Babson CIO Patty Patria Earns ORBIE Award for Technology Leadership

Patty Patria poses for a photo with her ORBIE and the award presenter
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Led by Chief Information Officer Patty Patria, Babson College’s Information Technology Services Department (ITSD) has made a major impact on campus and become a technology leader in higher education over the past two years. 

Patria was honored recently for her leadership and ITSD’s transformative work, earning a prestigious 2024 ORBIE Award from BostonCIO

Patria earned the Nonprofit & Public Sector ORBIE for government, education, and nonprofit organizations. She was presented the award at a ceremony at the Westin Copley Place, alongside winners in six other categories, including tech leaders from John Hancock, Travelers, and L.L. Bean. 

“I’m shocked and honored. There are so many amazing CIOs in this room. This is such an incredible award and pleasure,” Patria said in her acceptance speech, thanking her team at Babson. “I have the best team in higher ed.” 

Under Patria’s leadership, ITSD also was named a CIO 100 Award winner earlier this year for its impressive advancements the past two years, including upgrading aging infrastructure, reducing institutional risk, developing an IT strategic road map, and implementing major classroom upgrades, helping to build a comprehensive AI strategy, among many other accomplishments. 


“I am grateful to work in an entrepreneurial environment with so many amazing colleagues that embrace innovation and change.”
Patty Patria, Babson Chief Information Officer

“Receiving this year’s Boston ORBIE was a great honor for me personally, but more importantly, it was a testament to the transformational work my team has achieved in the last two years, and I can’t thank them enough,” Patria said. “I am grateful to work in an entrepreneurial environment with so many amazing colleagues that embrace innovation and change.”  

Patria, who joined Babson in August 2022, also was a ORBIE finalist last year in the Corporate category. The annual ORBIE Awards program honors chief information officers and chief information security officers who have demonstrated excellence in technology leadership.  

“Great CIOs know technology moves fast, and connected leaders move faster, which makes the ORBIE Awards significant,” said Lee Anne Howe, BostonCIO chair. “Winners are selected by CIOs who understand the demands of technology leadership. Boston ORBIE Awards recognize the critical role IT leadership plays fostering innovation and driving the growth of New England’s leading companies.” 

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