Jess Evans is an exemplary technology and strategy executive renowned for her exceptional leadership in digital transformation, business strategy, customer experience, and technology leadership. Jess stands out not only for her executive leadership but also for her deep technical expertise. In addition to her technology leadership, Jess is also a speaker and author on Credible Leadership Theory. She earned her Ph.D. in Designing Sustainable Systems and speaks globally on AI, IT Leadership, innovation strategy, and more. She is the foremost expert on developing high-performing leaders and the organizational culture needed to improve outcomes, growth, and engagement. Her approach to technological innovation is equally matched by her dedication to fostering a positive organizational culture. She emphasizes inclusivity and employee engagement by creating environments where diverse ideas thrive. Jess has a robust background in IT strategy and digital transformation, demonstrating proficiency in cutting-edge technologies and data management. Jess’s experience in developing IT infrastructure and cloud-based solutions is notable, reflecting her ability to leverage technology for organizational growth. Her expertise encompasses next-generation technology initiatives, such as software-defined networks, infrastructure-as-code, cloud-first/cloud-native strategies, generative AI, quantum computing, and agile development practices. The outcome of her efforts is a standardized and sustainable IT environment, leading to substantial operational and productivity gains. Currently, Jess is the Vice Chancellor and CIO at MCCCD. She oversees technical strategy for all 10 schools, 31 locations, and all district-wide technology efforts. At Vanderbilt University, she served as Associate Vice Chancellor & CIO, managing a significant budget and leading large teams. Her tenure at Arizona State University as Deputy CIO & COO, and at Case Western Reserve University in various executive roles highlights her progressive leadership skills and commitment to excellence. Before leading in Higher Education, Jess led technology teams across the banking, insurance, manufacturing, and consulting sectors. Her innovative approach has been recognized with awards like “Most Influential Women in Tech 2022”, Top 100 Women in Technology 2021, and she holds a lifetime fellowship as a “Design and Innovation Fellow” from Case Western Reserve University.