Office of Professional Development

IT Executives Program

The IT Executives Program is specifically designed for current and aspiring senior-level IT executives.

The curriculum reflects the input of those who serve or have served in the most senior IT positions in the private and public sectors, and is designed to address specific issues or challenges routinely associated with leadership required by the organization’s most senior IT Executive.  Participants actively engage with presenters and cohort members on topics important to IT Executives in today’s workplace.

The course is led by program facilitators and comprised of presentations presented by subject matter experts, and include guest speakers, panel discussions, group exercises and activities, networking, peer learning and an individual Capstone Project.

Program Benefits:

• Designates IT professionals with a recognized credential representing essential qualifications for the role of CIO.
• Enhances the skills required to lead at the executive level, by focusing on strategy, communications, policy, finance, personnel and emerging technologies.
• Provides senior level IT professionals with a venue for peer learning, network building and brainstorming.
• Uses an applied strategic project for candidates to demonstrate mastery and produce a tangible product or service to benefit the organization.
• Allows IT Executives to hear from thought-leaders and industry experts with expansive knowledge and experience in topics taught as part of the program.
• Through the program, current and aspiring senior-level IT Executives earn six (6) college credits that can be applied to a master’s degree at Harrisburg University, a Certificate of Completion, and the opportunity for the Certified Government CIO (CGCIO^TM) designation, in addition to learning to manage the demands of their increasingly complex roles.  Harrisburg University will counsel those interested in receiving college credits to ensure they meet all requirements.

• First CIO from City of Philadelphia
• Chief Technology Officer, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
• Chief Information Officer, City of Philadelphia
• Director, Department of Innovation & Performance, City of Pittsburgh
• Former Global Chief Information Officer, Deloitte
• Former COO, State of Georgia
• Director of External Affairs, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA)
• Director, Business Applications Specialist, Microsoft
• Data Analytics and AI Specialist, Google
• Former Chairman and CEO, Unisys / Former CEO of Gateway
• Former CIO, Starbucks / Former VP, Cloud Hosting and DevOps Services, Walt Disney Company
• Deputy Treasurer and CIO, Pennsylvania State Treasury
• Managing Principal – Enterprise (C-Suite/IT/Cyber Resilience Strategist), Unisys
• Managing Directors, Senior Associates, KPMG
• Former CISO, Florida / US Public Sector Security Lead, Accenture
• Chief Technology Officer, Office of Technology Services, Global Talent Management, U.S. Department of State

IT Executives (ITE) Classes meet two (2) days per month, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, EST/EDT.

Program Module Topics**:

Module 1: IT Leader’s Role in the Digital Age

Module 2: Leadership Styles, Emotional Intelligence & Trusting Relationships

Module 3: Business Strategies & Strategic Planning Tools

Module 4: 360 Communications, Negotiation Techniques & Selling Your Ideas

Module 5: Data-Driven Decision Making for Leaders

Module 6: Understanding & Leading Organizational Change / Agile, Lean, & Project Management

Module 7: Continuity of Operations (COOP) / Cybersecurity

Module 8: Digital Organizations, Innovation, & Emerging Technologies

Module 9: Capstone Presentation & Graduation

**Module topics and the order in which they are presented may change depending on speaker availability.

To be considered for the IT Executives Program, applicants must be IT Professionals who oversee an IT organization, such as the CIO or IT Director for a for-profit entity, government agency, collective of agencies, local government, school district, or non-profit organization.

Those aspiring to be elevated into an IT leadership position may also be admitted given approval of their sponsor.

Participants are expected to attend all scheduled sessions.

• To be eligible for a certificate of completion, participants must attend at least 90% of the sessions.
• One excused absence is allowed during the program.
• If a second absence is necessary, the participant must:
  • Watch the full session recording, and
  • Submit a written summary of key takeaways to the program facilitator, before the next session for the absence to be considered for approval.
• The participant’s supervisor or sponsor will be notified of any absence.
• The same applies to any participant that arrives to class late or leaves class early

Please note: More than one excused absence will make the participant ineligible for a certificate of completion.

Some sessions will require pre-readings such as articles, case studies, or research.  Significant preparation time is not expected, given attendees have a “day job.”

A requirement of the IT Executive Program is the successful completion of a Capstone Project Proposal and Delivery of a 20-minute Presentation.

The Capstone is also mandated for those who would like to earn 6 college credits from Harrisburg University of Science and Technology toward a master’s degree. Those seeking college credits should notify the program facilitator as early as possible in the curriculum to discuss details.

Capstone Project Description and Methodology

The purpose of the Capstone is twofold.  First, to incorporate what is learned in class into a Capstone project proposal that addresses a challenge in their organization; and second, the project proposal, if implemented, will benefit their organization.

To initiate the Capstone project, each IT Executive candidate will consult with their organization’s leadership to identify a current service that could benefit from improved performance and/or reduced cost. The targeted service should be important to the organization’s leadership and the suggested improvements generate additional business value. Alternatively, candidates can identify a new service for analysis. Regardless of whether an existing service or new service candidates are expected to define, with input from leadership, the shortcomings of the existing service or reasoning for a new service and what constitutes success (Business Value) if the proposal is implemented.

Candidates should follow a relatively structured approach to complete the Capstone Project Proposal including identifying the service to be analyzed; describing shortcomings with the current service or need for new service; defining success factors for proposed service; identifying, researching, and analyzing various alternatives; documenting measures to support analysis such as cost and performance; and recommending a preferred solution along with justification.

The major Capstone deliverables are (1) a written proposal; AND (2) that proposal will be the basis for a 20-minute presentation to their IT Executive’s leadership and facilitators from the IT Leaders Program.

External Resources Available to the Project Teams

At monthly Capstone meetings IT Executives will have access to a facilitator from Harrisburg University for Science and Technology, as well as our GTI sponsors with expertise in service delivery. Collectively, they will provide general guidance, but it is the responsibility of IT Executive to become educated on the targeted service and deliver a report and presentation addressing the shortcomings of the current service and proposing a viable solution.

Project Schedule

While dedicated capstone working sessions will be built into regular class time, participants may occasionally need to work outside of class to stay on track with deliverables and ensure successful project completion.  Time will be allocated most months as part of the agenda to allow IT Executives to work on the Capstone Project and collaborate with other IT Executives.

It is highly recommended documentation is prepared throughout the project cycle so that the entire report does not need to be written during the last few months. These months should be reserved for final review and edits, as well as planning the presentation.

Remember- the quality of the Capstone report and presentation are a reflection on you, the IT Executive.  Therefore, every effort should be made to ensure the Capstone is a quality product thus showcasing the skills of each IT Executive.

More information on the 2026 IT Executive Capstone Project will be provided at Orientation and during Module 1 of the program.

Awarding of a certificate of completion/credits/eligible PDUs will be based on the participant’s attendance and completion and delivery of a Capstone Project.

Certificate
A certificate of completion is awarded at the end of the program.

Graduates of this program working for private-sectors will receive a certificate of completion for completing the IT Executives program.

Graduates of the program working for public-sectors will earn the credential of the nationally recognized Certified Government Chief Information Officer (CGCIO™) Certificate.

Credits
Graduates of the course will also be awarded six (6) academic credits that can be applied towards a Master’s degree at Harrisburg University.

Professional Development Units (PDUs)
Graduates of the program are eligible for up to 59 Professional Development Units (PDU) through the Project Management Institute (PMI).

2026 Program Fees*

• For-profit organizations (private-sector):$3,495
• Non-profit organizations and government (public-sector): $2,945

*Those accepted into the program or their organizations are responsible for the per-participant cost of the program.  Tuition fee is not collected at time of application.  Accepted applicants of the program will receive a tuition invoice at a later date.

Application Deadline: While our initial application deadline has passed, we will continue to accept applications for consideration, provided the completed application and supervisor letter are received by January 9, 2026.

Candidate Application

Candidates will complete an application form to present their learning goals, past experiences, expertise, and knowledge they will bring to the cohort for consideration.  [CLICK ON “APPLY NOW” AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE]

Required: Letter of Support/Recommendation
A letter of support or recommendation is also required from the candidate’s agency or organization head, or another senior leader.

Upon submission of your application, your supervisor will be notified via email and asked to provide this letter. You will be copied on that email for your reference.  The email will be sent by ProfessionalEd@HarrisburgU.edu with the subject line: “Request for Letter of Recommendation for Program Applicant”

Note: Your application will not be considered complete until your letter of support/recommendation has been received. 

Acceptance Notification

Applicants will be notified whether they have or have not been accepted into the program. At that time, accepted applicants will receive full course details and information on Orientation.

See the specific deadlines under “Next Cohort” at the bottom of the page.

Watch the 2024-2025 IT Leaders Certificate Program Graduation Recording

Graduation Date: June 13, 2025