Jonathan Fozard is a culture-focused innovation leader passionate about fostering collaboration and driving impactful change. With over two decades of technology leadership experience, he currently serves as Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Florida State University. Jonathan leads a global team of 800+ IT professionals, advancing innovation in academics, research, communication, engagement, security, and administrative technologies. He also oversees the Northwest Regional Data Center, Florida Virtual Campus, and Florida’s State Data Center. Recently confirmed by the Florida Senate, he also serves on the Governor’s Technology Modernization Council, championing technology and artificial intelligence advancements across the state.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with CIO Magazine, Jonathan shared his professional trajectory, insights on the evolution of CIO role over the last few years, personal hobbies and interests, future plans, words of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.
Hi Jonathan. How did you first become interested in technology and what propelled you into it?
My interest in technology began at an early age, fuelled by curiosity about new gadgets, the DOS classic Frogger, and my desire to create things on my own. The pivotal moment that ignited my passion was when a mentor introduced me to the transformative power of technology. Specifically, how it can change the way we live, work, connect, and learn. This experience was a turning point for me, motivating me to explore new ways to use my skills and talents to help others achieve higher goals. I became determined to harness technology not just as a tool but to empower teams and others to unlock their full potential.
What do you love the most about your current role?
What I love most about my role is the opportunity to create a meaningful impact every day. At Florida State University (FSU), we are leaders in innovative research and invest in transformative technology solutions that support student success. This dedication empowers more students to realize their dreams of earning a college degree, resulting in an impressive 96% retention rate and a remarkable 76% four-year graduation rate, which places us among the top 10 universities in the nation. We have achieved much of this success thanks to our amazing faculty and staff, as well as our use of technology to identify specific needs and provide individualized support.
Being part of a campus that strives for excellence and sets a high standard for others is incredibly inspiring. What truly drives me, however, is students succeeding at all levels. We are not just a higher education institution. In fact, we also have three K-12 locations. Being able to advance technology across all educational levels is rare and extremely rewarding. As I walk across our campuses, I see the future leaders, scientists, innovators, and change-makers. It’s fulfilling to know that the work our team does, whether ensuring seamless technology or advancing new initiatives, fosters an environment where others can truly thrive.
How are you leveraging emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to drive innovation and improvement in IT services?
We are actively engaging with these technologies, placing a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence. This commitment is transforming how we support our students, faculty, and staff globally while also enhancing our research initiatives.
We have introduced various AI productivity tools and are hosting bi-weekly showcases to highlight innovative applications on campus, both inside and outside the classroom. Additionally, we are exploring the use of AI to accelerate research, opening new avenues to tackle complex challenges and conduct data analysis with remarkable efficiency. The integration of AI into our testing centers and academic platforms is also part of our recent strategic plans.
The positive impacts of embracing these emerging technologies are evident in our latest academic projects and research achievements. In 2024, we launched one of the first major data lakes that is built with AI and self-service capabilities. This initiative empowers users at all levels to make data-driven decisions without the delays associated with specific report requests. Academic units have also embraced our AI roadmap. For instance, our partnership with the College of Nursing is launching the nation’s first AI in healthcare Master of Nursing program. On the research front, the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering developed an AI-powered tool that trains surgeons by providing valuable feedback through analysis of their surgical techniques to ultimately enhancing patient care.
Our journey with these technologies is not solely focused on innovation; it is about creating meaningful impacts to improve people’s lives. Our unwavering goal is to foster student success and research excellence while continually seeking new ways technology can elevate our mission in support of these vital endeavors
How have you seen the role of the CIO change in the last 5-10 years, and what changes do you see on the horizon in the years ahead?
I’ve observed a significant evolution in the role of the CIO worldwide, which has expanded in both scope and influence. In the early stages, most organizations sought CIOs primarily to manage essential systems like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and technical support processes. CIOs were known for their technological expertise rather than the ability to connect people with technology. However, as the digital landscape transformed, it has become evident that to navigate the complexities of modern business processes successfully, CIOs must evolve beyond the traditional confines of their predecessors from a decade ago.
Today, I believe CIOs should be the greatest connector. Bringing people together to spearhead digital initiatives, drive the adoption of innovative technologies, and facilitate smoother integration of these advancements into the organization’s core fabric. Our role is not just about technology anymore; it is about enabling and motivating others within the organization to fully embrace and leverage these latest trends effectively together and at the right levels. This shift, to me, represents one of the most profound changes since the technological boom of the 1990s and early 2000s.
What role do you see IT playing in supporting interdisciplinary research and collaboration, and how do you facilitate partnerships with external organisations and industry partners?
Technology is crucial in both supporting and leading efforts to close the gaps in interdisciplinary research and developing external partnerships. A compelling example at Florida State University (FSU) is a $9 million grant aimed at advancing artificial intelligence technologies for the U.S. Department of Energy. This initiative will not only improve research capabilities at our institution but will also extend its benefits to the broader scientific community.
Moreover, FSU has received multiple grants from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to propel research related to artificial intelligence and national food safety, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in addressing critical issues.
In essence, technology acts as a powerful enabler, driving progress and fostering essential connections within the interdisciplinary landscape of research. Our primary focus is to equip experts with the necessary resources for success while ensuring that research support is sustainable and impactful.
Is there a particular person you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are?
Naming just one person I am grateful for is a challenge, as so many incredible mentors and colleagues have profoundly influenced my career. At every stage, I have had the privilege of learning from leaders who imparted their own unique wisdom. Whether it was mastering new skills, adopting a strategic mindset, or recognizing the vital importance between people and the mission behind technology. In each instance, I was fortunate to realize growth as these individuals inspired me and pushed me to reach my full potential. Their mentorship on leading with a people-first approach over just technology, changed my leadership style. They exemplified servant leadership and demonstrated it both in the good times and the most stressful of days. This has been a bedrock of my professional approach and one I try to instill in others who work with me along the way.
What does the term “authentic leadership” mean to you?
For me, authentic leadership is all about integrity, humility, and having a clear vision for our organization’s future. It is a journey we take together, knowing that none of us has all the answers. By listening to one another, empowering our team members, and fostering a culture where everyone feels appreciated, we can achieve amazing things.
I have seen this kind of leadership embodied by our President and Provost at FSU, which is one of the reasons I love my role as CIO at this global institution. They genuinely care about the long-term success of our students, faculty, staff, and teams. They make it a point to recognize individual strengths and highlight successful collaborations. You can even see this commitment throughout the organization such as within our Board and among key community partners.
It’s unique to witness authentic leadership at various levels within an organization. When it happens, you can appreciate the powerful impact it has and how it can drive lasting success for everyone involved.
What are some of your passions outside of work? What do you like to do in your time off?
Outside of work, I particularly enjoy spending time with my family and coaching youth sports. I also enjoy the clear advances in video game technologies and graphics since the early days of Frogger.
What is your biggest goal? Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now?
Five years from now, I envision myself continuing to lead meaningful change and trying to make a lasting impact in this field. I want to look back and see others I helped in their career journeys succeed and ensure the next generation of CIOs advance our field far beyond what we could ever hope or imagine.
What advice would you give to aspiring technology leaders who aim to make a positive impact in their organizations and the industry as a whole?
Take time to focus on more than technology. I see far too many people who chase titles through their technical skills. We need leaders who understand the intricacies of our industry; but more than that, we need leaders who have a culture-first approach to change an organization or the overall industry for what is ahead. Do you think about your plans, strategies, and structure through a people-first lens or only through a technology-first solution approach? Only one will lead to a highly collaborative and forward-thinking environment. The other will not allow your organization to quickly embrace the rapid and exciting pace of change that our field demands.