MIT names Gaspare LoDuca as new chief information officer and VP for information systems and technology

LoDuca will join MIT in August to lead IT strategy and oversee infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital systems modernization.

Photo credit: Gaspare LoDuca

Massachusetts Institute of Technology has appointed Gaspare LoDuca as vice president for information systems and technology (IS&T) and chief information officer, effective August 18.

He will be responsible for the university’s IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, academic and administrative systems, and customer support operations.

LoDuca will also co-chair MIT’s Information Technology Governance Committee and collaborate with the Business and Digital Transformation Office on efforts to modernize core systems and services.

Executive Vice President and Treasurer Glen Shor announced the appointment in a campus-wide message, describing LoDuca as someone who brings a collaborative approach and significant experience across the higher education IT sector.

“I believe that Gaspare will be an incredible asset to MIT, bringing wide-ranging experience supporting faculty, researchers, staff, and students and a highly collaborative style,” says Shor. “He is eager to start his work with our talented IS&T team to chart and implement their contributions to the future of information technology at MIT.”

Background at Columbia and Accenture

LoDuca currently serves as vice president for information technology and CIO at Columbia University, where he has led the IT department since 2015. During his tenure, he launched a new student information system, developed classroom and lab technologies, and implemented tools to support cybersecurity and research data sharing.

Earlier in his career, LoDuca spent 17 years at Accenture as technology managing director for the firm’s education practice. His consulting work included enterprise system implementations at institutions such as Yale University, the University of Miami, and Carnegie Mellon University.

Focus on cybersecurity and transformation

At MIT, LoDuca will guide long-term planning around digital infrastructure and help shape institutional IT policy. His mandate includes securing systems that support academic research, administrative functions, and student learning.

“Gaspare brings to his new role extensive experience leading a complex IT organization,” says Cynthia Barnhart, MIT provost. “His depth of experience, coupled with his vision for the future state of information technology and digital transformation at MIT, are compelling, and I am excited to see the positive impact he will have here.”

LoDuca says he will begin by learning more about the university’s internal culture to inform future decisions. He also emphasized the importance of aligning IT services with the day-to-day needs of researchers, faculty, and students.

“As I start my new role, I plan to learn more about MIT’s culture and community to ensure that any decisions or changes we make are shaped by the community’s needs and carried out in a way that fits the culture,” says LoDuca. “I’m also looking forward to learning more about the research and work being done by students and faculty to advance MIT’s mission. It’s inspiring, and I’m eager to support their success.”