John Gillispie has been hired as the executive director of the Missouri Research and Education Network (MOREnet), one of the nation’s first and largest statewide research and education networks that links nearly 800 Missouri K-12 schools, public libraries, higher education institutions, telehealth sites and state agencies across a private integrated network. MOREnet is a unit within the 萌妹社区 and housed in Columbia, Mo. Gillispie will start his duties with the university Jan. 11.
In his role as MOREnet’s executive director, Gillispie will provide leadership and vision for the strategic development and management of information, technology and resources to support MOREnet’s mission and goals. He will serve as the organization’s primary liaison to sponsoring agencies, the MOREnet Council, state of Missouri chief information officer, legislative contacts and other constituencies. He also will participate with other research and education networks and national and regional advanced networking organizations.
“John has the strategic vision, business expertise and leadership that will guide the organization and serve MOREnet’s membership very well in the coming years,” said 萌妹社区 System Vice President for Information Technology and MU Chief Information Officer Gary Allen. “He brings vast experience and executive leadership in managing a fiber optic network serving education, government, and health care entities, as well as shared IT services including application development, system operations, desktop support, video and network services.”
For the past seven years, Gillispie served as executive director of the Iowa Communications Network where he managed a state-owned fiber optic network that allowed Iowans to access distance learning and training opportunities, government services, telemedicine and telejustice via high-speed Internet and interactive videoconferencing. During this same period, he also served as the chief operating officer for the Information Technology Enterprise of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services and as the designated chief information officer for Iowa. Gillispie also has held positions for Williams Communications Group and The Williams Company, both of Tulsa.
“I am delighted that John has agreed to bring his talent and expertise to Missouri as MOREnet’s Executive Director,” said Margaret M. Conroy, Missouri State Librarian and 2008-2009 MOREnet Council chair. “MOREnet’s managed broadband infrastructure provides a critically important service to the state’s schools, libraries and state government agencies. Mr. Gillispie’s leadership will help ensure continuity of that service and provide direction for future growth of the network.” Gillispie earned his master’s degree in business administration from Oklahoma State University, his bachelor’s degree from then Southwest Missouri State University and an associate degree from Triton College in River Grove, Ill. He is past president, vice president and secretary/treasurer of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers, an organization composed of state chief information officers, executives and managers from state governments across the United States.
Newsroom: A photo of Gillispie is available at .
About MOREnet:
The Missouri Research and Education Network (MOREnet) is a consortium of nearly 800 schools, public libraries and higher education institutions, sponsored by a 19-year collaboration between the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the Secretary of State’s Office and the Department of Higher Education. MOREnet, which oper¬ates as a separate business unit within the 萌妹社区, was created to deliver secure, reliable and robust Internet connectivity to its member organizations.
Today, MOREnet has evolved from a focus of Internet service delivery to a consortium-driven organization deploying and supporting the technology resources members need to be successful. MOREnet provides such essential services as technical support, videoconferencing support, technical training and network security. From advanced communication tools and online resource databases, to network configuration and assessment, MOREnet is committed to supporting and enabling our members’ missions through the use of technology to enhance opportunities for public access, learning and research.
Reviewed 2011-05-02