2025 Chief Strategy Officer Roundtable

Please join EAB experts and Rice University Chief of Staff Ryan Kirksey for our second annual convening of chief strategy officers from leading institutions.

A growing number of presidents recognize the rising importance of a new executive role within leadership teams—that of a senior executive with the mandate to advance strategic efforts and drive change across campus. While titles vary, the directive bestowed upon these leaders is consistent—bridge the gap between the president’s vision and current realities, and grapple with long-term strategic imperatives while helping to solve immediate challenges.

This summit will focus on the evolving nature of this role and dive into the biggest threats and opportunities facing leaders in higher ed. It will also feature opportunities for rich discussion with peers from other leading institutions, access to new tools and frameworks to navigate the path forward, and an opportunity to shape EAB’s ongoing research agenda.

Throughout our two days together, we will:

• Discuss the expanding and often overlapping roles of the chief strategy officer and chief of staff
• Unpack the implications of today’s most pressing challenges, from the broad array of federal policy shocks to the impact of AI on the economy and careers
• Explore how your peers are leading cultural and organizational change in today’s increasingly unpredictable and contentious environment

Event Details

Audience: This session is limited to chief strategy officers and chiefs of staff.

For travel planning: The event will begin at 12:00 p.m. on October 21 and adjourn at 12:00 p.m. on October 22. EAB will host a dinner for attendees following the first day of presentations on October 21.

There is no registration cost associated with this meeting. Space is limited, so please indicate your interest by registering at your earliest convenience.

Please make your reservation at your earliest convenience, as space and rates are subject to availability. For alternative hotel information, contact us at [email protected].