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About the Course

The IT Executives (ITE) Program targets the unique challenges experienced by those in the most senior roles, regardless of whether they lead private sector or public sector organizations.  Today’s IT Executives require sophisticated skill sets in leadership, strategy, and management.  The IT Executives Program immerses IT leaders in a comprehensive study of executive-level issues, including IT strategy and planning, continuity of operations planning (COOP), governance, communications, security, workforce development, and the skills necessary to earn a seat at the executive table.

The IT Executives Program (ITE) is part of the overarching IT Leaders (ITL) Program, which also includes the IT Managers Program.  The IT Executives track includes approximately 21 more hours of education than the IT Managers track, with sessions specifically for IT Executives.  IT Executives will join IT Managers for their educational part of the program.  Combining parts of these programs offers many benefits, including the opportunity for IT Executives and IT Managers to interact during educational sessions, as well as, breaks and lunches.  Interaction and collaboration between IT Executives and IT Managers provide a better understanding and perspective of each other’s roles.

Wherever relevant, topics will be addressed in the context of planning and response to unexpected events.  Lessons learned from those in class will further enhance the knowledge of ITL attendees.

Target Audience

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

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 (CGCIOTM) 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.
Featured Presenters from Past Sessions
  • President & CEO, Unisys
  • Global Chief Information Office (CIO, Deloitte
  • CIO, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
  • CIO, United States Department of General Services
  • VP, Global Mobility, CISCO
  • Chief Information Officer, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
  • Executive Director, Pennsylvania House of Appropriations
  • Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Former Deputy Commissioner, Pennsylvania State Police

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to address specific issues or challenges routinely associated with leadership required by the organization’s most senior IT Executive.

The curriculum is supplemented by a Capstone Project, whereby IT Executives have an opportunity to apply what is learned through the curriculum.

Learning Methods

The program is comprised of presentations, group exercises, networking, peer learning, and an individual capstone project.

Schedule and Topics Covered

Classes meet two (2) days per month, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, ET.

  • Module 1: IT Leader’s Role in the Amazon 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) / Cyber Security
  • Module 8: Digital Organizations, Innovation, & Emerging Technologies
  • Module 9: Capstone Presentation & Graduation

Pre-Requisites (Qualifications)

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.

Expectations & Class Attendance Policy

Each participant is expected to complete the Capstone project outlined in the “Curriculum” section.

Attendance at a minimum of 90% of the sessions is required.

Certificate of Completion, Credits & PDUs

Certificate
Targeting the unique challenges of public and private IT Executives, graduates of this program will earn two specific credentials including Harrisburg University’s Information Technology Executive Certificate as well as 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 to a Master’s degree at Harrisburg University.

Professional Development Units (PDUs)
Graduates of the program are eligible for up to 135 Professional Development Units (PDU) through the Project Management Institute (PMI).

Registration Fees & Policies

Fees

  • For-profit organizations (private-sector):$3,295
  • Non-profit organizations and government (public-sector): $2,745

Those accepted into the program or their organizations are responsible for the per-participant cost of the program.

Payment is not due upon application. It is due upon acceptance into the program, with invoices emailed with acceptance letters.

Should COVID-19 mitigation efforts end and CDC guidelines change allowing the course to be offered in person, the tuition would cover any meals provided.

Parking and lodging are not included in the tuition fee.  Students are responsible for parking and lodging costs.

For information on parking in the Harrisburg University garage, and to view current hourly rates, please visit Standard Parking’s website at: www.parkharrisburg.com

Application Process

The application process consists of these steps:

1. Candidate Application

To apply, candidates should:

  • Be prepared to answer questions about their learning goals, past experiences, expertise, and knowledge they will bring to the cohort.

Note: Candidates will not be prompted to submit payment as part of the initial application process.

2. Nomination Letter

A nomination letter is required for each candidate, meeting the following criteria:

  • Written by the candidate’s sponsor, who is a member of senior leadership
  • Includes the nominee’s current position, responsibilities, skills, knowledge, and any special projects for which the nominee is responsible
  • Is addressed to “IT Executives Program Directors”

Letters should be emailed as follows:

  • To: ProfessionalEd@HarrisburgU.edu
  • Subject line: IT Executives Certificate Nomination Letter for {Nominee FIRST and LAST name}

The deadline for nomination letters is the same as applications.

3. Acceptance Notification & Payment

Applicants will be notified regarding whether they have or have not been accepted into the program.
At that time, all accepted participants will receive an invoice for the course, which can be paid by check, credit card, or ACH deposit. Payment is typically due within two months.
See the specific deadlines under “Next Cohort” at the bottom of the page.

Graduate Testimonials

As an alumnus, I can truly say that the IT Leadership Program with Harrisburg University is the premier learning opportunity for established and up and coming leaders within our organization. Every single one of the many employees that we have sent through the program has emerged out of it as a better manager and leader. Thank You Charlie, Kelly, Paul, Randy, Rich, Michelle and the many others behind the scenes who have built and made the IT Leaders Program so great for so many people both in government and private industry. We will continue to reward our best and brightest by sending them through the program for the one-of-a-kind educational experience that you all have created right here in our own backyard.

Chris de Leon | Director, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of Administration Infrastructure and Economic Development IT Delivery Center | PennDOT, DCED, PEMA

“As an IT Executive, it gave me a good chance for networking and provided a lot of topics geared to make ITE’s more successful.”

-2019 IT Executives Graduate

“Guest speakers/panels were industry leaders that typically, I would not have the opportunity to hear.  The experience they brought to discussions was invaluable.”

-2019 IT Executives Graduate

“I think it is a great opportunity to work with others in government IT and for those who may just be taking a leadership role, it would be highly beneficial to hear from the presenters about leadership.”

-2019 IT Executives Graduate

Location

The 2022-2023 Program will be delivered Virtually, via Microsoft Teams.

Please note: Class times are in Eastern Time.

Next Cohort

Application Deadline:
Monday, September 26, 2022

All applications and nomination letters are due by this date.

See the “Application Process” above for detailed information.

Acceptance Notification:
Friday, August 19, 2022

All applicants will be notified of whether or not they have been accepted into the program.

Class Dates

Student Orientation – Monday, October 3, 2022
1:00 pm – 4:30 pm (Eastern)
Module 1 – Wednesday/Thursday – October 12-13, 2022   (Note: M1 falls on a Wednesday/Thursday)
Module 2 – Thursday/Friday – November 17-18, 2022
Module 3 – Thursday/Friday – December 15-16, 2022
Module 4 – Thursday/Friday – January 19-20, 2023
Module 5 – Thursday/Friday – February 23-24, 2023
Module 6 – Thursday/Friday – March 23-24, 2023
Module 7 – Thursday/Friday – April 20-21, 2023
Module 8 – Thursday/Friday – May 18-19, 2023
ITE Capstone Presentations & BRM Capstone Presentations – June 5 – June 8, 2023
ITM Class Presentation & Graduation – Friday, June 9, 2023.
PA Capital

Our Centers and Institutes The Government Technology Institute (GTI)

Harrisburg University’s Government Technology Institute is a driving force in educating IT Leaders, empowering them with increased skills to make “Good Government Great Government.” GTI connects government technology leaders with the expertise of its sponsors, as well as Harrisburg University faculty and advisors. Through its education, training, resources, and networking, Government Technology professionals use GTI to explore and collaborate on successful, cost-effective technology solutions.

Under the leadership of GTI Executive Director Charlie Gerhards, the GTI and its affiliated centers support learning, IT innovation, entrepreneurship, and intergovernmental collaboration that enhance the management, and leadership skills of the government workforce involved in information technology.

GTI Sponsors
ADA Statement: HU is committed to providing equal education opportunity and full participation for persons with disabilities. It is HU’s policy that no qualified person be excluded from participating in any HU program or activity, be denied the benefits of any HU program or activity, or otherwise be subject to discrimination regarding any HU program or activity. Should you potentially require an accommodation under the ADA to participate in this program, please email ProfessionalEd@HarrisburgU.edu. Please send your request for an accommodation at least 5 business days in advance of the event or program.

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