Vanderbilt University cyber chief named CIO

Vanderbilt University Chief Information Security Officer Shane Callahan transitioned into a new role within the university on Monday to serve as its chief information officer. 

Callahan started as the university’s first CISO in January 2022, according to a press release, when he worked to significantly expand its information security team. Prior to working in higher education, he held technology and leadership roles with a private health care tech company. 

“I’m pleased to continue the work we are doing at Vanderbilt University to plan an institutional technology roadmap,” Callahan said in the release. “We have an excellent team and I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished so far, as well as excited to start the work we have ahead of us.”

In his new role as CIO, Callahan will be charged with providing strategic and operational leadership throughout the university in regards to information technology planning. He will continue to work closely with the university’s IT team to improve its cybersecurity posture, modernize its data warehouse and support efforts around artificial intelligence, the release said. 

“Shane is a great choice for this role because of the proven, steady leadership that he’s already demonstrated as Vanderbilt’s inaugural chief information security officer. His strong technical expertise coupled with demonstrated commitment to the university and its mission make him ideally suited to lead Vanderbilt into the future,” said Brett Sweet, vice chancellor for finance, information technology and chief financial officer, in the release. 

Callahan served four years of active duty in the Air Force and 12 years in the Navy Reserves, where he focused on cyber and information warfare, the release said. He is also a graduate of the FBI’s CISO Academy.