Chief Information and Digital Officer (CIDO) Certificate
For leaders in business technology, success begins with the right tools.
Preparing Executive Leaders for the AI-Native, Digital-First Era
As organizations navigate unprecedented technological disruption, enterprise leaders must operate at the intersection of technology, business strategy, AI, and organizational transformation. Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College Chief Information and Digital Officer (CIDO) Certificate Program is designed to prepare executives to lead modern digital enterprises in an era defined by AI, data, automation, cybersecurity, and continuous innovation.
Today’s technology and digital leaders are expected to do far more than oversee enterprise technology operations. Modern CIDOs must lead digital transformation, operationalize AI and data capabilities, modernize infrastructure, strengthen cybersecurity resilience, drive innovation, and help shape enterprise strategy. The CIDO has emerged as a critical enterprise leader responsible for enabling business agility, competitive advantage, and long-term organizational growth in an increasingly digital economy.
The CMU CIDO Program equips executives with the strategic frameworks, operational capabilities, and leadership practices necessary to lead in this expanded role. The curriculum combines technology modernization, digital strategy, AI and data operations, governance, financial management, workforce transformation, and executive leadership into an integrated executive learning experience grounded in real-world enterprise challenges. A core component of the program is an applied, team-based strategy project designed to provide participants with hands-on experience addressing real-world enterprise challenges. Working in collaborative teams under the guidance of experienced CIDO mentors and executive coaches with decades of leadership experience across industry and government, participants will develop a comprehensive IT and digital strategy for a project organization. Through this immersive experience, participants will apply program concepts and frameworks to practical business scenarios while strengthening executive leadership, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and enterprise transformation skills.
The program is delivered primarily through live synchronous sessions, providing executives with the flexibility and convenience of remote participation while maintaining direct engagement with CMU faculty, industry experts, and peer leaders. This interactive format encourages active discussion, collaboration, and real-time application of concepts throughout the program experience. In addition, participants will attend one in-person residency event at Carnegie Mellon University featuring an immersive module delivery, executive networking opportunities, and a formal graduation ceremony and dinner to celebrate the completion of the program and strengthen long-term professional connections among the cohort.
Chief Information & Digital Officer Certificate Program Information
Program Costs
- $16,500 for the entire program.
- $14,100 discounted rate for Carnegie Mellon alumni—including CRO, CISO, and CDAIO programs — U.S. government employees, veterans, and employees of non-profit organizations.
- $1,000 discount for graduates of the Leading Enterprise Agentic AI Development (LEAAID) Certificate Program.
- Program cost is a flat rate with no additional fees.
Please note: Due to the non-credit bearing nature of the Chief Information & Digital Officer Certificate Program, students are unable to apply for tuition assistance, scholarship, or VA benefits. Program costs cannot be itemized.
Deadlines
- Please submit your application as soon as possible for consideration.
- If space remains, we will accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
Logistics
- A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of 1/6 of the total program cost is required to reserve a seat in the program.
- Optional credit card installment payment plan is available.
Requirements
What are the steps to earning the CIDO Program Certificate?
- Candidate Acceptance: Each applicant must have sufficient practical experience (7-10 years) with increasing responsibility in a managerial capacity. An undergraduate or advanced degree in a relevant field is preferred.
- Participation: Participants must complete all certificate modules, assignments, and attend all coaching sessions.
- Practicum Project: During the CIDO practicum, students are required to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities as a CIDO by working in teams to develop an information technology/digital strategic roadmap and deliver a formal presentation to an executive suite.
Receive Your Certificate! The CIDO Program certificate includes the following benefits:
- Official CIDO Program logo for display
- Free access to any future CIDO Certificate Program module recordings
- Inclusion in a growing alumni network of CIDO practitioners
Check out our detailed program guide.
Are You Ready To Lead Better?
Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College is consistently ranked #1 in Information and Technology Management for a reason. Hear how CMU’s CIDO Certificate equips tech leaders with the skills to thrive in executive roles.
"The coaching and project experience is one of the program’s most powerful differentiators. Participants are not simply learning concepts in isolation; they are applying executive-level strategy, leadership, and transformation practices to real-world business challenges with guidance from experienced technology leaders who have spent decades leading complex organizations and digital transformation initiatives."
Chris Kowalsky
CIDO Program Executive Coach and Advisor
Chief Information And Digital Officer Calendar And Curriculum Details
Applications are currently being accepted.
Virtual Orientation: 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. ET
September 23-24, 2026
Virtual Modules: 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. ET
October 7, 14, 21 (2026)
November 4, 11, 18 (2026)
December 2, 9, 16 (2026)
January 6, 13 (2027)
Final Module + Practicum: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET (@CMU in Pittsburgh, PA; virtual option available)
Feb. 9-11 (2027)
Virtual Orientation: 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. EDT
Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, 2025
Virtual Modules: 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. EDT/EST
(Note: all virtual class dates are Wednesdays)
October 8, 15, 22 (2025)
November 5, 12, 19 (2025)
Mid-Session: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST (CMU, Pittsburgh, PA; virtual option available)
December 2 - 4, 2025
Virtual Modules: 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. EST
(Note: all virtual class dates are Wednesdays)
December 10 (2025)
January 7, 14, 21 (2026)
February 4, 11, 25 (2026)
Practicum: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EDT (CMU, Pittsburgh, PA; virtual option available)
March 18-19, 2026
Application deadline is September 23, 2025.
The final module and program practicum will be held in person at our main campus in Pittsburgh:
Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy
Carnegie Mellon University
4800 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
A virtual option will be offered for the final module and program practicum; students will not be required to travel to complete the program.
Earning your executive education certificate is just the beginning of a lifelong relationship with CMU; we're here to help you advance your career throughout your professional life. The Heinz College Executive Advantage program is meant for people who always want to be ahead of the curve—those who want to lead the conversation, not just be a part of it.
Executive Advantage was designed with you—C-suite executives and lifelong learners—in mind. In addition to the valuable skills you gain through our executive certificate programs, you now have access to workshops, leadership summits, and conferences.
"Technology is the business. Today’s CIDO must be viewed not only as a technology expert, but as a strategic business leader capable of connecting technology decisions directly to enterprise performance, risk management, operational resilience, and innovation. The leaders who succeed will be those who can integrate strategy, communication, and transformation into every aspect of the organization."
Dana Deasy
Chief Information Digital Officer and Senior Vice President of Information Digital Technology & Security at Boeing and CIDO Program instructor
Chief Information and Digital Officer Curriculum
Instructors:
Steve Agnoli | CIO (Ret.), Reed Smith LLP
This foundational module prepares executives to lead as modern Chief Information and Digital Officers (CIDOs) operating at the center of enterprise transformation, business strategy, and organizational performance. Participants will examine how the CIDO role has evolved from a primarily technology-focused function into a critical enterprise leadership position accountable for enabling growth, operational resilience, innovation, workforce modernization, and measurable business value. The module emphasizes the expanding expectations placed on today’s CIDO by CEOs, boards of directors, regulators, and executive peers. Participants will explore how leading CIDOs establish credibility as enterprise strategists, align technology and digital investments with organizational priorities, communicate effectively with business stakeholders, and drive cross-functional transformation initiatives. Special focus is placed on enterprise accountability, governance, decision rights, and balancing innovation with operational excellence and risk management.
Instructors:
Honorable Dana Deasy | CIDO and SVP, Information Technology & Data Analytics, Boeing
This module equips executives with the strategic frameworks, leadership approaches, and execution methodologies required to develop and operationalize enterprise-wide IT and digital strategies that align with organizational priorities and deliver measurable business value. Designed for current and aspiring CIDOs, the module focuses on how technology leaders translate enterprise objectives into actionable transformation roadmaps, investment priorities, and scalable operating capabilities. Participants will examine how leading organizations develop integrated IT, digital, data, AI, cybersecurity, and modernization strategies that support growth, operational resilience, innovation, customer experience, and competitive differentiation. The module emphasizes the importance of aligning technology strategy with business strategy, prioritizing enterprise capabilities, and ensuring that investments are tied to measurable outcomes and long-term organizational objectives.
Instructor:
Ari Lightman | Distinguished Service Professor, Heinz College; Author, Monster Transformations
This case study-driven module examines how leading organizations have navigated large-scale digital, operational, and business transformation initiatives in response to disruption, competitive pressure, technological change, and evolving customer expectations. Designed for senior executives and emerging CIDOs, the module provides an in-depth analysis of enterprise modernization efforts across industries, highlighting both successful strategies and critical lessons learned from complex transformation journeys. Drawing on insights from Ari Lightman’s book, Monster Transformations, the module explores how organizations can successfully navigate “monster” transformations—large, complex change initiatives that fundamentally reshape enterprise operations, culture, technology, and business models. Participants will examine the leadership, governance, communication, and execution challenges associated with transformation at scale, as well as the organizational behaviors that differentiate successful transformations from those that stall or fail.
Instructors:
Davor Brkovich | CIO, Matthews International
This module is focused on the requirement for today’s CIDO to develop a budget that aligns with the annual strategic planning process and is supported by key organizational stakeholders. This often needs to be developed in environments with significant third-party managed services and where growth strategies include regular business acquisitions and divestitures. The module will discuss in detail how to properly convey the value of the CIDO organization to executive management and the board. The modules will also review how to calculate ROI on technology investments and make data-driven financial decisions that drive business value.
Instructors:
Bill Fortwangler | Senior Vice President & CIO, Dollar Bank
This module examines how modern CIDOs govern enterprise technology portfolios, manage strategic vendor ecosystems, and drive disciplined execution across complex transformation initiatives. Designed for senior technology and digital leaders, the module focuses on the operational and strategic mechanisms required to prioritize investments, coordinate enterprise delivery, manage external partnerships, and ensure that modernization efforts produce measurable business outcomes. The module emphasizes the importance of establishing enterprise execution discipline through clear prioritization frameworks, governance structures, delivery oversight, and performance accountability.
Instructor:
Rashid Desai | CIO, Data & Analytics, Chief Engineer, National Australia Bank
This module equips CIDOs with a strategic framework to assess, design, and execute an enterprise infrastructure modernization journey aligned to business priorities, financial discipline, and long-term technology resilience. Moving beyond technology selection, the module emphasizes how infrastructure decisions enable agility, scalability, and innovation while managing cost, risk, and vendor dependency. Participants will evaluate cloud and on-premises strategies through the lens of enterprise architecture, operating model impact, and total cost of ownership. The module also explores how to structure migration pathways, design for portability, and incorporate emerging capabilities from leading cloud providers to future-proof infrastructure investments.
Instructors:
Michael Smith | Professor of Information Technology, Heinz College
Brian Walker | Chief Product Officer, Grainger
The digital economy is increasingly powered by platform-based business models that drive value creation and network effects. This module explores how companies can build, scale, and manage digital platforms and ecosystems, leveraging API-driven architectures, marketplaces, and SaaS models. Participants will learn how to shift from traditional product development to platform thinking, foster innovation, expand market reach, and create sustainable competitive advantages.
Instructors:
Matt Butkovic | Technical Director of Cybersecurity Risk and Resilience, CERT Division at the Software Engineering Institute
Greg Touhill | Director, CERT Division at the Software Engineering Institute
Cybersecurity, risk management, and organizational resilience have become core enterprise leadership responsibilities for today’s CIDO. This module examines how technology leaders can build secure, resilient, and risk-aware organizations capable of operating in an environment of escalating cyber threats, regulatory complexity, operational disruption, and AI-driven risks. Participants will explore modern cybersecurity strategy, enterprise risk management frameworks, regulatory and compliance considerations, third-party and supply chain risk, incident response, business continuity, and resilience planning. The module also focuses on the CIDO’s role in communicating cyber risk to executive leadership and boards while integrating security, resilience, and operational continuity into broader enterprise and digital transformation strategies.
Instructor:
Sharad Kumar | Global Solutions CTO, Data & AI, Qlik
This module focuses on the foundational operational and governance capabilities required to manage enterprise data as a strategic asset for scalable AI, analytics, and digital transformation. Participants will examine how modern organizations establish enterprise-wide data management practices and tooling that improve data quality, interoperability, governance, consistency, and operational trust across complex business and technology environments. The module explores how leading organizations operationalize data governance, stewardship, metadata management, master data management, lineage, and lifecycle management to support enterprise AI deployment and decision-making. Participants will also evaluate organizational models, operational processes, and technology architectures that enable scalable and governed data and AI ecosystems across hybrid and cloud environments.
Instructors:
Jennifer Honig | Chief Executive Officer, Techstra Solutions LLC
Larry Honig | Chief Digital Officer, Techstra Solutions LLC
As enterprises move beyond traditional automation and isolated generative AI use cases, a new paradigm is emerging - agentic AI systems capable of planning, reasoning, and autonomously executing multi-step tasks across complex enterprise environments. For CIDOs, this shift represents both a significant opportunity to redefine operating models and a mandate to establish the technical, architectural, and governance foundations required to deploy these capabilities responsibly at scale. This module equips CIDOs with a clear understanding of how to evolve from rules-based automation and copilots toward orchestrated networks of AI agents embedded across business and IT workflows. Participants will examine how agentic systems integrate with enterprise architectures, data platforms, APIs, and security models, while also addressing reliability, observability, and human-in-the-loop controls.
Instructors:
Ken Spangler | Executive Vice President IT, CIO Global OpCo Technologies (Ret.), FedEx
Sumeet Chabria | Chief Executive Officer, ThoughtLinks
This forward-looking leadership module explores how modern CIDOs must evolve their organizations, operating models, leadership approaches, and enterprise architectures to lead effectively in the era of AI-native enterprises. As artificial intelligence becomes embedded across business operations, decision-making, customer engagement, workforce models, and enterprise platforms, technology leaders must rethink how organizations are structured, governed, and managed to operate with greater adaptability, intelligence, and speed. The module focuses on the transition from traditional IT operating models to AI-native enterprise models built around distributed intelligence, automation, data-driven decision-making, and continuous organizational adaptation. Participants will examine how leading organizations are redesigning workflows, governance structures, talent strategies, and technology ecosystems to enable scalable human-AI collaboration and enterprise-wide operational agility.
Instructor:
Anand Rao | Distinguished Service Professor, Heinz College; former Partner and Head of AI, PwC
This module examines the critical role of the Chief Information and Digital Officer (CIDO) in establishing enterprise-wide AI governance, assurance, and oversight capabilities that enable responsible, secure, compliant, and scalable adoption of artificial intelligence. As organizations increasingly operationalize generative AI, predictive analytics, autonomous systems, and agentic AI, CIDOs must build governance frameworks that balance innovation with risk management, regulatory compliance, trust, and business accountability. Participants will explore how leading enterprises are designing AI governance operating models, defining organizational accountability, and implementing controls across the AI lifecycle. The module emphasizes practical approaches for governing enterprise AI portfolios while ensuring transparency, fairness, cybersecurity, privacy, resilience, and regulatory readiness.
Instructor:
Honorable Dana Deasy | CIDO and SVP, Information Technology & Data Analytics, Boeing
This closing module focuses on putting all the pieces together, covering the practical leadership, management, and operational disciplines required to effectively run a modern CIDO organization at enterprise scale. Designed for senior technology and digital executives, the module examines how high-performing CIDO organizations are structured, managed, and continuously optimized to support business priorities, transformation execution, operational resilience, and innovation delivery. Participants will explore how CIDOs establish scalable organizational models, leadership systems, and operational rhythms that enable alignment across technology, digital, data, AI, cybersecurity, and business functions. The module emphasizes the importance of creating clear accountability structures, effective operating cadences, measurable performance systems, and adaptable organizational models capable of evolving alongside enterprise priorities.
- Finalize project deliverables
- Preparation for team presentations
- Delivery of final project presentations
- Student graduation
Benefits, Discounts, and the Fine Print
Future Modules Benefit
Graduates of the CIDO, CIO, and CDigitalO Certificate Program will have access to new CIDO Program modules created in the future, providing you with continuing education after the program ends. Approval is required.
Please note: This benefit does not extend to future CISO, CRO, or CDAIO program modules, unless the student is also a graduate of those programs.
MSIT Program Discount
Students who complete the CIDO Certificate Program and who subsequently apply for and are admitted into the Heinz College MSIT Degree Program are eligible for a tuition discount scholarship. Program costs that have been paid for completing any or all of the Heinz College Executive Education certificate programs (up to $40,000) by the individual student or their sponsor/employer will be matched with a tuition discount from the MSIT program—reducing the cost to complete the MSIT degree by up to $40,000.
In order to be considered, applicants to the MSIT program should indicate their enrollment status with the CIDO, CIO, CISO, CRO, CDAIO, and/or CDigitalO program(s) on the Application for Admission.
Please note: The tuition discount is only available once a student has completed all of the certificate program’s requirements. Completion of a certificate program does not guarantee admission to the MSIT program.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of 1/6 of the total program cost is required to reserve a seat in the program. Should a student withdraw from the program after the deposit has been paid but prior to the program start date, students may have 5/6 of the program costs either refunded to them or transferred to the following cohort of the program.
After the program start date, no refunds will be issued. However, under extenuating circumstances and with program director approval, students may petition to postpone their attendance to a future cohort and have 5/6 of the program costs applied accordingly.
Guest Lectures: Insights from Industry Leaders
To further enrich the CIDO Program, participants will have the opportunity to engage with industry experts, thought leaders, and practitioners through a series of robust guest lectures. These sessions will provide cutting-edge insights on critical and emerging topics, including:
- IT/Digital Maturity Assessments – This session explores leading frameworks and best practices for assessing enterprise maturity across technology, data, AI, cybersecurity, operations, governance, talent, and digital business capabilities. Participants will learn how to benchmark current-state performance, align maturity models to strategic objectives, develop actionable roadmaps, and use assessment insights to guide investment decisions, modernization efforts, and enterprise transformation strategies.
- Workforce Modernization/Talent Management Best Practices –The modern CIDO must build and lead a workforce that is adaptive, AI-enabled, and aligned to rapidly changing business priorities. This module explores best practices for workforce modernization, including digital talent strategy, skills transformation, organizational redesign, leadership development, workforce planning, and hybrid operating models. Participants will examine how leading organizations attract, retain, upskill, and organize technology talent while fostering a culture of innovation, agility, accountability, and continuous learning across the enterprise.
- IT Governance Best Practices –This session examines modern IT governance best practices, including decision rights, portfolio governance, operating models, performance management, policy frameworks, compliance oversight, and executive accountability. Participants will explore how leading organizations establish governance structures that improve transparency, accelerate decision-making, manage risk, optimize investments, and ensure technology initiatives deliver measurable business outcomes.
- Aligning IT Strategy with Business Objectives – Learn from CIDOs and business executives on how to ensure that IT investments, digital initiatives, and technology roadmaps are fully aligned with business goals and value creation.
- Effective Executive Influence and Communications – This session focuses on best practices for executive influence and communications, including board engagement, storytelling with data, stakeholder management, organizational alignment, crisis communications, and leading through change. Participants will learn how to communicate complex technology and AI initiatives in business terms, build credibility across the enterprise, influence executive decision-making, and drive adoption of strategic digital priorities.
These guest lectures will complement the core curriculum, ensuring that participants receive real-world perspectives, actionable strategies, and executive-level insights from those shaping the future of digital leadership.
Alumni Spotlight: Learning That Delivers
Shikhar Singh, Chief Technology Officer at Choice Bank, shares how the program shaped his approach to digital leadership & connected him to a network that continues to influence his work.
Why The CIDO Role Matters More Than Ever
- AI, automation, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics are reshaping every industry and business model.
- Organizations require leaders who can integrate technology, business strategy, and operational transformation into a unified enterprise vision.
- Digital-first and AI-enabled enterprises continue to outperform competitors in innovation, agility, operational efficiency, and customer engagement.
- Technology leadership increasingly requires cross-functional influence spanning operations, finance, risk, workforce strategy, and customer experience.
- Boards and executive teams now expect technology leaders to directly contribute to enterprise growth, resilience, and strategic decision-making.
The CMU Chief Information and Digital Officer (CIDO) Certificate Program prepares technology leaders to lead in this rapidly evolving environment. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum grounded in technology leadership, AI and data operations, enterprise modernization, governance, and executive strategy, participants will gain the knowledge, frameworks, and leadership capabilities needed to drive sustainable transformation and long-term organizational success.
Core Areas Of CIDO Leadership
- Digital Transformation and Enterprise Modernization–Lead enterprise-wide transformation initiatives that improve operational agility, customer experience, workforce productivity, and business innovation while modernizing legacy technology environments.
- Enterprise Technology and Cloud Strategy– Develop scalable technology strategies that align infrastructure modernization, cloud transformation, platforms, and enterprise architecture with long-term business objectives.
- Data, AI, and Enterprise Automation– Operationalize enterprise data capabilities, AI systems, and intelligent automation to improve decision-making, enhance operational performance, and enable scalable AI adoption across the organization.
- Cybersecurity, Risk, and Governance– Strengthen enterprise resilience through modern cybersecurity practices, risk management frameworks, AI governance, regulatory compliance, and effective IT governance structures.
- Digital Products, Platforms, and Ecosystems – Design and manage digital ecosystems, enterprise platforms, and customer-centric digital capabilities that drive innovation, collaboration, and business growth.
- Workforce Modernization and Organizational Leadership – Build adaptive, high-performing technology organizations through modern talent strategies, workforce transformation, leadership development, and AI-enabled operating models.
- Financial, Portfolio, and Vendor Management – Align technology investments with enterprise priorities through effective financial management, portfolio governance, vendor strategy, and measurable value realization.
- Executive Influence and Strategic Leadership – Strengthen executive communications, board engagement, stakeholder alignment, and enterprise influence to successfully lead large-scale transformation initiatives.
Not Sure The CIDO Program Is Right For You?
Explore our suite of executive education open-enrollment programs to find the one that best fits you:
- CDAIO Certificate (Chief Data And AI Officer)
- CISO Certificate (Chief Information Security Officer)
- CRO Certificate (Chief Risk Officer)
- LEAAID Certificate (Leading Enterprise Agentic AI Development Program)
Additionally, the Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) is our part-time online program for professionals seeking graduate degrees in IT; Heinz certificate program graduates are eligible for a MSIT tuition discount.
What's Next?
Have questions? Reach out to us to find out more:
- Email: heinzexeced@cmu.edu
- Phone: David Ulicne, Executive Director — 412-268-5543
- Phone: Emily Brown, Director — 412-268-6730
Check out our detailed program guide.
Ready to apply?
Contact Us
Heinz College Executive Education
Carnegie Mellon University
5000 Forbes Ave
Hamburg Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890
heinzexeced@cmu.edu