A regional forum for CIOs that fosters excellence

The Beginning of 2025 Forum Update

Welcome to 2025! Our central theme this year is “A Strange New World.” The world continues to be shaped by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, with AI playing a key role. As our Futurist shared in December, AI is changing everything,especially how academia and business intersect. Your in-person participation continues to drive success, with over 50 attendees at recent Forums and 71 at our December meeting. Breakout groups will continue, so please keep attending in person for effective networking and discussions.

Join us on January 16th at TU’s Science Complex to explore how digital transformation and AI are reshaping student experiences and workforce preparation. We’ll also discuss AI’s impact on teaching and learning, and how you can connect with universities for recruitment and internships. CIOs will share how their businesses are adapting to meet changing demands.  New this year: breakout sessions at our January Forum based on your feedback. Smaller groups will focus on specific topics, and your active participation will be key to its success.

In 2025, we’ll:
    1. Share insights on membership, including vendor products and services for CIOs.
    2. Hear from Microsoft, AWS, Google on strategies and directions that CIOs need to know.
    3. Check in on Cybersecurity in March, with presentations from Cisco, Microsoft,and others.
    4. Close the year with our Spring Social at Turf Valley and a final Forum at Catholic Charities.

There is a Board Meeting on January 15th. We’ll share key updates and start planning the 2025-2026 Forum Program. We’re excited about our momentum and membership growth, which will maintain the Forum’s close-knit atmosphere. In March/April, we’ll hold Board Member elections – stay tuned.

Feel free to contact Kerri, me, or any Board member with questions or feedback. We value your input and act on it. You are the Forum!

Happy New Year,
Don, Kerri, and the M-A CIOF Board of Directors