Securing a Solid Foundation

Alan Boehme (Cal State Long Beach ’78) Shares Why He Supports the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation

When it comes to understanding the importance of blending tradition with modernity to achieve indefinite success, Alan Boehme (Cal State Long Beach ’78) has aced the test time and time again throughout his career. After successful stints in technology innovation with Coca-Coca and Procter & Gamble, Alan has flourished as H&M Group’s chief technology officer since August 2020. Working alongside so many great leaders, Alan has developed an even deeper appreciation for those who helped hone his leadership skills. The early stages of Alan’s leadership development took place while he attended Long Beach State, specifically at Beta-Omicron Chapter of Sigma Pi. Alan remains committed to inspiring, promoting, and supporting the lifelong development of Sigma Pi brothers, which is why he supports the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation.

“Life is about paying it forward and paying it back,” Alan said. “The ability to help and educate future leaders is a core part of my beliefs.” The camaraderie and brotherhood Alan experienced during recruitment preparation and events such as the Orchid Ball are among his most treasured Sigma Pi memories. However, a big part of what has made Sigma Pi so special is that Alan’s Beta-Omicron experience was still just beginning when he graduated from Cal State Long Beach. The lifelong friendships he’s forged with his Sigma Pi brothers have made a tremendous impact in the years since. “Remember what others did for you when you were early on in your career,” Alan said. “I’ve been inspired to give back to Sigma Pi from alumni such as PGS Michael Carey (Cal State Long Beach ’63), PGS John Marino (Cal State Long Beach ’55), Nelson Farris (Cal State Long Beach ’63), and others.” Alan hopes that Sigma Pi undergraduates nationwide will realize they can accomplish anything they put their minds to if they are dedicated to promoting fellowship, developing character and leadership, advancing heightened moral awareness, enabling academic achievement, and inspiring service. He was grateful to share a little bit about his career and his role as H&M Group’s CTO during the Fraternity's Leadership Speaker Series in May. “Adoption of technology has become a driver for change in both lifestyle and fashion needs,” Alan said. “H&M has been a leader in fast fashion and sustainable fashion and the opportunity to stay relevant and drive change in the fashion industry through the use of new technology is a fantastic opportunity.” As Alan looks back on how Sigma Pi shaped his career and personal life, he enjoys reflecting on the growth of the people he has mentored. “Other than having over 4 million frequent-flyer points and a similar amount of hotel points, the biggest accomplishment is the number of former employees who have been promoted or taken on CIO and CTO roles in major corporations,” Alan said. “Also, the number of startups I’ve advised that have become unicorns or IPOs means a lot to me."