Appalachian State University announced that Keith Werner will take over as chief information officer (CIO) effective March 18.
“I am confident that Keith – who has 30 years of experience delivering innovative and strategic solutions to the public sector and higher education – will ensure we are well positioned in an environment in which information technology is, on a global scale, increasing in complexity and sophistication,” said Appalachian State Chancellor Sheri Everts.
In his role as CIO, Werner will lead a team of more than 100 information technology professionals in the areas of academic technologies, enterprise applications, IT support services, information security, infrastructure and systems, and project management. He will also be responsible for developing and implementing strategic IT plans and managing IT resources and services for the university. Warner also will be tasked with providing vision and senior leadership for the development, coordination and use of technology, facilitating innovation, and ensuring the continuity of ongoing operations.
Werner is currently the vice president of information technology (IT) strategy and cybersecurity at the University of North Carolina System Office, a position he has held since 2022. Prior to that, Werner served as the vice president for IT and chief information officer for the UNC System Office from 2018-2022.
In his current role, Werner leads information technology policy, IT strategy, governance, information security, IT risk management and enterprise software licensing. Specifically, he focuses on systemwide coordination and monitoring of constituent institution activities related to information technology and cybersecurity.
“Keith has vast experience in advancing shared IT infrastructure, promoting adaptive and technical change, effective communication and collaboration, and organizational innovation and improvements, combined with demonstrated success in developing innovative and mission-driven IT strategies as well as information security best practices, and vetting and implementing Systemwide emerging technologies,” said Everts.
