Jeff Connally Bio

Jeff is a visionary business leader whose career spans decades of innovation, entrepreneurship, and compassionate service. He began his professional journey at IBM, where roles as a systems engineer, salesperson, and executive grounded him in both the technical and strategic dimensions of the technology sector. That foundation propelled him into founding and co-founding several successful technology startups.

As CEO of CMIT Solutions, Jeff led the company through a period of remarkable growth, scaling it to more than 200 locations nationwide. Under his leadership, CMIT earned Entrepreneur Magazine’s ranking as the #1 IT Services Franchise in the Franchise 500 for seven consecutive years— an achievement Jeff attributes to a culture of collaboration anchored in sound, disciplined business strategy.

Jeff’s blend of entrepreneurial success, franchise expertise, and systems-based leadership uniquely positions him to help guide Free Up Foundation as it launches its initial demonstration sites and poises them to scale those sites across the country. Having supported the growth of hundreds of franchise locations, he brings seasoned expertise in replication, operational discipline, and sustainable expansion— core ingredients for Free Up’s national vision to restore tens of thousands of lives.

For more than a decade, Jeff has also been a committed volunteer with Austin’s Mobile Loaves & Fishes, delivering essential items and human connection to those living on Austin’s streets. He is dedicating his time and talents to Free Up Foundation to help bring hope, restoration, and pathways to self-reliance for individuals struggling with homelessness.