VP/CTO
The Vice President for IT and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at CalArts sets the strategic vision and leadership for the institution’s technology landscape. Overseeing all IT teams—including Customer Care, Instructional Technology, Infrastructure Operations, Enterprise Applications, and IT Project Management—the CTO ensures that technology resources and services are aligned with CalArts’ mission to foster creativity and innovation. Through strong leadership and collaboration, the CTO drives digital transformation, promotes data-driven decision-making, and champions technology solutions that support academic and administrative excellence across the institution.
"I lead the strategic planning for Information Technology here at CalArts, as well as work with the Directors to oversee operations on a daily basis. I collaborate with my colleagues in Institute leadership on a number of projects, big and small, tech-related and otherwise."
How long have you been at CalArts?:
Since late-2020
My idea of fun is:
Hiking and photography, hopefully combined
Are you a Mac or PC person?
PC
Customer Care
The Customer Care team at CalArts provides phone, virtual, and in-person tech support for students, staff, faculty, and alumni. As the first point of contact for IT, the team handles technical support, deployments, meeting support, printer management, and more. With a focus on customer satisfaction, they follow a service approach that emphasizes warm greetings, thorough solutions, and ongoing support. The team is also expanding its student workforce and developing training workshops to enhance its capabilities.
"The man, the myth, the legend. The inaugural 'Bingo King' at CalArts. I put the person in personality. Leader of the fearless CalArts IT Customer Care Team, and a revered #GirlDad. Jason.
I'm responsible for taking the pulse of the CalArts community and it's issues and then responding with an efficient and progressive technological solution. Allegedly, I am awesome."
How long have you been at CalArts?
April of 2014
My idea of fun is:
BBQing on my grill on a Saturday morning in the spring.
Also, sports and hip-hop.
Are you a PC or Mac person?
Mac, dont play.
Lead Customer Care Technician at CalArts! I enjoy discussing all things sci-fi and The Legend of Zelda. I prefer Mac for its design and user-friendly interface, but remain committed to using the best tools for the job.
How long have you been at CalArts?:
Since April 2023
My idea of fun is:
Playing The Legend of Zelda
Are you a Mac or PC person?
I lean towards Mac
"I work in Customer Care so I help Students, Staff, and Faculty with their computer and technical issues whether that be mapping a network drive or installing a printer or just getting them connected to the wifi."
How long have you been at CalArts?:
Since November 1st, 2021
My idea of fun is:
Going to amusement parks, watching movies/tv shows, and playing games with my SO.
Are you a Mac or PC person?
PC....also Playstation
"Game Programmer and IT Support guy. I also enjoy making websites and learning new things. Come to the IT office and you'll see me go off about all things Super Mario, Street Fighter, Metal Gear, anything I enjoy playing. Will also show off any projects I'm working on."
How long have you been at CalArts?
Since March 2023
My idea of fun is:
Besides the games, I like going to the gym and I'm currently learning Japanese. One day you will all see me watching Anime and wonder why the subtitles are off.
Are you a Mac or PC person?
PC. Half of my games are there.
Infrastructure Operations
The Infrastructure Operations team at CalArts manages and maintains the backbone of the institutions technology environment. They oversee servers, networks, storage systems, backups, and disaster recovery to ensure reliable and secure operations. With a focus on efficiency, the team utilizes automation and scripting to streamline processes, supports capacity planning for future growth, and collaborates with vendors to maintain high performance. Their efforts ensure that CalArts has a stable and resilient infrastructure, enabling the smooth delivery of technology services across campus.
"My job is a little like making books, I don't mean writing books, I make the paper... the binding. I don't write the words but I give them a place to live. A conduit by which to transport Art. A canvas for expression, except my canvas are made from electrified spaghetti and angry yelp reviews. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯"
How long have you been at CalArts?
Since Oct 6, 2008
My idea of fun is:
a song by Wingnut Dishwasher's Union
Are you a Mac or PC person?
Omitted.
"When I started at CalArts I worked in Customer Care where I would regularly engage with the community and help resolve technical issues on daily basis. I now maintain the CalArts network infrastructure while implementing new technology to insure an accommodating and supportive customer experience within our community."
How long have you been at CalArts?
Since 2012
My idea of fun is:
Spending time with my family, playing video games and watching movies.
Are you a Mac or PC person?
PC
"I help out with everything from fixing printers and setting up meeting rooms to building new systems to deploy laptops and improving our general cybersecurity. Everything that we do is in service of helping students create new art, so I love helping people work with technology as seamlessly as possible."
How long have you been at CalArts?
Since 2021
My idea of fun is:
Going to my local karaoke bar
Are you a Mac or PC person?
PC
Instructional Technology
The Instructional Technology team at CalArts integrates technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Supporting faculty and students, the team focuses on improving learning outcomes, fostering collaboration, and promoting media-rich teaching environments. With an emphasis on digital accessibility and leveraging AI tools, they help create inclusive and innovative educational spaces.
"I'm responsible for implementing and improving new and emerging technologies for instruction. I provide Learning Management System support, assistance in use of educational technology, and training to staff and faculty. I'm passionate about digital humanities and have actively worked to incorporate technology into my teaching and scholarship since receiving my PhD in history in 2017. As I've migrated out of the classroom, I consider it my most important job to empower faculty, students, and technology partners on a variety of technology-enabled projects to support excellence in teaching and learning."
How long have you been at CalArts?:
Since 2021
My idea of fun is:
When I'm not at CalArts, I enjoy reading books, attending bluegrass concerts, and rooting for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Are you a Mac or PC person?
Yes
Enterprise Applications
The Enterprise Applications team supports CalArts' core administrative systems, including Student Information Systems and Finance and HR systems. They focus on system integration, report generation, and data management to ensure departments have the tools and insights needed for effective decision-making. Collaborating with stakeholders to streamline processes and implement new solutions, the team prioritizes system reliability, data security, and continuous improvement to support CalArts' operational goals.
"I lead an amazing group of individuals on the Enterprise Apps team who work hard to support many of the software applications at CalArts. I also laugh a lot, right around 3pm. It feels great. You should try it."
How long have you been at CalArts?
Since 2021
My idea of fun is:
Taking walks and exercising with the family
Are you a Mac or PC person?
PC
"CalArts Datamancer, I work my way through the labyrinthian depths to procure and provide accurate data. My hunting grounds are SQL, Excel, Tableau, Business Objects, Informer, and Synoptix."
How long have you been at CalArts?
Since 09/10/2013
My idea of fun is:
My idea of fun is attempting to capture the human form on paper, banging on drums, and clicking heads with friends.
Are you a Mac or PC person?
PC is where I spend most of my days.
"I'm on the enterprise applications team where I help maintain existing and implement new technologies that support the institute."
'Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, when one only remembers to turn on the light.' - Dumbledore
How long have you been at CalArts?
Since January 2020
My idea of fun is:
Disney, Dodgers, beach, lobstahs, and exploring places with my husband and kiddos.
Are you a Mac or PC person?
Neither, I really don't like computers.
"I'm on our enterprise applications team where I help to implement new technology that will be used to support the institute. Also, when things break, I press some buttons and hope they start working."
How long have you been at CalArts?
Since January 2020
My idea of fun is:
Time with my wife and daughter, the Eagles winning and video games.
Are you a Mac or PC person?
Not what Jason said.
"I started working with data when I was in the manufacturing world. I moved into High Ed about 10 years ago. I love 'Playing in Data', writing SQL code, investigating data, and creating dashboards."
How long have you been at CalArts?
Since August 2022
My idea of fun is:
I love swimming, playing games with my dog, and staying home on a daily stay-cation.
Are you a Mac or PC person?
PC
Project Management
Our Project Managers drive the successful planning and execution of technology initiatives across campus. By coordinating resources, timelines, and stakeholder communication, they ensure that projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with institutional priorities. They specialize in managing complex, cross-functional projects, including system upgrades, new software implementations, and process improvements. With a focus on collaboration, risk management, and strategic alignment, they support the institutions growth and enhance its technology landscape.
Manage implementations of systems that interact with Colleague, interact heavily with Administrative offices, manage data and produce reports.
How long have you been at CalArts?
Since 2005
My idea of fun is:
laughing with friends
Are you a Mac or PC person?
PC
"I manage IT projects by developing project plans and task lists, creating and updating project schedules and timelines, gathering and creating documentation, communicating with project teams and stakeholders, and transitioning projects to operational support. I hope to always provide whatever skillset a project team needs in order to deliver great improvements to CalArts operations."
How long have you been at CalArts?:
Since February 28, 2022
My idea of fun is:
Gaming, anything Sci-Fi, comics and anime (books, movies, tv shows, figures/statues), traveling, hot days in the ocean
Are you a Mac or PC person?
PC for gaming, Mac for everything else
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