On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, Clemson University’s Computing and Information Technology (CCIT) division kicked off its new leadership program for employees called the CCIT Emerging Leaders Institute (CELI). Employees were nominated by their supervisors to be part of the first cohort and were able to meet with CCIT leaders to discuss where they were headed over the coming nine months of participation in this program.
Brian Voss, vice president and chief information officer, said this new leadership program demonstrates an investment in future talent.
I am happy to welcome the first group to the CCIT Emerging Leaders Institute,” said Voss. “This program not only helps our staff develop an understanding of leadership but positions CCIT to have a pool of enlightened professionals ready to assume greater responsibility as our organization moves into the future.”
As part of this new program, employees will spend the next nine months diving into their leadership styles with various assessments, service opportunities, and a capstone project. Carla Rathbone, deputy chief information officer, said this program highlights how CCIT is invested in their employees and committed to fostering opportunities for their development as leaders and people.

“We are very excited to offer our first customized, in-house leadership program as a major focus area of our strategic plan to foster an organizational environment that provides opportunities for our staff,” Rathbone said. “People are our greatest asset and the investment in these programs is critical to their continued growth and the success of our organization.”
Marjorie Campbell, director of organizational effectiveness and special projects, said the launch of CELI is exciting and will offer exceptional growth opportunities to employees doing great work.
“In addition to the personal and professional development opportunities, this cohort will gain a deeper understanding of CCIT, Clemson University and the surrounding community,” Campbell said. “We are thrilled that CCIT leadership is investing so deeply in its greatest asset, our people.”
The first cohort includes the following CCIT employees by division area:
Network Services and Telecommunications
Edric Griffin, network edge manager
Brett LaBerdia, automation and wireless manager
Colton Keasler, inside plant manager
Brian Parker, network engineering manager
Research Computing and Data
Asher Antao, director of advanced computing and data services
Doug Dawson, director of cloud and software services
Nick Rengier, systems architect
Zach Jordan, HPC systems administrator
Application Services
Janeen Scott, systems programmer/developer IV
Jessica Jones, senior web developer
Jacob Miller, manager, application support
Samuel Urh, manager, enterprise workflow
Internal Operations
Becky Nelms, program manager II
DeeDee Fazzone, DHHS senior fiscal manager
Hannah Smith, account/fiscal analyst II
Jessica Martin, project manager II
Walker Massey, IT accessibility specialist
IT Infrastructure Operations
Jason Davis, systems programmer/developer IV
Allie Green, IDE developer
Customer Support Services
Karen Parker, team lead consultant
Casey Wallace, team lead consultant
Mike Slater, service desk manager
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