Shane Callahan, an experienced leader in technology and information security, has been named Vanderbilt University’s chief information officer. He had been Vanderbilt’s first chief information security officer since January 2022. His new role at the university starts on April 1, 2024.
Vanderbilt’s chief information officer is the senior leader responsible for the coordination of the information technology function across the university. The CIO is charged with providing strategic and operational leadership throughout the enterprise in all aspects of information technology planning that advance the Vanderbilt mission and facilitate the operation of the university. “Shane is a great choice for this role because of the proven, steady leadership that he’s already demonstrated as Vanderbilt’s inaugural chief information security officer. His strong technical expertise coupled with demonstrated commitment to the university and its mission make him ideally suited to lead Vanderbilt into the future,” said Brett Sweet, vice chancellor for finance, information technology and chief financial officer.
Callahan will continue his work with the VUIT team to enhance the university’s cybersecurity posture, modernize the data warehouse, support the university’s AI efforts and provide streamlined support to faculty, staff and students.
He will work with stakeholders across the university and serve as an expert adviser to senior management to develop, implement and maintain enterprise-wide information security technologies, compliance policies and disaster recovery measures.
To date, Callahan has built a significantly expanded information security team charged with identifying and reporting on security risks and ensuring the overall protection of university data across platforms. He and his team are managing the series of training and educational initiatives launched in fall 2021.
“I’m pleased to continue the work we are doing at Vanderbilt University to plan an institutional technology roadmap,” Callahan said. “We have an excellent team and I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished so far, as well as excited to start the work we have ahead of us.”
For more than 20 years, Callahan has held technology and leadership roles, including vice president and chief information security officer of naviHealth, an Optum/UnitedHealth company. Previously, Callahan served four years of active duty in the Air Force and 12 years in the Navy Reserves, where he focused on cyber/information warfare. He also has held leadership positions at Deloitte and Tractor Supply Co.
Callahan holds a degree in computer information systems from Park University, a master’s from Trevecca Nazarene University and a master’s certificate in project management from Villanova University. He also serves on several industry boards and is a graduate of the FBI CISO Academy. A resident of Nashville for 20 years, he lives in the area with his wife, Brianne, and their three children.
