Bill Thirsk joined Brown University in 2019. As Chief Digital Officer and Chief Information Officer, he leads an integrated and cohesive approach to digital strategy and technology platforms, overseeing a full range of information technology and data functions across the University. He directs Brown’s Digital Transformation Project, a roadmap created in 2016 that prioritizes a more user-centric approach to the University’s digital relationship with students and alumni. He also oversees all areas of information technology and other enterprise support units. His experience in higher education technology management is broad-based, covering such areas as technology planning, network management, telecommunications, web services, instructional technology, and managed services. With over 30 years of experience in higher education technology management, he has an established voice on technology management for universities and has contributed insights and expertise to publications such as the Wall Street Journal, IBM Systems Magazine, National Public Radio, CIO Magazine and Computerworld Magazine. He has also presented to global audiences at conferences such as IBM Pulse, Ellucian Live and the Network World Open Network Exchange. Thirsk was named an IDG Computerworld Premier 100 IT Leader for 2013 and currently serves as Board Chair of NYSERNet.Org, a not-for-profit New York State Internet, education, research, and technology service organization. Thirsk also serves on the NEREN Board of Directors, the North East Research and Education Network that connects MIT, Harvard, Yale, and most of the R1 and state universities in New England. He was also founding Chair of the Board of Directors of the Ellucian Community Source Initiative (CSI). Thirsk received a BBA in Business Administration from George Washington University and an MBA from the New York Institute of Technology. He is also a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
