Top 10 Education CIOs - 2026

Issac Abbs serves as the Chief Information Officer at Pima Community College, where he leads the institution’s technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives. With a strong focus on student success, accessibility and innovation, he works to ensure technology strengthens both learning and institutional operations.

Bob Goeman brings a student-centered approach to educational technology leadership shaped by experience in teaching, curriculum development, and higher education administration.

Russ Pearlman serves as chief information officer at Dallas College, but his perspective has been shaped by more than technology alone. Experience in consulting and law continues to influence how he approaches innovation and institutional responsibility.

Sidney Fernandes serves as CIO and vice president of digital experiences at the University of South Florida, where he oversees technology strategy, digital services and information systems supporting a university community that spans multiple campuses and serves roughly 50,000 students. His career reflects a consistent focus on making technology more useful, accessible and secure for the people who rely on it every day.

In my role as CIO, I have experience with student-facing services, academic technology, enterprise systems, cybersecurity and institution operations. Technology investments, staff and compliance obligations must serve the institution's mission.

Angela Chen is a technology executive and Chief Information Officer at the University of Delaware, where she leads digital strategy and enterprise technology initiatives. With more than two decades of experience spanning higher education and financial services, she specializes in digital transformation, data management, and IT-business alignment to drive innovation and organizational excellence.

Minh Huynh is a technology executive and Chief Information Officer at Menlo College with extensive experience in IT leadership, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. He has led enterprise technology initiatives across higher education and the private sector, specializing in IT strategy, infrastructure modernization, and operational efficiency to support organizational growth and innovation.

Joseph McLain is a higher education technology leader and Chief Information Officer at Buena Vista University with more than 30 years of experience in IT operations, infrastructure, and cybersecurity. He has led technology strategy and digital transformation initiatives across higher education institutions, focusing on security, collaboration, and delivering technology solutions that support institutional success.

Kevin Boyd is Chief Information Officer at the University of Chicago and a recognized leader in digital transformation and technology strategy. With more than two decades of experience across higher education, media, and financial services, he has built high-performing technology organizations focused on innovation, operational excellence, and enabling research, teaching, and institutional success.

Nigel Longworth is a technology and operations executive, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Information Officer at Herzing University. With extensive experience leading digital transformation initiatives across education and global enterprises, he specializes in aligning technology with business strategy, driving operational excellence, and building high-performing teams that deliver sustainable organizational growth and innovation.