Chief Information Officer (CIO) Certificate

I would urge technology leaders to take advantage of this incredible opportunity. The knowledge I have gained and the development in both my growth mindset and operational strategies has allowed me to dive even deeper into my career and provide a different and more refreshed leadership approach. Michael Smetana | Chief Innovation & Technology Officer | Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc.

Participating in the CIO Certificate Program has had a profound impact on my life and my career. The collaborative and enthusiast environment created by the faculty allowed for real-world experience through student-involved curriculum and sessions. I benefited so much that I am now enrolling in the Carnegie Mellon CISO Certificate Program to continue the experience. Gary Simms | CTO | Culturefy

• Cohort 11 (Spring 2025) Dates & Schedule

  Virtual Orientation: 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. EDT
  April 8-10, 2025
  
  Virtual Modules: 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. EDT
  (Note: all virtual class dates are Wednesdays)
  April 23, 30 (2025)
  May 14, 21 (2025)
  June 11, 18 (2025)

  Mid-Session: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EDT (Pittsburgh, PA; virtual option available)
  June 24-26, 2025
  
  Virtual Modules: 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. EDT
  (Note: all virtual class dates are Wednesdays)
  July 16, 23, 30 (2025)
  August 13, 20, 27 (2025)
  September 10 (2025)
  
  Practicum: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EDT (Pittsburgh, PA; virtual option available)
  September 17-18, 2025

• Cohort 10 (Fall 2024) Dates & Schedule

  Virtual Orientation: 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. EDT
  October 8-10, 2024
  
  Virtual Modules: 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. EDT/EST
  (Note: all virtual class dates are Wednesdays)
  October 23 (2024)
  November 6, 13, 20 (2024)

  December 4 (2024)
  
  Mid-Session: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST (Pittsburgh, PA; virtual option available)
  December 10-12, 2024
  
  Virtual Modules: 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. EST
  (Note: all virtual class dates are Wednesdays)
  December 18 (2024)
  January 8, 15, 22 (2025)
  February 5, 12, 19 (2025)
  March 5 (2025)
  
  Practicum: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EDT (Pittsburgh, PA; virtual option available)
  March 19-20, 2025

• Class Location
  The program mid-session and practicum will be held in person at our main campus in Pittsburgh:
  
  Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy
  Carnegie Mellon University
  4800 Forbes Avenue
  Pittsburgh, PA 15213
  
  A virtual option will be offered for the program mid-session and practicum; students will not be required to travel to complete the program.
• The Executive Advantage Program

  Earning your executive education certificate is just the beginning of a lifelong relationship with CMU; we're here to help you advance your career throughout your professional life. The Heinz College Executive Advantage program is meant for people who always want to be ahead of the curve—those who want to lead the conversation, not just be a part of it. 

  Executive Advantage was designed with you—C-suite executives and lifelong learners—in mind. In addition to the valuable skills you gain through our executive certificate programs, you now have access to workshops, leadership summits, and conferences. 

• Role of the CIO

  Instructor: 
  Steve Agnoli | Senior Director, Strategic Technology Transition, Reed Smith LLP

  This module focuses on defining the roles and responsibilities of a Chief Information Officer. As part of these core responsibilities, students learn how the CIO integrates effectively in organizational governance and operations, as well as best leadership and management practices that enhance the ability of today’s CIO to succeed in any organization.

  This session will help to set the stage for the overall CIO certificate program and the subsequent modules.

• IT Strategy and Governance

  Instructors: 
  Chris Labash | Associate Teaching Professor, Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College
  Ken Spangler | Executive Vice President IT, CIO Global OpCo Technologies, FedEx

  In this module, students will gain a better understanding of how companies use a well-defined IT strategy to transform their organization. Key elements of this strategy include improving business performance, managing toward performance, value creation, cost reduction, and how to align technology to business strategy to gain a market competitive advantage.

• Enterprise Architecture

  Instructor: 
  Robert McVay | Senior Consultant, Information Security Service, Quality Assessment Division, Smithers

  This module provides the foundational understanding of an Enterprise Architecture (EA) plan and how that plan can be used to drive organizational change. A successful approach to EA aligns IT investments and resources with current and future performance goals.

  Key topics covered in this session include EA foundations, approaches, controls, governance, assessment, architecture organization, business models vs. operating models, analyzing impact, and metrics.

• Technology Platform Modernization

  Instructor: 
  Rashid Desai | CIO, Data & Analytics, Chief Engineer, National Australia Bank

  This module provides a framework for how the CIO can assess and implements an infrastructure modernization journey by assessing different clouds, on prem data center strategies, migration strategies, cloud portability strategies and infrastructure design. Key topics include:

  • Key Cloud provider evaluation, pricing and efficiency KPI development
  • Leveraging current emerging trends from key cloud providers to future proof your infrastructure modernization journey
  • Key techniques to leverage and build highly portable infrastructure workloads
• Innovation and Emerging Technology

  Instructor: 
  Kimberly Ellison-Taylor | CEO, KET Solutions LLC

  In today's fast-paced digital world, staying ahead of technological advancements is crucial for success. This module is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and navigate the evolving landscape of technology and innovation. Students will examine how these technologies are reshaping industries, driving innovation, and creating new business opportunities.

• Cybersecurity for the CIO

  Instructors: 
  Matt Butkovic | Technical Director of Cybersecurity Risk and Resilience, CERT Division at the Software Engineering Institute
  Greg Touhill  | Director, CERT Division at the Software Engineering Institute
  

  An effective CIO supports good security practice and works closely with their organization’s Chief Information Security Officer.
  
  This module covers cybersecurity from the CIO’s perspective, including cyber risk management, controls and cyber hygiene, threats and vulnerabilities, patch management, identity and access management, and supply chain risk management.

• PMO and Driving Execution + Vendor Management

  Instructor: 
  Bill Fortwangler | Senior Vice President & CIO, Dollar Bank
  
  This module will discuss the importance of building the program management culture, best practices for establishing a robust PMO function, fixing issues that impact delivery, and how proper governance is essential for PMO success. The module will also cover current best practices for managing vendor relationships as part of the program management process, which includes IT contract negotiations.

• CIO Organization Structure and Operations

  Instructors: 
  Honorable Dana Deasy | Former CIO, U.S. Department of Defense

  This module is an overview of practical “day-to-day" operations. The module will cover how to properly plan and structure your company, obtain “buy-in” from the organization, and report on your IT team. During this session, students will also focus on how to effectively execute their organization’s service delivery strategy through the design, transition, and operations stages, as well as how to maintain continual service improvement.

• Effective CIO Communication Skills

  Instructor: 
  Chris Labash | Associate Teaching Professor, Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College

  This module will discuss important guidelines on how to build useful metrics and communicate the effectiveness of the program. Students will also learn how to establish effective communication links with the C-suite and Board, as well as with the various business units and other stakeholders within the organization.

• CIO Financial Management

  Instructor: 
  Davor Brkovich | CIO, Matthews International

  Today’s CIO must be able to develop a budget that aligns with the annual strategic planning process and is supported by key organizational stakeholders. This often needs to be developed in environments with significant third-party managed services and where growth strategies include regular business acquisitions and divestitures.

  This module will discuss in detail how to properly convey the value of the CIO organization to executive management and the board.

• Building/Managing Digital Products

  Instructor: 
  Jason Pausman | VP, R&D Technical Product Management, Antech Diagnostics

  This module will provide a more in-depth view of the strategy, process, and needed resources for the development of digital products to support the growth strategy of the organization. We will explore various product development processes and dig into how the CIO’s responsibilities span all phases as both an executive and technology leader. We will use case studies to address how trends in product development impact the organization and how the CIO is an essential player in business strategy and innovation.

• Data Management for CIOs

  Instructor: 
  David Steier | Distinguished Service Professor, Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College

  This module focuses on improving effectiveness as a manager and leader by introducing frameworks for understanding organizations and organizational processes. Identifying risks, analyzing their potential impacts, and coping with the aftermath of a systemic failure all rely on people. As such, an effective CIO should be able to lead and inspire, foster teamwork, and create a culture which helps them be better managers.

• Business Process Transformation and Automation

  Instructor: 
  Jennifer Honig | Chief Executive Officer, Techstra Solutions LLC
  Larry Honig | Chief Digital Officer, Techstra Solutions LLC

  Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is changing the way organizations digitize and transform business processes and how they interact with their employees, customers and competitors. This module will provide a solid understanding of RPA and how it is transforming the world by combining software robotics with the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). During the module we will also dig into the technology, understand how advanced RPA delivers business value, identify processes ripe for this automation, and build an RPA business case. In addition, we will discuss the talent implications of bringing bots to work and the impact it has on the organization and its workforce.

• Operationalizing AI

  Instructor: 
  Anand Rao | Distinguished Service Professor, Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College

  In this module, students will explore the comprehensive AI lifecycle, from initial business scope to model stewardship. The focus will be on the necessary roles, responsibilities, and skills needed, as well as on the governance and technology required to operationalize AI efficiently and effectively. Attention will be giv­en to the principles, policies, and practices of Responsible AI, as well as the emerging field of Generative AI and the unique challenges it poses for operationalization.

• Change and Talent Management

  Instructors: 
  Mukul Chopra | Co-Founder/Advisor, Wellforce IT
  Dave Silvester  | Managing Director and COO, Clearing, Markets, Treasury and Shared Services Engineering, BNY

  This module is designed to review the ongoing pressures that a CIO faces when dealing with constant change. Students will learn how to handle traditional change control, changes to company strategy, regulatory or industry changes, changes due to mergers and acquisitions, and organizational changes due to staff turnover. Dave Silvester 

• Digital Transformation at Scale

  Instructor: 
  Sumeet Chabria | Chief Executive Officer, ThoughtLinks

  In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern business, digital transformation is not just a strategy but a necessity for sustained growth and competitive advantage. The "Digital Transformation at Scale" module is designed to equip technology leaders with the knowledge and skills to implement and manage digital transformation initiatives effectively across large organizations.

• CIO Leadership and Team Building

  Instructor: 
  David Lassman | Distinguished Service Professor of Organizational Management, Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College

  This module focuses on improving effectiveness as a manager and leader by introducing frameworks for understanding organizations and organizational processes. Identifying risks, analyzing their potential impacts, and coping with the aftermath of a systemic failure all rely on people. As such, an effective CIO should be able to lead and inspire, foster teamwork, and create a culture which helps them be better managers.