2026 Community Leadership Award Recipient

Gayleen Gray

Associate Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, McMaster University

The 2026 EDUCAUSE Community Leadership Award is presented to Gayleen Gray, Associate Vice-President and Chief Technology Officer at McMaster University, in recognition of her sustained mentorship, service, and commitment to strengthening professional development, engagement, and collaboration across the higher education technology community.

Throughout her career, Gayleen has distinguished herself as a leader who strengthens people and communities. Her impact extends beyond her institution through her commitment to developing future leaders, fostering connections, and supporting shared work across the broader profession. Through governance, mentoring, and professional service, she has helped others learn, lead, and serve. Gayleen has advanced community leadership through the following contributions:

• Advanced collaboration among technology leaders as Board Chair of the Canadian University Council of CIOs (CUCCIO), helping strengthen a national community of practice focused on shared challenges and strategic priorities, including cybersecurity, digital transformation, and technology leadership.
• Helped develop the next generation of leaders through CUCCIO's Leadership Development Program and Information Security Leadership Development Program. Since these programs launched, approximately 185 participants have graduated, with 38 percent moving on to senior leadership positions, including CIO and CISO roles.
• Supported leadership growth across the profession as an EDUCAUSE Institutes faculty member, conference presenter, mentor, and instructor, helping emerging and midcareer professionals build management skills and navigate complex organizational environments.
• Contributed to sector-wide advancement through leadership and advisory roles with EDUCAUSE, CANARIE, and ORION, as well as participation in professional conferences and forums that promote knowledge sharing and peer learning.

Through these efforts, Gayleen has built lasting support networks that continue to strengthen the higher education technology profession.

Gayleen has also provided strategic leadership to the profession through service with EDUCAUSE. As a member of the EDUCAUSE Board of Directors, she helped shape the strategic direction of the association during a period of significant change in higher education technology. Her engagement as a mentor, speaker, and community leader has created opportunities for professional growth and connection across institutions.

Colleagues describe Gayleen as a thoughtful, trusted, and respected leader who creates opportunities for others to succeed. She is widely recognized for building strong relationships, encouraging participation, and fostering environments grounded in trust, shared learning, and mutual support.

Gayleen Gray's accomplishments reflect the spirit of service, collaboration, and excellence celebrated by the EDUCAUSE Community Leadership Award.