Jim Kurtenbach has been named interim vice president and chief information officer in information technology services.
Kurtenbach, an associate professor of accounting and former associate dean in the College of Engineering, will begin his new role Jan. 1. He succeeds Jim Davis, who will rejoin the faculty.
Senior vice president and provost Jonathan Wickert said appointing an interim CIO offers an opportunity to complete several large projects before the arrival of a permanent CIO.
"We had planned on conducting a national search for a new permanent CIO to start in 2015, but with the recently approved TIER business cases, changes to Kuali and other efficiency initiatives brought forward by ITS staff, it made sense to appoint an interim leader with institutional knowledge to take advantage of these opportunities," Wickert said.
"Jim's willingness to serve the university in an interim role made the decision an easy one. He will help ITS sustain its momentum and position the unit for future success."
Kurtenbach is an expert in the field of financial reporting and has extensive experience in information systems. His career includes leadership roles in several technology companies, including two Ames-based firms: Demonstratives Inc. (recently merged with Engineering Systems Inc.) and Workiva LLC (formerly known as WebFilings).
A former state representative, Kurtenbach holds a bachelor's degree in industrial administration from Iowa State, a master's degree in accounting from the University of Tulsa, and a Ph.D. in accounting from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
