As many of you are aware, ITS is undergoing a transformative effort entitled Reimagine IT: Talent. ITS is excited to share that 21 of this key leadership positions have been filled to date, and while there are many positions to go, there have been several terrific success stories so far. Let’s meet some of our newly hired IT employees to hear about their journey into ITS and their vision for their work:
Kamran Khairzad
Executive Director, Business Information Technology
Tell us about your career journey:
In my 20 years at UCLA, I've gained valuable experience in various enterprise programs, with a focus on business and student applications. I've led critical programs like COVID-19, Ascend 2.0, and HRITSO, holding leadership positions that deepened my understanding of UCLA's mission and the vital intersection of technology, business, and leadership.
Describe your new role with ITS:
As the executive director of business information technology, I oversee the entire lifecycle of digital solutions, enhancing productivity, collaboration, financial management and human resources processes across the campus enterprise. This includes leading teams in managing and optimizing large, complex administrative applications.
What excites you about the future of technology at UCLA?
I am passionately dedicated to exploring cutting-edge technologies and methodologies for transformative changes in our UCLA Digital Campus Roadmap. Embracing technology and innovation goes beyond adopting the latest tools; it entails cultivating a mindset that encourages creative problem-solving and adaptability. The prospect of applying these principles to shape the future of technology at UCLA genuinely excites me.
Hilda Duggan
Executive Director, Enterprise Data and Analytics
Tell us about your career journey:I embarked on my professional journey at UCLA over 20 years ago contributing to the creation of the inaugural campus data warehouse. Recognizing the immense value of data early on, I have devoted my efforts to enhance the university by delivering added value through data utilization.
Describe your new role with ITS:As the executive director of enterprise data and analytics, I am responsible for implementing enterprise data strategies, managing enterprise data analytics programs and services, and overseeing the adoption of innovative technologies that enable the strategic use of institutional data.
What excites you about the future of technology at UCLA?The technology trends towards data democratization are making data more accessible to a broader audience within organizations. Additionally, the integration of advanced analytics and artificial intelligence has the potential to transform how data is interpreted. The future of technology in data and analytics will continue to evolve to empower organizations with data-informed insights and strategic advantage in the decision-making process.
Michael Quirk
Manager, IT Service Management
Tell us about your career journey:
I’m a Bruin through and through, with nearly 30 years of service. I went from a student to a dining manager before moving on to IT Services, where I have performed several roles, including supervising the IT service management ream for the last 12 years.
Describe your new role with ITS:
My team manages and supports the framework and processes that enable and improve the delivery of IT Services to the campus. I look forward to increasing collaboration opportunities with our campus partners in the future.
What excites you about the future of technology at UCLA?
Opportunities to leverage AI in new and different ways to support our customers is incredibly exciting. Technology is constantly evolving, so I’m also looking forward to continually adapting our processes and procedures to leverage these new opportunities.
Congratulations to Kamran, Hilda, Michael and the many ITS leaders. Their stories highlight the commitments of the Reimagine IT: Talent program to new professional development opportunities for staff; clearer career pathways; new ways of working; a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion; and a new organizational structure.
