

During his career with Software Systems, Inc., Mike contracted with IBM to perform all conversions for the statewide office automation contract with the State of West Virginia. Software Systems, Inc. has also held IBM Business Partner relationships with IBM in the midrange and PC markets since 1983.

Mike served as one of four members on West Virginia Appraisal Review and Control Commission's Computer Technology Subcommittee, overseeing the implementation of the first statewide computerized appraisal system. He regularly advises state officials on the impact of rules and legislation on computer systems, and serves as a liaison between county and state officials. In addition, Mike works with a number of law firms, providing data analysis on extremely large volumes of data. His most recent project was analysis of data for the largest settlement class action law suit in the history of the state.

Mike holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering and MS in Computer Science from West Virginia University. His masters project resulted in the development and implementation of the first multilevel object security protocol on WVU's IBM mainframe computers. His Mechanical Engineering background has also allowed him to consult with the manufacturing industry, resulting in the development and implementation of a comprehensive suite of applications for a locally owned steel mill. The combination of Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, and day-to-day business operations has provided him with a unique perspective on the business community.