Timothy O’Rourke, Vice President of Computer and Information Services, announced today the appointment of Ken Ihrer as Computer Services’ Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for Temple University, effective June 6, 2005. As the University’s Chief Information Security Officer, he is responsible for the design, implementation, and testing of all security components of the University's information technology architecture. He is ultimately responsible for the University's IT security policies, standards, and guidelines.

Mr. Ihrer is a senior-level information security and privacy professional with success in management, design, and teaching. He has demonstrated effective leadership, strategy development, and execution. His past positions include: Senior Manager with Caremark Rx, Inc., National Security Practice Manager with Sprint E-Solutions, NOC Manager/Principal Analyst for the Dallas Independent School District, and Regional Technical Representative with Unisys Corporation.

Commenting on Ihrer’s appointment, Mr. O’Rourke said, “The security of our computer systems and telecommunication networks are of extreme importance to the operations of Temple University. Security is everyone’s responsibility and Mr. Ihrer brings with him the knowledge and management experience to set forth the vision and strategy to help us keep our systems, and the information contained within them, safe and secure.”

Relocating from Colleyville, Texas with his wife Debbie and three daughters, Mr. Ihrer has a degree in Management and Ethics from Dallas Christian College and is a Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP), a Certified HIPAA Professional, a Certified Cisco Network Associate, a Sun Systems Administrator, and a Red Hat Certified Engineer. His information security philosophy is a program built around people, processes, and technology. He believes the key to a strong security posture is a well-educated user community. “I look forward to the opportunity of working with Temple in realizing its vision of providing superior education. I plan on promoting a security program that protects the University's information assets while preserving our industry-recognized ability, and need to access information.”