Amanda Fratticcioli
Executive Director for the Office of the CIO and Operations on an unconventional path from criminology to IT leadership — and why she believes you should never wait until you feel ready.
An unconventional path — and exactly the right one.
Amanda Fratticcioli serves as Executive Director for the Office of the CIO and Operations, overseeing Communications, HR, Finance, Operations, Business Services, and Digital Strategy for Enterprise Technology. Her career didn't follow a straight line — and that's precisely what makes her good at what she does.
Amanda Fratticcioli did not plan to work in IT. She studied criminology, thought she'd go into law enforcement, and spent her early career at a pediatric therapy practice and lululemon before landing in higher education IT at Northeastern University — where she eventually crossed paths with UT's own CIO. When the opportunity at UT came up, she was drawn in by something she hadn't felt at an urban campus: the kind of community and school pride that reminds her of her own college days.
What is your role in Enterprise Technology?
I serve as Executive Director for the Office of the CIO and Operations. My portfolio includes Communications, Human Resources, Finance, Operations, Business Services, and Digital Strategy and Web. At a high level, my job is to make sure our people, processes, and resources are aligned so Enterprise Technology can deliver at scale.
- Communications, led by Amanda Walker, with support from Stephen Gray and our student staff
- Human Resources, led by Somia
- Business Office, led by Angela Brandt, supporting infrastructure projects and operational readiness
- Digital Strategy and Web, where I'm partnering with Steve and Paul Grotevant's team to shape our long-term web strategy
- Operations, led by Connie Lobb, overseeing contracts, purchasing, onboarding, and financial transactions
- Finance, where I work with Chris and Peter — and where I'm currently leading a search for a Director of Financial Strategy and Chief Business Officer
How did you get here?
My path into IT and higher education wasn't traditional — and honestly, it wasn't planned. I grew up in southern New Jersey and attended West Virginia University, where I studied Criminology and minored in Communication. I originally thought I'd pursue law enforcement, but my coursework in organizational communication opened my eyes to how organizations work and how people, systems, and strategy come together.
My first role after college was at a pediatric speech and occupational therapy practice, where I managed administrative and operational processes and worked directly with families during very vulnerable moments. That experience grounded me — it reminded me that while we may not be saving lives in IT, the work we do still deeply impacts people.
I also spent time at lululemon, holding a leadership role while working another full-time job. That experience taught me the value of customer service, operational rigor, and people leadership. Lululemon placed a strong emphasis on personal development, goal-setting, and community — and that philosophy has stayed with me throughout my career.
I later joined Northeastern University, where leaders trusted me with opportunities that stretched me well beyond my role. I started in an operational capacity but quickly moved into strategic work — supporting executive leadership, leading major AV and renovation projects, managing operational teams, supporting mergers and acquisitions, and helping rebuild IT's internal knowledge base in ServiceNow. Those experiences gave me a deep appreciation for how IT enables institutions to grow and better serve their communities.
Why the University of Texas?
When I learned about this opportunity and looked more closely at UT, I immediately felt a strong sense of community and pride. It reminded me of my time at West Virginia University — where campus culture, connection, and shared purpose really matter. That's something I didn't experience in the same way at an urban campus like Boston.
Every day, I genuinely feel proud to be here, proud to wear burnt orange, and proud to be part of the Longhorn community.
What's the best advice you've received?
Keep learning, but don't wait to be "ready." Technology evolves quickly, and growth doesn't come from knowing everything — it comes from being willing to step forward, ask questions, and learn along the way. Speak up, take up space, and trust that your experience adds value.
"Everybody is someone. It doesn't matter if someone works in networking or leadership — I treat them all the same and keep learning from their perspectives. Some of my best experiences came from collaborating with the networking team on projects most people would overlook."
How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by the people and the impact of the work. What really drives me is seeing ideas turn into action — when strategy, operations, and people come together to create something better for the campus. Even when the work is complex, knowing that what we do supports students, faculty, and staff keeps me grounded and energized. Higher education and technology are always evolving, and being part of that growth keeps the work exciting and meaningful.