Chief Information Officer Francisco Chavez’s Departure

Our Chief Information Officer, Francisco Chavez, has announced that he will be departing the College to join the University of Puget Sound (UPS) in Tacoma, Washington. 

Francisco has done a terrific job at Saint Mary’s and will be missed. James Johnson has kindly agreed to serve as Interim CIO for the remainder of the year, effective Monday, January 30. James, who had been serving as interim co-Senior Diversity Officer along with María Luisa Ruiz, will now focus on his new Interim CIO role. I appreciate María Luisa for her valued and continued service as Interim Senior Diversity Officer.

As a proud Gael alum, Francisco has spent the past eight years serving the institution in various roles within IT Services. During his tenure, Francisco led IT Services through several key strategic initiatives and education technology advances. His contributions to the SMC IT Fitness Program is just one of many examples. Most recently, Francisco served as Interim VP for Facilities Services, and I remain grateful for his work in that critical area.

Francisco consistently demonstrated an ability to relate to all levels of our College and to focus on what it takes to get the job done. His attention to customer support assured ongoing classroom dependability and efficiencies in administrative processes. He strengthened IT’s partnerships with various campus constituencies while improving services and aligning with our strategic values.

Please join me in thanking Francisco for his service and wishing him the very best as he moves on to his next professional opportunity! 

Best regards,

Richard Plumb, Ph.D.

President