Program director named for IT Transformation

Software engineer and project manager Zohaib Qazi has been appointed to the role of IT Transformation program director within the Office of the Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer, effective Aug. 16. Qazi takes over for David Crotts, director of financial management and business operations in the Division of Finance, who has served as interim IT Transformation program director since March.

Qazi comes to the university from California State University, Northridge, where he most recently served as director of human resources information systems.

“We are very excited to have Zohaib join the Virginia Tech team in this critical role. He arrives here with very valuable experience and insight.” said Chris Kiwus, interim senior vice president and chief business officer. “I look forward to working with him to help build consensus within the varied teams that are coming together to implement the goals of the IT Transformation.”

The IT Transformation aims to strengthen IT across Virginia Tech through projects in six focus areas: IT governance, finance, human resources, technology capabilities, service management, and cybersecurity. As program director, Qazi is responsible for managing the overall program, coordinating the multiple projects and ensuring progress toward the goals of the IT Transformation. This includes developing program assessment protocols, advising budget and resource allocations, and taking an active role in change management to ensure effective implementation of new processes and protocols.

Qazi brings experience in strategic planning, transforming and implementing new business processes, and resolving complex IT issues.  

“Zohaib steps into the role of program director at a great time with several projects underway and a strong foundation built under the leadership of interim Program Director David Crotts,” said Scott Midkiff, vice president for information technology and chief information officer. “Zohaib’s expertise and leadership will be particularly valuable as we move existing projects toward full implementation and start several new and challenging projects.”

Qazi earned a Master of Science in computer science from California State University and a Bachelor of Science in software engineering from the University of Sindh Jamshoro, Pakistan.

“I am honored and thrilled to be here and to be a part of the Hokie family. It is exciting to be able to contribute to Virginia Tech’s IT community and to have an impact on the wide variety of projects that make up the IT Transformation,” said Qazi. “I look forward to meeting everyone engaged in this important work.”  

Over the coming months, the pace of achievements coming from the IT Transformation program will increase as more projects come online and existing projects gain momentum. Currently, nine of the 20 projects envisioned have begun and four more are slated to commence in the near future. For regular updates on these projects, visit svpcbo.vt.edu/ittransformation.