The role of the chief information officer at Northeastern University oversees Information Technology Services and the many services that support the needs of the educational, research, administrative activities, and innovative endeavors of the university. The CIO is charged with the creation of strategic IT initiatives that align with the university’s mission, culture, and long-term goals. They work closely across the campus community with the Provost, Deans, students, faculty, and staff to deliver programs and services that enhance teaching, learning, research, and student experiences. 

Effective Sept. 1, 2023, Karen McCarthy and Marcus Robinson are Northeastern’s co-interim CIOs. 

Karen McCarthy

Co-interim CIO

Karen McCarthy brings over 20 years of experience managing operations and strategic initiatives into her current role as co-interim chief information officer at Northeastern University. She’s been at Northeastern University in the Office of the CIO since 2015, as a member of the ITS Leadership Team working to create and deliver services that enhance learning spaces, student experiences, and operational excellence for the university community. As deputy CIO and associate vice president of information technology and IT operations, she oversaw numerous operational and innovative functions, including IT service management, learning and collaboration space technology, IT program and project management, human resources, finance and administration, and D.Studio. Before coming to Northeastern, she held leadership positions at Orion Health and John Hancock Life Insurance Company. 

Marcus P. Robinson

Co-interim CIO

Marcus Robinson has more than 20 years of experience in private and public higher education. He’s been a member of Northeastern’s ITS Leadership Team since 2019, first as associate vice president of engagement and experience and more recently as deputy CIO. In these roles, he’s counseled the CIO, IT leaders, and other university stakeholders in key decisions for advancing the university’s goals, priorities, strategic direction, and mission. His portfolio at Northeastern includes web strategy and governance, IT communication, IT customer experience, and digital university solutions. He has extensive experience at other world-class institutions of higher education, including the University of Chicago, Penn State University, and the University of Dayton.