Clifford Allan Wilke, dear son of Vernon and Blanche Wilke passed away June 28, 2024 while on vacation in Colombia, South America. Cliff was an avid traveler, an experienced businessman, loved by many, and left an impact on countless individuals. Cliff is survived by his father Vern, brother Grant, and nephews Matthew and Christopher. Cliff was a graduate of Mehlville High school, class of 1976. While attending University of Missouri Saint Louis Cliff was an active member of the Sigma Pi men’s fraternity, an organization which he remained active in for his entire life.
Clifford spent 17 years at Mobil Oil Corporation after graduating from UMSL. There, he pioneered the industry’s first prepaid and multi-application card products, including the Mobil GO Card and Mobil MCI GO Card. He also contributed to the Mobil SpeedPass RFID Payment System, showcasing his role in technological innovations.
Clifford Wilke was a respected leader and innovator in the fields of technology, healthcare, and security. Clifford’s career spanned over 30 years, during which he held executive leadership roles at organizations like the US Treasury, OCC, TSA, IBM, HP, United Health Group, and Mobil Oil.
Clifford’s career was marked by strategic technical leadership across various sectors. He held positions such as Director, Assistant Administrator, CIO, CTO, VP, and Principal. His contributions were significant in driving innovation and transformation within each organization he served.
As Chief Information Officer for United Health Group, Clifford led the development of technology solutions to address healthcare challenges. He was committed to modernizing the U.S. health system and improving public health. He introduced strategic technology road mapping, facilitating collaboration among stakeholders to advance major projects.
In his role as Chief Technology Officer at HP/DXC for the Federal Business Segment, Clifford contributed to technological advancements. He led the Digital Context Aware, Wearables, and Sensors Practice, filing over 15 patents. His work focused on leveraging emerging technologies to create growth opportunities.
Clifford also worked with IBM Corporation’s Global Business Services Unit and as Director of Technology Solutions at G&B Solutions. He designed and implemented solutions for CIOs and other decision-makers, delivering over 50 projects. His work covered security, international forensics, emergency communications, and classified information systems for government operations.
At the Transportation Security Agency, Clifford served as Assistant Administrator and Chief Technology Officer, managing a $1.2 billion budget to enhance security solutions for travelers. He evaluated and deployed over 220 new technologies, shaping current checkpoint configurations. Clifford advised Congress on security strategies and needs and contributed to NASA’s Propulsion Advisory Board.
While at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Clifford supervised technologies used by National Banks, impacting 56 percent of the nation’s assets. He led the Bank Technology Division, setting standards for Infrastructure Threats, Operational Risk, and Internet Banking Security. His strategic planning resulted in a 10-year technology plan that strengthened the National Banking System.
Clifford was a board member and chair for several organizations, including the George Mason University Research Foundation, Smart Card Alliance, Smart Card Forum, Sigma Pi Educational Foundation, e-week Magazine, Harley-Davidson Owners Group, and Dakota State University – Information Assurance Center of Excellence.
Clifford held multiple Master’s Degrees from Boston University in Information Technology with a focus on Security and business degrees from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. As a co-author of Smart Cards – Seizing Strategic Business Opportunities, Clifford shared his expertise with a broader audience. He also served as a Program Chair in Cybersecurity, Assistant Professor, and Instructor at institutions like Boston University, the University of Maryland, and Maryville University, where he taught Information Technology, IT Security, Database Security, and Computer Forensics.
Clifford Wilke’s contributions to technology and education are enduring, and his impact will be felt for years to come. His commitment to progress and innovation shaped the industry and inspired those around him.
He will be missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew him. As we remember Clifford, we honor a life dedicated to innovation and service.
Visitation Friday, August 2, 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL, 10151 Gravois Rd. and Saturday, August 3, 9:00 a.m. until Funeral Service 10:00 a.m. at Salem Lutheran Church, 8343 Gravois Rd. (Affton). Interment Our Redeemer Cemetery.
Rest In Peace, Cliff! Gone from our sights, but not from our hearts!
Cliff, you will be missed by many not just for you many contributions but for your sincere love of mankind and those around you. You always made others feel better with your ability to listen to, understand their point of view. As the only person to go from kindergarten through college with, you will always hold a special place my heart and my memories. Goodbye dear friend, for now.
Well done, Cliff. It was a pleasure knowing and working with you. Your positive spirit was pure joy. Rest in heavenly peace.
My heart goes out to Cliff’s family! I had the pleasure of working with Cliff at Maryville and know his incredible passion for educating students about cybersecurity. He co-led the MU initiative to attain NSA center of excellence designation that will help position MU grads for wonderful roles –
Rest in Peace, dear educator, and motorcyclist who enjoyed the open road – Ride On!!
Miss you already. The influence you had on my life is immeasurable.
To a close & childhood friend, you will be dearly missed! Through your leaderships & inspirations to others you helped mold the future of many that you came in contact with. The good Lord called on you & you accepted his hand! The hearts and minds that you molded will forever keep your legacy going! RIP my friend!