Debra Connick on Tuesday began her first day on the job as the CIO and vice chancellor of Technology, Research and Information Systems for the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office.
Connick formerly was the statewide IT strategic planner for the California Department of Technology, a role she held since 2013. Connick joined the Department of Technology in 2012 as a section chief for the IT Project Oversight Division.
"I am thrilled to welcome Ms. Connick to the Chancellor's Office,” California Community Colleges Chancellor Brice W. Harris said in a statement Tuesday. "She comes to us with a wealth of experience in state government, along with a passion for information technology and how it can be implemented throughout the state. We couldn’t be happier to have such a highly qualified professional join our office.”
Connick began her career at the DMV, where she spent 23 years working on project management, computer-based training initiatives and distance learning systems. After leaving the DMV, Connick spent four years doing data management and business/systems analysis for the California Department of Public Health, Office of Systems Integration, and the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs.
The Technology, Research and Information Systems Division in the Chancellor's Office includes four units: Management Information Systems; Network Support and Operations; Research, Analysis and Accountability; and Telecommunications and Technology.
The California Community Colleges serves 2.1 million students per year at 72 districts and 113 colleges.
