Vanderbilt University has named Jess Evans as its new chief information officer (CIO). Evans will begin her new role on Nov. 7.
As CIO, Evans will be the senior leader responsible for the coordination of the information technology function across the university. In her new role, she is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership throughout the enterprise in all aspects of IT planning that facilitate the operation of the university.
“Jess Evans’ proven track record of collaborating with university leaders to optimize IT practices with an eye toward continuous improvement will greatly strengthen our ongoing efforts to build the best team in higher education,” Brett Sweet, Vanderbilt University’s vice chancellor for finance and information technology, and the chief financial officer said in a press release.
“Jess is a creative thinker and champion of an inclusive culture whose ability to develop and inspire teams will help us meet our goals of delivering high-value, cost-effective technology solutions for all departments and units across Vanderbilt,” Sweet added.
Evans – a veteran technology executive with extensive experience in institutional and operational strategy – has had a 20+ year IT career working in both the academic and private sectors. Most recently she has served as a chief operating officer for IT and deputy CIO at Arizona State University. Before that, she was executive director for IT at Case Western Reserve University.
Evans previously held IT management positions at Ohio Savings Bank in Cleveland, Ohio, and leadership roles at IBM in North Carolina’s Research Triangle.
“I’m thrilled to join the Vanderbilt community and share my vision for the university’s IT programs, priorities, and investments,” Evans said. “Together we will advance innovation and transform digital initiatives across the university.”
