As the IT director for two major divisions of the University of Minnesota, Connie Buechele drives success through strategic vision and collaboration, which have been pivotal in driving efficiency and innovation. She’s established a clear IT mission, vision, and strategy that aligns with the university’s broader goals. Under her guidance, the IT departments have flourished, supporting more than 5,000 students, faculty members, and staff using functions such as help desk, instructional design, data reporting, and system development. Carlson school dean Jamie Prenkert says Buechele “leads with the perfect balance of expertise and humility, influences through quiet confidence, earns respect by ensuring her team is always providing the highest level of service, and helps her team members to develop and grow by empowering them to take on leadership opportunities.”