University Makes Interim Appointments for Public Safety, IRT
By Frank Otto
Until a permanent appointment can be found to fill the open positions, Drexel named interim leaders for both Information Resources and Technology and Drexel Public Safety.
Ken Blackney to Serve as Interim Vice President of IRT/CIO
Helen Y. Bowman, Drexel’s executive vice president, treasurer and chief financial officer (CFO), announced that Ken Blackney, the current associate vice president for core technology infrastructure, will lead Information Resources and Technology (IRT) and serve as the University’s chief information officer (CIO) from the start of July until a permanent appointee takes over.
A national search is underway to find a permanent replacement for John Bielec, who retired at the end of June.
“Ken is a knowledgeable and respected leader within IRT and the University, and I am confident he will provide a seamless transition of leadership through the completion of the search,” Bowman said.
Blackney has worked with Drexel’s technology infrastructure since 1987.
Eileen Behr to Serve as Interim Vice President for Public Safety
Jim Tucker, senior vice president of Administrative and Business Services, announced that Eileen Behr will serve as interim vice president of public safety. Her role began at the start of this month.
Behr will take over for Domenic Ceccanecchio, who recently retired. In addition to her interim role, Behr will continue to serve as chief of Drexel Police.
Behr came to Drexel in January 2014 after serving in past positions such as the sheriff of Montgomerry County and the chief of the Whitemarsh Township Police. She arrived at Drexel with more than 37 years of experience in law enforcement.
“In the past year-and-a-half, Eileen has provided outstanding leadership of our internationally accredited Drexel Police Department and has worked collaboratively and effectively with colleagues and partners across the University to maintain a secure environment for our students and community,” Tucker said.
Irene Tsikitas Lin, director of communications, Administrative and Business Services, assisted this report.