Inaugural Class of CIO University Graduates

GSA #9709

July 12, 2000
Contact: Eleni Martin (202) 501-1231
eleni.martin@gsa.gov

Washington, DC -- Eighteen individuals graduated today from the CIO University, a program sponsored by the Chief Information Officers (CIO) Council and administered by the General Services Administration. The CIO University is a virtual consortium of universities which offers graduate level programs that address the essential knowledge, skills and abilities of federal CIOs. The following graduates received a CIO University Certificate, in addition to any degree or certificate awarded by the university:

University of Maryland University College
Thomas A. Bell, American Heart Disease
E. Charles Dann, Jr., Goodell, DeVries, Leech & Gray LLP
Paul B. Douglas, IT Systems, Incorporated
Roger Jaffe, Merchant's, Incorporated.
Willie J. Johnson, Department of Defense
Frank Khare, American Systems International
Paul S. Orapin, Dharmniti Law Office
Dan Parkins, MCI WorldCom
Con D. Silard, Jr., Science Applications International Corporation
Kim Wandersee, ACS Government Solutions Group

George Washington University
Anthony Z. Nuriddin, U. S. Department of Air Force
Robert St. Cyr, Saint Cyr Communications, Incorporated

George Mason University
Colin Callahan, PriceInteractive, Incorporated
Philson E. Lescott, American Management Systems, Incorporated
Donald R. Dechow, Jr., Cable & Wireless USA
Charles D. Spotts, Science Applications International Corporation
Patrice A. Clark, Booz.Allen&Hamilton, Incorporated

The academic partners of CIO University are Carnegie Mellon University, George Mason University, George Washington University, and the University of Maryland University College. Each offers a curriculum focused on the learning objectives of the 66 Clinger-Cohen Core Competencies. Federal executives and industry counterparts share learning and real-life experiences in courses designed to allow the busy executive time for both class and work.

The Federal CIO Council first identified the core competencies in February 1997 and revised them in September 1998. During the fall of 1998, over 100 experts from the government, industry and academia met in nine focus groups to develop learning objectives that would detail the government's requirements. Ultimately, four academic partners signed on to deliver courses based on these learning objectives.

The CIO University's doors opened last fall. All four universities are accepting students into their courses. Individuals at the Senior Executive, GS-15 and GS-14 levels and comparably ranked military and industry officials are eligible to attend CIO University. All candidates must have executive sponsorship and meet the entrance requirements of the selected university. Upon the successful completion of the entire curriculum, graduates receive a CIO University Certificate in addition to any degree or certificate awarded by the university.

The goal of the CIO University is to produce a highly educated and skilled Federal executive workforce, effective in efficiently delivering services to the American public. For additional information, visit CIO University's Web site at www.ciouniversity.cio.gov or call (202) 501-0819.

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