IT Director, John Raiford, Retiring After 36-Year Career at SJI

Over the course of his 36 years at the company, John Raiford has witnessed and contributed to some major technological leaps. But it all started because he was really, really good at spreadsheets.

In 1986, John was a student at Stockton State College, studying computer science and mathematics. He was looking for an internship and, through a professor, was able to connect with South Jersey Gas.

“I had fresh eyes and fresh ideas – just coming on board and everything,” John said.

During his internship with the Construction, Budgeting, and Rates Department, he began working with spreadsheets using a software application called Lotus. This program eventually faded in popularity and was replaced by Microsoft Excel. Even as a young intern, John revolutionized the departments he worked with by creating spreadsheets that leveraged the functionality of Lotus macros and formulas. His reputation preceded him to the point where, after his internship ended and he graduated, he ran into an SJG recruiter at a job fair in Newark, NJ, who remembered him.

“What are you doing here?” John recalled the recruiter saying. “We still use your spreadsheets!”

John's mom had told him that the utility company would be a good choice because he could probably work there forever. Thirty-six years later, John has witnessed and contributed to the technological evolution at SJG. He has seen the transition from punch cards and magnetic tape, both now obsolete, to modern data storage solutions. At the beginning of his career, he used a Motorola bag phone, which has long since been replaced by smartphones. While at McKee City, he replaced paper chart recorders with electronic pressure transducers used to send pipeline pressure information to the SCADA system.

“Technology was not really considered part of your job back then,” John said. “Technology was something that sat in the corner and was only used to process data. Now, IT is integral to everyone’s business line and business process.”

SJI was his constant through the years and allowed him to pursue his interests, raise a family, and do community work. Now, as he approaches retirement at the end of June, he plans on doing some golfing and maybe moving south to be closer to his son.

“I appreciate John for his calm demeanor and wealth of knowledge about the utility business,” said Barbara Bogart Romano (she/her) , Chief Information Officer. "He’s been a valuable part of our organization, and we wish him well in his retirement."

John was also a founding member of the American Association of Blacks in Energy - South Jersey Chapter (AABE-SJC), which was chartered in 2011. He served as vice president for two years and then president for six years. During his tenure, he helped start the annual AABE Scholarship Golf Outing, which has been hosted for the past 11 years at Harbor Pines Golf Club in Egg Harbor Township.

“It brings me great joy and pride that this event has been able to provide scholarships to so many college-bound minority high school students,” John said.

Congratulations, John, on your remarkable career. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement!