About the Office of Information Technology

Brian studied Computer Science and Mathematics at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and has a Master of Business Administration degree from Belhaven University.  Brian serves on the executive advisory board for Atlanta Technology Professionals, the national advisory board for the Government Technology Special Districts Program, the Atlanta CIO advisory board,  the executive committees for the Technology Association of Georgia and GeorgiaCIO and was the first Black chairperson of both of those organizations.  Brian was the recipient of GeorgiaCIO’s 2023 CIO of the Year and TechBridge’s 2022 Ed Steinike CIO of the Year awards.  He was also selected as one of Government Technology's Top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers for 2021 and the Atlanta Technology Professional of the Year for 2020 among other distinctions.  Brian has authored and presented topics from leadership to cybersecurity and is regarded as one of the thought leaders in Atlanta’s technology ecosystem.  Brian is a technology evangelist with a passion for bridging the digital divide. 

Vette Jackson serves as the Associate Vice President of Information Management.  In this role, she oversees the daily operations of the department and serves as the main point of contact in the CIO’s absence.  Her team is responsible for the strategic management of information throughout its lifecycle, including but not limited to data creation, storage, usage, and retention. 

• Academic Technology 
• Governance, Risk & Compliance 
• IT Operations
• Technical Support

With over 30 years of experience in Information Technology, Vette brings a wealth of expertise to her position.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Valdosta State University and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western Governors University. She is also a Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Vette actively contributes to her field, serving on the Technology Association of Georgia’s Data Governance Society board.  In 2024, she was recognized as a nominee for the Atlanta Technology Professionals Emerging Leaders award.  Vette is also a published author as a contributor to Tools and Techniques for Aspiring College Presidents.     

Sean W.A. Vernon serves as the Associate Vice President of Information Services for the Office Of Information Technology, where he leads the strategic direction, operational management, and continuous evolution of the organization’s core technology infrastructure. 

With a focus on reliability, security, and innovation, Sean oversees a broad portfolio that includes enterprise network infrastructure, data connectivity, wireless internet access, telephony systems, cybersecurity operations, Transact door access control, and campus‑wide video surveillance. The Information Services team delivers mission‑critical systems with a strong commitment to uptime, safety, and operational excellence.

Sherrie Person serves as the Director of the Project Management Office (PMO) within the Office of Information Technology (OIT). She joined Clark Atlanta University in November 2024 and leads the university’s first formal PMO, establishing the structure, processes, and governance needed to support technology initiatives across the institution. 

In her role, Sherrie oversees project intake, prioritization, portfolio management, and cross-departmental coordination for major technology initiatives. She ensures that projects are aligned with institutional goals, supported by clear communication, and executed in collaboration with academic and administrative units. 

Primary Focus Areas: 

• Project Intake & Prioritization 
• Portfolio & Project Management 
• Governance & Standards 
• Strategic Planning & Alignment 
• Campuswide Collaboration & Communication 

Sherrie brings more than a decade of project leadership experience across higher education, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and technology-driven environments. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Georgia State University, is a Project Management Professional (PMP), and a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM). 

She is known for her ability to understand long-term institutional needs, anticipate challenges, and guide teams through complex projects with clarity and purpose. Sherrie also serves on the TAG Customer Experience (CX) board, contributing to the advancement of technology leadership and community engagement across Georgia.