Phil County
Executive Director, Technology and Knowledge Strategy
Phil County has over 30 years experience in Information Technology and Computer Science. His experience covers a broad spectrum of roles from academic, network engineer, senior manager and leader. His first role at VU was as Associate Director IT Networks and Computing in 1996 followed by the position of Director ITS in 2001.
In 2011 he took up the position of Executive Director, Technology and Knowledge Strategy to lead VU’s ICT strategy. His work involves, through institutional engagement, the development of relevant strategies that support the University’s vision and to respond to the technological challenges impacting teaching and learning, and research.
As a lecturer in Computer Science Phil's discipline included discrete mathematics plus software and network engineering, and especially the new (at the time) vision of a global Internet.
With a small group of university colleagues he was one of the architects for the original Australian Research Network, the precursor of both AARNet and Telstra's BigPond. After designing and implementing numerous complex networks he moved into management of ICT infrastructure.
In his previous role as Director of Information Technology Services, Phil's work focused on reproducible and reliable service delivery to University clients. Using a model of business engagement, the work was supported by an IT Advisory Network and measured through annual quality reviews and surveys.
In addition to such ICT governance models Phil progressively introduced changes to the organisational structure of IT. The vision was to deliver improved productivity, releasing resources for technological innovation. These efficiencies and productivity gains have allowed the University to successfully deliver many new initiatives under the direction of a Prince2 portfolio/project management framework, within tight funding criteria.
Over the years Phil has also undertaken numerous other professional activities covering the expected (e.g. Chair of Victorian Directors of IT) to the exotic (e.g. archaeologist and research bioengineer on the Cochlea implant team).
Contact details
- +61 3 9919 4182
- phil.county@vu.edu.au