Dave Whittle

The University of Guelph has named Dave Whittle as its new associate vice-president and chief information officer (CIO).

The announcement was made today by Charlotte Yates, provost and vice-president (academic), who chaired the search committee.

“This was an extensive search and a deliberative process,” Yates said, adding that the committee was impressed with Whittle’s knowledge, experience, technical skills and leadership abilities.

“Dave brings continuity and innovation to this position. He possesses sound understanding of the University’s IT operations and of the transformative role of technology in higher education. This, coupled with his vision for expanding and enhancing our IT environment, makes him the ideal candidate,” she said.

“I know that the University community will support Dave as he builds and grows in this new role.”

As CIO, Whittle will oversee strategic and policy administration of the University’s information technology, information services and information resources. This includes information security, network access and infrastructure, enterprise applications and client support.

“I am excited and honored to be the CIO at one of Canada’s leading comprehensive universities,” Whittle said. “I am passionate about my work, providing great service and contributing to U of G’s mission and shared goals.”

Whittle said he will promote innovation to support staff, faculty and researchers and to improve students’ experience. “Technology changes rapidly. Introducing new ways for people to interact and engage needs to be a priority and an integral part of our IT strategy.”

Whittle joined U of G in 2014 as associate director of IT operations and infrastructure. For the past year, he has also overseen operational management for the Department of Computing and Communications Services.

Previously, he headed corporate security and information security architecture for BlackBerry and technical consulting and network operations for SoftChoice. He also worked in government telecommunications and informatics services for eight years.

Whittle holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from McMaster University and a post-graduate diploma in telecommunications management from Sheridan College, and is a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert.

In making the announcement, Yates thanked Ted Dodds for serving as interim CIO. She also thanked members of the search committee, consisting of faculty, students and staff members, for their hard work and commitment.