Elon IT’s Gary Sheehan is stepping into a statewide leadership role as president of the new Cloud Security Alliance Piedmont Area Chapter, promoting smarter, safer cloud computing and expanding Elon’s presence in the broader cybersecurity community.

Gary Sheehan, Elon University’s information security director, has been named president of the newly formed Piedmont Area Chapter of the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), a global organization dedicated to promoting cloud security best practices.
The chapter, which joins CSA’s Triangle and Charlotte chapters as one of three in North Carolina, will serve as a regional hub for education, collaboration, and leadership in secure cloud computing. Sheehan’s appointment expands his leadership in the national cybersecurity community and elevates Elon’s presence in the evolving landscape of cloud and information security.
“This opportunity supports Elon’s broader commitment to digital safety, innovation, and collaboration,” said Sheehan. “As our systems and data continue to live and grow in the cloud, Elon’s involvement in these national conversations helps ensure that our approach to cybersecurity remains forward-thinking, community-driven, and rooted in industry best practices.”
The CSA is the world’s leading organization focused on defining and raising awareness of best practices to ensure a secure cloud computing environment. It brings together experts from industry, education and government to provide research, training, and community support, including one of the most widely adopted cloud security certifications worldwide.
As chapter president, Sheehan will:
- Build and grow regional membership
- Promote cloud security awareness and education in the Piedmont region
- Lead community events and training programs
- Encourage professional development and collaboration across sectors
- Represent Elon in a broader network of IT and cloud security leaders
“I’m looking forward to building new partnerships with professionals across the region, and bringing that knowledge and perspective back to Elon,” Sheehan added. “Strong communities are what make strong security possible.”
The Piedmont Area Chapter will host its inaugural meeting on Sept. 10, welcoming members from across higher ed, industry and government.