Meet CUCCIO's New Board Chair
Gayleen Gray on why collaboration is key
McMaster University's Associate Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Gayleen Gray, is stepping up to lead the CUCCIO Board of Directors. A 13-year CUCCIO member, Gayleen brings a collaborative spirit and a wealth of experience to the table.
Communication, Collaboration, Innovation: My Guiding Principles
For Gayleen, CUCCIO's tagline, "Communication | Collaboration | Innovation," serves as a guiding light for her term. "I see myself facilitating strong, collaborative leadership among this exceptional group of leaders," she explains. Her focus is on building on past successes, fostering a sense of belonging, and ensuring CUCCIO provides a foundation for "new and better ways for our sector to collaborate and innovate."
Leading CUCCIO: A Collaborative Approach
Gayleen acknowledges the unique leadership style required to guide CUCCIO. "Inclusivity, connection, care, and trust are all crucial elements," she says. Recognizing the voluntary nature of member participation – including the executive and the board - she emphasizes the importance of managing expectations.
Finding Strength in Community
With her entire IT/CIO career spent in higher education, Gayleen is a firm believer in the power of CUCCIO's community. "What initially drew me to CUCCIO was the instant connection and camaraderie between CIOs," she recalls. "We understand each other's challenges, which fosters empathy and support." She encourages new and veteran members alike to actively participate in CUCCIO's mentorship, friendship, and shared expertise opportunities.
Tackling Higher Education's IT Challenges Together
Gayleen acknowledges the challenges facing both higher education and IT. "CUCCIO's challenges mirror those of our members," she states. These challenges include managing cyber security risks, attracting strong IT leadership, and navigating a rapidly changing technological landscape. "CUCCIO serves as a platform for sharing and supporting each other on this journey," she emphasizes, "by finding innovative and improved approaches."
The Heart of CUCCIO: A Fiercely Collegial Culture
While CUCCIO offers a variety of programs and events, Gayleen believes the organization's true strength lies in its culture. "We are a fiercely collegial organization," she asserts. "Our core value is creating a welcoming, caring, and supportive environment for one another – that's what CUCCIO is truly about."
An Invitation to Collaboration
Gayleen's message to CUCCIO members is a direct call to action: "I want every member to feel comfortable reaching out to each other, both individually and to the entire community." Whether you are new to a CIO position or a seasoned leader, CUCCIO offers a supportive network of peers ready to share, collaborate, and innovate together.
CUCCIO members are encouraged to connect through email or Teams. Send a message, comment or suggestion to Gayleen or the Board by emailing info@cuccio.net.
About CUCCIO
The Canadian University Council of Chief Information Officers (CUCCIO) represents 66 member institutions from coast to coast and more than 95% of the country’s full-time university student population. CUCCIO supports innovation in higher education by building community, facilitating collaboration, sharing best practices and celebrating success.