Scott Cann named VP for Information Technology Services
Scott Cann, associate vice president for systems and services in Information Technology Services, has been named vice president for ITS, effective April 1. He succeeds Michael Bourque, who announced in November that he was retiring this March after 23 years of service.
A respected information technology executive with 25 years of leadership experience, Cann has earned a reputation at BC as a highly collaborative leader with broad technical knowledge and proven experience in strategic planning, supervising large-scale projects, and managing change in the ever-evolving world of information technology.
Executive Vice President Michael Lochhead said Cann was chosen after an extensive search that included chief information and technology officers at peer universities and for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.
"In preparing for the search process for the next vice president for Information Technology Services, we knew we needed to find a leader who not only understood the mission of Boston College but could help advance it through their work and leadership,” said Lochhead.
“Further, it was paramount that we find someone who could help ensure stability and continuity and maintain the momentum of the ITS organization. Scott Cann was the logical choice and someone whom I have great confidence in to help sustain the customer-focused community within ITS. I look forward to working with Scott in this new capacity in the coming years on many important projects and issues affecting Boston College."
“ I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the University in this new capacity, and I am so appreciative of the dedicated and talented ITS team that I have worked with these past 13 years. Since I arrived at Boston College, my focus has been on providing the essential technology and services to our incredible faculty, students, and staff. I look forward to strengthening our relationships and working together to fulfill the University’s mission. ”
AS AVP of ITS since 2023, Cann led a team of 225 and was responsible for a broad portfolio of technologies and services in functions ranging from applications and systems operations to support services and research computing. He oversaw a portfolio of 300 applications, including PeopleSoft and Eagle Apps Student Information System, while supervising ITS’ systems and network teams. He also worked closely with cybersecurity partners within the division and with community partners to advance artificial intelligence innovation at Boston College.
In addition, he worked extensively with faculty across the University with the Faculty Technology Contacts group and as a member of the Academic Technology Advisory Board.
Prior to his appointment as AVP, he served as ITS technology director from 2012-2023, directing services in research, computing, and statistics and analysis, as well as technology consultation and multimedia creative services.
Cann said he was honored to be named vice president and to lead a division that touches every aspect of University life at Boston College.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the University in this new capacity, and I am so appreciative of the dedicated and talented ITS team that I have worked with these past 13 years,” said Cann. “Since I arrived at Boston College, my focus has been on providing the essential technology and services to our incredible faculty, students, and staff. I look forward to strengthening our relationships and working together to fulfill the University’s mission.”
Before joining Boston College, Cann worked in Information Services at Northeastern University and at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington. He began his career as a general manager at Kashmir Studios, a New Hampshire-based music and software distribution firm.
A graduate of the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Cann received a master’s degree in higher education administration from Boston College. He lives in Sudbury with his wife, Raquel, and four children.
“Boston College has been such a central part of our family life,” said Cann. “More than anywhere else in my career, I have derived a real sense of purpose working at BC. I feel privileged to be a part of something so meaningful and important and look forward to the work that lies ahead.”