In Case You Missed It: Staffing Updates Across Northwestern IT
September and October brought several staffing changes to our organization, some of which were highlighted at the recent Extended Staff Meeting. Below, we’ve included a roundup of the key developments and the individuals stepping into new roles or concluding impactful tenures.
Leadership Transition in Administrative Systems
Kris O’Brien, our associate vice president for Administrative Systems, retired from Northwestern IT after 11 years of service to the University on October 13. As a result, the Administrative Systems area is now reporting directly to Sean Reynolds, vice president for information technology and chief information officer.
Kate Leech Serving in Interim Role
Kate Leech has accepted the role of Interim Executive Assistant to the Vice President and CIO, filling in for Mariana Aldaba, who is on parental leave. In this position, she reports directly to Sean while also providing support to the Senior Leadership Team. She will continue to coordinate other key initiatives (annual summer picnic, winter luncheon, new staff orientations, and Extended Staff Meetings), as well as provide guidance to IT staff on event-related matters. As a result of this change, she has transitioned out of IT communications and other responsibilities related to the special events coordinator role.
IT Services and Support Staffing News
Software Development and Academic Platforms
We have strategically pooled developer and platform resources and established two focused groups, both of which are reporting directly to Joe Paris, associate vice president for IT Services and Support, for the foreseeable future.
The first group, led by Dan Hoefler, lead learning technologist, is concentrating on academic infrastructure and ensuring that our tools—including the learning management system, academic support platforms, and related applications—are robust, scalable, compliant, and evolving to meet future needs. The team members reporting to Dan include Abby Rosensweig, Ivette Torres, and Zoran Ilic. Dan will maintain a dotted line to Vicky Getis, senior director of Teaching and Learning Technologies, for an interim period to ensure continuity of operations and the success of our support efforts. Additionally, Vicky will provide close guidance and leadership in this expanded area of activity as we move forward.
The second group is focusing on academic and support software development, supporting the ongoing academic and research needs of the University community, in addition to priorities identified by our community and across Services and Support. Team members include Orzu Tursunova and Vince LaGrassa, both of whom report to Rodolfo Vieira, applications systems manager, and Patricia Goldweic and Jacob Collins. Rodolfo, Patricia, and Jacob will report to Joe Paris.
A/V Team Joined Technology Support Services
The existing team of A/V support and production development staff, led by Trevor Musolf, manager of A/V design and support, has transitioned to the Technology Support Services team and reports directly to Joseph Kurtin, director of Technology Support Services.
Media and Events Joined IT Communications
The team responsible for digital media production, photography, and special event video and live streams has transitioned to IT Communications. The group continues to be led by Mike Curtis, manager of media and events, and reports to Steve Christensen, director of communications and engagement, IT.