NEWARK, NJ, May 16, 2022 –Edge, the region’s nonprofit research and education network and technology partner, is pleased to announce the addition of Mark Meara, Ed.D., to their organization as the new Vice President of Technical Operations and Chief Information Officer. Dr. Meara joins Edge with over 15 years of experience as the CIO at Rowan College at Burlington County and a professional career that spans four decades.
“With a diverse career in IT consulting and leadership in higher education, I feel the opportunity with Edge is a perfect fit,” explained Meara. “I’m able to bring a unique combination of consulting and higher education experience to the role and aid in Edge’s mission to inspire personal, professional, organizational, and social growth and development with technology transformation in the digital era.”
When pursuing his doctorate degree in education at Wilmington University, Dr. Meara’s dissertation focused on critical success factors for business process management in New Jersey Community Colleges and he has been able to apply this knowledge and experience throughout his career. “I believe the transformation needed within the higher education industry involves learning, growing, and transforming into being more efficient and effective business operations,” shared Meara. ”Edge is the ideal preferred partner for education institutions and other member institutions because it enables organizations to be small at their core and large at their network; creating a greater presence and operation while keeping costs low.”
“Even prior to the pandemic, the landscape in higher education was starting to change significantly,” said Meara. “Those in the role of CIO need to drive transformation starting with the institution’s business process improvements and modernization, and into the strategy and innovation of the entire organization. You must be the change agent for not only your own institution, but for the entire education sector.”
As the education sector continues to evolve, institutions will need to find the technology capabilities necessary to support the rapidly changing landscape of higher education. “Edge is dedicated to the education community and helping member institutions stay viable and successful during these evolving times,” says Samuel Conn, Ph.D., President & Chief Executive Officer, Edge. “There is so much potential and change on the horizon and this is certainly going to be an exciting time. We are thrilled to have Mark join our leadership team to help member organizations achieve digital transformation initiatives and develop successful information technology strategies in an ever-changing world.”
“In my new role at Edge, I’m looking forward to embracing these changes and leveraging my experience to be a value partner to all Edge members and helping them succeed in their digital transformation,” says Meara. “I’m eager to step back into a consultative role and help tackle a diverse set of challenges, goals, and requirements, and help us all move into this digitally-driven era together.”
