UBIT Cabinet Leadership

716-645-7979
htuttle@buffalo.edu

Prior to joining UB as Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Heath V. Tuttle, Ph.D. was Associate Vice President for Information Technology for the University of Nebraska system and Chief Information Officer at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. A University of Nebraska alumnus, Heath began his professional career with the University of Nebraska in 2003.

Heath led the University of Nebraska system’s Digital Transformation initiative, which resulted in more effective and efficient teaching and learning technologies, processes and support, and improved business and operational processes. He also led the university’s transition of cloud-based learning systems, implemented a campus-wide student email system, guided the remodeling and technology upgrades in 150 general purpose classrooms, and led initiatives on improving diversity, equity and inclusion in IT at UNL. 

His other UNL roles included Assistant Vice Chancellor for Information Technology, Interim Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Analytics, Director and Assistant Director of Academic Technologies, Coordinator of the Technology Transforming Teaching initiative and Instructional Technology Specialist. Heath began his career as a teacher in both high school and college before transitioning into IT.

Heath received a doctorate in instructional technology and online learning from UNL in 2012. He received a master’s degree in organizational communication from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2000 and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Chadron State College in 1995.

716-645-5344
kellyd@buffalo.edu

Prior to joining the University at Buffalo, Kelly served as Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at Daemen University. During her 17 years at Daemen, she oversaw a diverse portfolio of large-scale IT projects and provided vision, leadership and innovation for the university in all areas related to information technology, including both academic and administrative applications. 

Kelly’s work at Daemen included leading enterprise-wide initiatives to strengthen information security practices, modernize network infrastructure, and advance disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities, helping position technology as a strategic enabler of institutional priorities. Kelly was also a valued member of Daemen’s executive leadership team, collaborating with senior leaders across the institution to guide digital transformation efforts and support long-term strategic goals.

Kelly has a master’s degree in management from Colorado State University in addition to a bachelor’s degree in computer Science from Canisius University, and is a graduate of the Western New York Consortium of Higher Education’s Women’s Leadership Institute.

Kelly's UBIT portfolio includes IT Customer Experience, Enterprise Application Services and Innovation.

716-645-4767
jgrupp@buffalo.edu

Serving as Assistant Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Joe leads the university’s enterprise information security program and cybersecurity strategy in support of UB’s academic, research, and clinical missions.

Joe brings broad experience across enterprise IT, research computing, and regulated clinical environments. Since joining UBIT, he has held a range of technical and leadership roles spanning application development, infrastructure, and enterprise systems. His work has included supporting large‑scale administrative platforms, leading system administration and database teams, and helping advance the university’s use of secure, modern technologies.

Notably, Joe played a key role in supporting the School of Dental Medicine’s transition from paper‑based patient records to a fully electronic medical system, strengthening both operational efficiency and compliance in a highly regulated clinical setting. He later returned to UBIT leadership, where he managed Windows, Linux, and database teams supporting enterprise infrastructure and services.

As CISO, Joe is responsible for cybersecurity governance, risk management, security architecture, policy and standards, incident response, and compliance programs across the university. He currently serves as the VPCIO‑designated HIPAA Privacy and Security Officer and as Chair of the Information Security and Privacy Advisory Council (ISPAC), partnering closely with campus leadership to align security practices with institutional priorities and regulatory requirements.

Prior to his civilian career, Joe spent ten years in the United States Air Force, an experience that continues to shape his disciplined, mission‑focused approach to leadership and risk management. He holds an MBA from the University at Buffalo, along with degrees in Computer Science and Aerospace Maintenance from the U.S. Air Force and Management Information Systems from Bellevue University.

Joe’s UBIT portfolio includes Information Security, Research IT, and Identity & Access Management. 

716-645-5804
ericklap@buffalo.edu

Prior to joining UB as Unit Business Officer, Eric served as Executive Director of Tapestry Charter School in Buffalo, where he led the transformation and expansion of the dynamic K-12 institution, aligning strategic planning, fiscal responsibility, community engagement and academic accountability. Under Eric’s leadership, Tapestry significantly expanded its enrollment, showcased consistent academic and programmatic growth and executed a multi-million-dollar Great Arrow Campus Master Plan, which included the construction and financing of new school buildings and a state-of-the-art athletic complex. Eric managed annual budgets, secured funding for capital projects, and fostered a culture of collaboration and innovation within the organization.

Prior to his tenure as Executive Director, Eric served as Chief Operating Officer at Tapestry Charter School, overseeing financial operations, resource planning, compliance, facilities management, and IT infrastructure development.  Eric’s career also includes consulting roles with The Whelan Group, Inc., where he advised organizations on capacity building, financial modeling, and strategic planning, as well as leadership positions in development and fundraising with the Association of Community Employment Programs for the Homeless in New York City. His diverse experience extends internationally, having worked in Kenya on sustainable development initiatives with Maasai and Samburu communities.

Eric holds a Master’s in Management from University College Dublin’s Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School in Ireland and is a proud alumnus of St. Lawrence University, where he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Government and African Studies.

Eric’s UBIT portfolio includes Finance, Human Resources, Administrative Operations and Strategic Portfolio Management.