Phil Komarny, vice president for Computer and Information Technology at Seton Hill University, was selected by the Pittsburgh Technology Council in the non-profit category as a finalist for the 2011 CIO of the Year. Komarny was recognized at the CIO of the Year Awards on April 6, 2011, at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa.

In his role as vice president for Computer and Information Technology, Komarny has served as the institutional catalyst in initiatives which have positioned Seton Hill as a leader in strengthening learning through the use of mobile technology. In addition to providing daily support of the University’s entire technology infrastructure, Komarny develops new software and website applications and manages institutional use of Facebook, Twitter, blogs and podcasts.

“It’s wonderful to receive recognition for something I love to do. Nothing is quite as rewarding as recognition from your peers, so this award is even more meaningful to me,” said Komarny. “Gratefully, at Seton Hill, I have had support and encouragement from our entire campus community to deliver the best technology to our students.”

Seton Hill University President JoAnne Boyle added, “With Phil’s leadership, we are working to transform the way faculty teach and the way students learn. The fast, dependable, comprehensive and mobile services which the University provides will help students be better at almost anything. They will be more proficient at compiling and organizing data, conducting research, publishing and presenting information, accessing information and judging and making decisions.”

Seton Hill University is the first university nationwide to provide an iPad to every full-time student and has been recognized by IvyWise, a New York-based counseling company, as one of five universities in the country as a leader in mobile technology. Seton Hill’s network includes Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP system), a new 300-access point wireless network and a quadrupling of the internet bandwidth. In addition to the iPad, students receive a MacBook Pro and have access to a Certified Apple Service Center, a robust technology infrastructure and faculty trained in the use of advanced technologies inside and outside the classroom.

Komarny, of Greensburg, Pa., is the co-founder and owner of the first internet start-up company in western Pennsylvania, NuMedia Design, Inc., which specializes in website development for the virtual market of sports, entertainment and higher education. Komarny founded the company in 1992. Prior to his work at Seton Hill, Komarny served as manager of internet services at Chatham University. Komarny shares his expertise and talents with the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Great Allegheny Passage and the Allegheny Trail Alliance.

The CIO of the Year Awards are presented by the Pittsburgh Technology Council to honor individual technology executives for their innovation and creativity and deployment of enterprise systems, future IT goals, management philosophy, corporate culture and service to the industry and community.