Chief Information Officer Jinx Walton has announced her intent to retire in early February 2019 after a more than 40-year career with the University.
“Jinx has left an indelible mark on the University of Pittsburgh. Under her capable leadership, Pitt has successfully navigated the rapidly changing technology environment in a way that supports and enhances our educational mission,” said Chancellor Patrick Gallagher. “I am deeply grateful to Jinx for these accomplishments but also for her warm and collegial style that makes her a wonderful partner. I wish her the very best in her retirement!”
“I am profoundly grateful to have served the University of Pittsburgh in this capacity,” said Walton. “I have experienced firsthand the remarkable transformation of Pitt as it has become a leader in higher education through the strength of its research and academic programs. And it has been my honor to work with an exceptional group of colleagues. I want to specifically recognize the expertise, creativity and commitment of the staff of CSSD.”
Walton is responsible for the strategic implementation of technology to further the goals of the University and to support the efforts of more than 35,000 students and more than 13,000 faculty and staff members.
She has overseen the development, implementation and delivery of technology services across all five Pitt campuses since 2000. One of her earliest charges was to transform the University’s failing technology infrastructure into a system that was more robust, reliable and secure. Included in this effort was work to centralize the University's email, web services and network firewall operations and also launch a state-of-the-art Network Operations Center for monitoring technology services.
Under Walton, the Office of the CIO, which includes nearly 250 full-time positions and 150 student positions, has earned 18 Computerworld Honors Program awards. In addition, Walton has been named both a Pittsburgh CIO of the Year (2007) and one of Computerworld’s Premier Top 100 IT leaders (2010).
Gallagher said that he will commence a national search for a new CIO early this year.