University Hires Chief Information Officer

Loretta Early brings strong leadership, communication and technical skills and a collaborative style to the role.

May 16, 2017

loretta early(Photo by Ashley R. West)

Loretta Early, who has most recently served as the vice president and chief information officer at the University of Oklahoma, will join the George Washington University as its chief information officer (CIO) beginning July 1.

As CIO, Ms. Early will lead the Division of IT, promoting secure, flexible services while managing and reducing risk to the university.

She also will focus on aligning the division’s work with the university’s strategic plan and university priorities, create a data-driven culture by enhancing a comprehensive set of data services and implement important initiatives by continuing to transform the IT culture through innovation and collaboration.

Ms. Early has been the chief information officer at the University of Oklahoma (OU) since 2011. She joined OU in 2000 as an associate vice president for information technology after serving as the chief information officer at the College of William and Mary.

Along with her higher education experience, she began her career as a business analyst for Merrill Lynch and also spent time in business technology consulting.

Raised in Fairfax County, Va., and an alumna of the University of Virginia, Ms. Early said she is excited to return to the area.

Louis Katz, GW’s executive vice president and treasurer, said he looks forward to Ms. Early bringing her “highly collaborative style to this role.”

“Her strong leadership and communication skills and technical expertise will enable her to partner with the institution to continue the investments in best-in-class technology solutions, workforce talent and innovation initiatives that advance the university’s mission, reputation of excellence and commitment to enhancing the student experience,” Mr. Katz said.