From: Scott Mabury, Vice President, Operations & Real Estate Partnerships
Date: July 4, 2024
Re: Retirement of Bo Wandschneider, Chief Information Officer

Bo Wandschneider joined the OREP team as Chief Information Officer on May 1, 2017, becoming only the second CIO since the position was inaugurated in 2008. Bo has now signalled his plans to retire, effective September 30, 2024, after 37 years in higher education and IT.

Some of the initiatives Bo and his team have led have been among the most impactful and of the highest strategic importance to ongoing digital transformation in the workplace, including the introduction of Multi-Factor Authentication and Device endpoint protection, and the introduction of the Security and Awareness Program. The IT governance launch, and network and system enhancements throughout his tenure, including wireless and VoIP upgrades, have all led a strong foundation for the next CIO.

The prescient steps Bo and his team took prior to 2020, with the introduction of Office 365, allowed for a more seamless transition to online learning and working when COVID struck, and its import to the institution cannot be overstated.

Bo acknowledged the critical role cyber security plays in our academic mission, and the need for focused and sustained leadership in this area, when he established the role of the Chief Information Security Officer in 2018. He led the campaign that persuaded Isaac Straley to join U of T from the University of California, Irvine, as the inaugural CISO in 2018 and once again succeeded where others have failed when Donna Kidwell joined us from Arizona State University at the end of May, to build on the crucial groundwork Isaac had laid.

I would be remiss if I did not reference Bo’s role with the Canadian Shared Security Operations Centre (CanSSOC), which was created in 2018 on the principle that no single institution can tackle cyber security challenges alone. Founded by U of T and five other institutions – UBC, U of A, McMaster, TMU, and McGill – CanSSOC serves universities, colleges, polytechnics and CÉGEPs across Canada. Tools and expertise are drawn from the participating institutions, as well as the 14 partners in the National Research and Education Network (NREN). This invaluable resource has been key to our response to, and planning for, cyber security incidents, and Bo has represented U of T on CANSSOC since its inception.

While we begin the recruitment process for Bo’s successor, he will be collaborating to wrap up initiatives and to ensure a smooth transition.

Further updates will be shared as they become available.