The Information Technology Service Group (ITSG) has named three inaugural co-chairs: Sarah Christen, Laura Landphair, and Ashley Percey.  

This new co-chair structure -- with two representatives from distributed units and one from CIT -- creates a balanced leadership model that will enhance collaboration, strategic focus, and decision-making across IT. The co-chairs will serve staggered three-year terms. Debra Howell, Chris Hufnagel, and Laura Landphair led the effort to create the charter and implement this new structure.

The 25 ITSG directors play a critical role in the IT ecosystem, serving as the representatives of the distributed IT units across the Ithaca-supported campuses. Together with Cornell Information Technologies (CIT), they help shape IT strategy and priorities through collaboration, goal setting, and formal governance.  

The new ITSG co-chairs are tasked to: 

• Oversee the ITSG’s critical role in reviewing and prioritizing IT projects through the governance process
• Guide the ITSG’s strategic direction and facilitate collaboration among the distributed IT units and with CIT
• Lead the ITSG’s annual goal-setting process and ensure alignment with university priorities
• Serve as liaisons on the Chief Information Officer’s leadership team

About the Co-Chairs

Laura Landphair, Executive Director of Information Technology for the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business (one-year term: 2025-2026)

Laura leads a dynamic and diverse team that drives innovative technology solutions to support 21 degree programs, 3,200 students, more than 700 faculty and staff, and a four-diamond hotel property with multiple food and beverage outlets. The team's portfolio includes client services, classroom technology, enterprise systems, custom development, project management, infrastructure, security, and research, and spans multiple locations in Ithaca and New York City. Laura and her team provide IT solutions to support the college in delivering globally ranked business education.

Sarah Christen, Deputy Chief Information Officer (two-year term: 2025-2027)

Overseeing Infrastructure on both the Ithaca campus as well as the Weill Medical campus, Sarah has facilitated the ITSG meetings and discussions over the past several years and is looking forward to this newest iteration of ITSG.  

Ashley Percey, Director of Public Safety Communications and Technical Services (three-year term: 2025-2028)

Ashley oversees the day-to-day operations of the 911 center to include compliance with evolving public safety answering point (PSAP) requirements established by New York State. Additionally, her team oversees the technology for the Division of Public Safety, particularly the proprietary systems that support the university’s emergency and non-emergency operations.