In this study, I focus on higher education CIOs, their role in the organization, and how this role differs when the CIO is a member of the executive leadership team. Four hundred fifty (450) CIOs of mid-sized, private four-year colleges received a survey, and 51 respondents provided information about their role and perspectives. I interviewed six CIOs on the president's cabinet and six not on the president's cabinet, and used qualitative analysis to compare experiences of individuals in the two case groups. CIOs on the leadership team described different opportunities and approaches than CIOs not on the leadership team. Both groups reported significant benefit to being on the president's cabinet but cited the role of the president or supervisor as being more important. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]