Kyle E. Johnson named associate vice president for IT governance, planning, and strategy
Kyle E. Johnson has been named the university’s first associate vice president for IT governance, planning, and strategy.
This strategic hire comes as Virginia Tech undergoes a comprehensive renewal of technology strategies and works to strengthen partnerships between the Division of Information Technology, decentralized IT groups, and university leadership.
Throughout his career, Johnson has demonstrated a commitment to building communication channels with stakeholders and managing large enterprise-level projects. Johnson brings more than 30 years of experience in the IT field with a proven track record in helping organizations build the capabilities necessary to mature IT governance and implement technology strategies.
In his new role, Johnson will partner with university leaders, IT experts, and campus stakeholders to build foundational capabilities that will turn university strategic needs, ideas, and specifications into implemented solutions. As a member of senior leadership within the Division of Information Technology, he will work with a highly experienced team to incorporate data-informed decision-making into the new IT strategic plan, establish a new project management office, and continue to strengthen and regularize processes and work groups for comprehensive IT governance and decision support.
Working with stakeholders across the university, Johnson and his team will determine policies, standards, workflows, and business processes that address the full breadth of information technology needs at Virginia Tech. Johnson also will represent the division and Virginia Tech on institutional, regional, and national committees and initiatives.
Under the direction of Sharon P. Pitt, vice president for information technology and chief information officer, Johnson and his team will be responsible for coordination of enterprise and technology architecture, IT governance, IT policy, project management, strategic planning, data analytics, and strategic outreach for the division. “I am thrilled to welcome Kyle to Virginia Tech's information technology team to help us in our comprehensive effort to transform technology services and strengthen institutional partnerships. His expertise will catalyze the implementation of the university's technology strategic plan and maintain alignment with the strategic priorities of Virginia Tech," said Pitt.
"The modern IT landscape demands a more comprehensive and collaborative approach to decision-making. Emerging capabilities are reshaping our operations, and it's crucial that we adapt our strategies to stay ahead. Bringing Kyle on board as our new associate vice president for IT governance, planning, and strategy is a key step in achieving this. His expertise will help us navigate these complexities and ensure that our IT governance is robust, inclusive, and forward-thinking," said Pitt.
Johnson was most recently director of IT operations for the Philadelphia International Airport. He previously served as associate chief operating officer in Philadelphia’s Office of Innovation and Technology, overseeing departmental services and engagement, where he developed a comprehensive description of the city's complex IT environment and improved processes around technology acquisition, project prioritization, and service management. As director of IT for Philadelphia’s Department of Revenue, his leadership on the $20 million tax system modernization project significantly improved the resident experience, and was completed on time and on budget. Johnson has also held CIO roles at Chaminade University of Honolulu, the SUNY Institute of Technology, and Guilford College. Johnson holds a graduate degree in higher education administration and an undergraduate degree in anthropology.
“After a number of years in municipal government, I am thrilled at the opportunity to return to higher education,” said Johnson, “and honored to be coming to an institution with a strong tradition of IT innovation and an IT team poised for the next stage in their journey.”
Johnson will begin his new duties on Aug. 19.
