The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is pleased to announce the selection of two new executive leaders–Dr. Jess Evans as the Chief Information Officer (CIO), and Blair L. Barfuss as the Chief of Police.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Evans and Mr. Barfuss to our organization,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, MCCCD Chancellor. “Both are highly accomplished leaders whose expertise will help strengthen business processes and drive innovation.”
Advancing IT Solutions
Renowned for her expectational leadership in digital transformation, business strategy, data science, and cybersecurity, Dr. Evans brings extensive experience that extends to next-generation technology initiatives. These include advanced analytics, generative AI, quantum computing, software-defined networks, infrastructure-as-code, cloud-first/cloud-native, and agile development practices.
“I am honored to be a member of the executive leadership team at the Maricopa County Community College District. I look forward to partnering with my fellow MCCCD colleagues across the 10 colleges and within the district office to stabilize, optimize, and advance the technology landscape across the district,” said Dr. Evans.
Most recently, Dr. Evans served as the Vice President of Strategic Services for Higher Digital. She has also held executive positions as Chief Information Officer at Vanderbilt University, Chief Operating Officer for Information Technology and Deputy Chief Information Officer at Arizona State University, and IT Executive Director at Case Western Reserve University. Additionally, she has led several technology teams across the banking, insurance, manufacturing, and consulting sectors.
Her innovative approach has been recognized with global awards like "Most Influential Women in Tech 2022" cover story from World Leaders Magazine, Top 100 Women in Technology 2021 from Technology Magazine, and has a lifetime appointed fellowship as a “Design and Innovation Fellow” from Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Evans earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems from Kent State University and a Ph.D. in designing sustainable systems from Case Western Reserve University.
Dr. Evans succeeds Gordon Wishon, who has served as the Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Information Officer since April 2024.
Committed to Campus Safety
Chief Barfuss, known for his community-focused, data-driven approach to policing, will lead the MCCCD Police Department. He has a reputation for creating safe, inclusive, and supportive environments that serve the diverse needs of campus communities. Through transparency and collaboration, Barfuss utilizes current industry and legal best practices and agency accreditation to support students, faculty, staff, and community members, leading to recognition as Chief of the Year by the Utah Chiefs of Police Association and Chief of the Year by the Fraternal Order of Police.
“I am excited to join the men and women of the Maricopa County Community Colleges District Police Department and work collaboratively with all campus community members to enhance our safety efforts district-wide,” said Chief Barfuss.
With more than two decades of experience in law enforcement leadership, Barfuss previously served as Chief of Police at Utah Tech University, Utah State University, and Riverton City.
A graduate of the FBI National Academy, he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia University and a master’s degree in human resources with an emphasis on organizational management from Utah State University.
He succeeds Chief David Denlinger, who retired from MCCCD earlier this year.
Dr. Evans and Chief Barfuss assumed their positions on November 18, 2024.
Learn more at maricopa.edu.