Riaz Yusuff
Chief Information Officer
Professional Overview
Riaz Yusuff is an accomplished technology leader with extensive experience driving digital transformation and optimizing IT operations across the education and technology sectors. As a Chief Information Officer, he leverages his deep technical expertise and strategic vision to enable organizations to achieve their goals through the effective deployment and management of innovative technologies.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief Information Officer at Harper College, Riaz is responsible for overseeing the institution's entire technology infrastructure, including enterprise systems, cybersecurity, and digital initiatives. He works closely with college leadership to align IT strategies with broader institutional objectives, ensuring technology solutions support academic excellence and enhance the student experience. Under his leadership, Harper College has implemented new learning management systems, streamlined administrative processes, and strengthened data analytics capabilities, contributing to improved student outcomes and operational efficiency.
Concurrently, Riaz serves as the Chief Information Officer for the University of Minnesota's Office of Human Resources. In this role, he is spearheading the modernization of HR systems and workflows, leveraging cloud-based technologies and data-driven insights to enhance the employee experience and optimize HR service delivery.
Career Progression
Prior to his current roles, Riaz held various IT leadership positions, including Information Technology Manager at Capella Education Company and Information Technology Supervisor at Covansys. In these roles, he successfully led the implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, developed and executed IT strategy, and implemented robust cybersecurity measures to protect critical data and infrastructure.
Throughout his career, Riaz has demonstrated a track record of driving innovation, improving operational efficiency, and aligning technology investments with organizational objectives. His strategic thinking, technical expertise, and collaborative leadership style have enabled him to make significant contributions to the institutions he has served.
Academic Background
Riaz holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he graduated with honors. His academic achievements and technical proficiency have been recognized through various industry certifications, including Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
Areas of Expertise
- Information Technology Strategy and Governance
- Enterprise Systems Implementation and Integration
- Cybersecurity and Data Protection
- Digital Transformation and Innovation
- Change Management and Process Optimization
- Collaborative Leadership and Team Development
Professional Impact
Under Riaz's leadership, the institutions he has served have achieved measurable improvements in operational efficiency, information security, and data-driven decision-making. At Harper College, he has overseen the successful implementation of a new learning management system, resulting in a 20% increase in student engagement and a 15% improvement in course completion rates. At the University of Minnesota, his HR technology initiatives have streamlined administrative workflows, leading to a 30% reduction in processing times for employee onboarding and payroll.
Conclusion
Riaz Yusuff is a transformative Chief Information Officer with a proven track record of driving digital innovation and optimizing IT operations in the education sector. His strategic vision, technical expertise, and collaborative leadership style have enabled him to make significant contributions to the institutions he has served, positioning them for long-term success in an increasingly technology-driven landscape.
