Longtime C/F Data Systems Vice President Marilyn Kelland stepped into the role of company president effective January 1, 2025, bringing her unique blend of technical expertise and customer-focused leadership to the position. The promotion, announced in the company's October newsletter, marks a significant milestone in her remarkable 30-year tenure with the Massachusetts-based construction software provider.

Colleagues at C/F Data Systems describe Kelland as a deeply respected leader whose comprehensive knowledge of the business and decades of dedication have made her a natural choice for this role.

"She's a strong, confident person...She understands people and service," said Vic Hansen, vice president of sales at C/F Data Systems. 

Kelland succeeds Eric Goldstein, who is stepping down from the presidency after 15 years at the helm. "Marilyn has been here for more than 30 years and has been the heart and soul of C/F Data Systems," Goldstein said of his successor. The appointment marks a historic moment for the company, as Kelland has become only its third president since Dennis Coleman, a systems engineer previously employed by IBM, founded the business in 1979.

Kelland's journey with C/F Data Systems began in 1994 when she made a bold cold call to the company's owners. Having previously used their construction management software while working for an electrical contractor, she reached out initially seeking job recommendations for others in the industry. Instead, she joined the C/F Data Systems team as a support representative.

What sets C/F Data Systems apart, according to Kelland, is its high-touch support approach. With a team of 10 support staff, many of whom have been with the company for over 20 years, they prioritize personal connection over automated responses.

"When someone calls or emails with a question, our goal is to call the person back, not just email answers back," she explained. "Sometimes the question that was in that email was not the real question that needs to be answered."

This customer-centric philosophy has helped the company maintain long-term relationships across various construction trades, from flooring and electrical to roofing and drywall contractors. The company, which is a vendor partner of Fuse Commercial Flooring Alliance and Starnet Commercial Flooring Partnership, employs about 30 people across multiple states. 

As president, Kelland plans to maintain her hands-on involvement while taking on new responsibilities. "I'll continue to do that because that's what I like to do. I like talking to the customers. I like trying to figure out the best way they can run our software to enhance their business," she said.

The promotion is pivotal for C/F Data Systems as the company is preparing for significant growth in 2025. Under Kelland's leadership, the company will focus on cloud migration of its existing software while enhancing its existing solutions for modern business needs, such as direct deposit and positive pay programs. The team is also working to modernize its extensive software portfolio of more than 4,000 programs. 

For Kelland, the key to her longevity and success has been the constantly evolving nature of the work. "Every day is not the same," she reflected. "I'm talking to new people every day. New issues come up. Sometimes, it's not fun issues but something new."