Biography

Helen Norris is vice president for information technology and CIO at Chapman University, where she is responsible for leading the university’s information technology strategy and services, and oversight of the University Library.

Previously, Helen was the Associate CIO at California State University, Sacramento, where she focused on enterprise systems, data analytics, and infrastructure. Before that, Helen spent twelve years at UC Berkeley where she held progressive information technology management roles at both the departmental and central levels.  She also previously worked as VP for IT for an advertising agency and a law firm, both in St. Louis, Missouri.

Helen serves on several boards.  She is currently the Vice-Chair of the Southern California Society for Information Management (scsim.org) and Vice-Chair of the board of the National Endowment for Financial Education (nefe.org).  Additionally, she is a member of the board of advisors for EmpowHer Institute (empowher.org), whose mission is to empower young women through education, training, and mentorship as they prepare for college and their careers. She serves on the Dell Higher Education Advisory Board and the governing board for the CIO Summit in Los Angeles.  She previously served as the Director of the Sacramento Women in Technology International (witi.com) network.

Helen has provided service to EDUCAUSE in numerous capacities, including being a member of the 2017 Program Committee.  She is also a graduate of Educause's Leading Change Institute.  She was appointed to serve a 4-year term on the EDUCAUSE Board of Directors starting October 2019.

Originally from Ireland, Helen has a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, and a Master's degree in Computer Resource Management and Business Administration from Webster University in St. Louis. She is a certified Project Management Professional.