Alumna Patricia Rios-Haniger, Strategic Leader in Business and Community Development, Elected to Illinois Tech Board of Trustees

CHICAGO—November 13, 2023—Patricia Rios-Haniger (BA ’85, M.B.A ’88), marketing director at KPMG, LLP, has been elected to the Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) Board of Trustees. She will bring her experience and passion to  bridging technology innovation, education and  business partnerships to champion Illinois Tech’s mission to develop the next generation of leaders and innovators.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve Illinois Tech, which has played a pivotal role in shaping my professional and personal journey,” said Rios-Haniger. “The convergence of technology and business is creating new opportunities to empower students and emerging leaders by developing new paths to access education, lifelong learning opportunities, scholarships, mentorships, and internships”. Rios-Haniger's notable achievements during her 15-year tenure at KPMG include leading Technology, Media, and Telecommunications global marketing for a decade and launching the Tech Innovation Center in 2012 to develop a network of Fortune 500 and startup leaders to assess the impact of emerging technologies. Prior to KPMG, she made significant contributions at Oracle Corporation, Sun Microsystems, and JPMorgan Chase & Co., focusing on marketing, business development, and sales strategies. Her career success has consistently revolved on fostering strategic partnerships and embracing technology innovation.

“With Patricia’s election to the Board of Trustees, Illinois Tech continues to be enriched by the formidable expertise and insight our alumni bring to our community,” said Illinois Tech President Raj Echambadi. “Patricia exemplifies how Illinois Tech empowers our students for future success, creating leaders who not only excel in their fields but also leverage their expertise for the greater good. Her profound understanding of the global technology landscape, coupled with her commitment to advancing meaningful business partnerships, will be instrumental to Illinois Tech’s continuing mission to advance technology and innovation for all.”

Rios-Haniger's dedication to community development is evident through her involvement with the Hispanic Technology Executive Council (HITEC). She was recognized for her leadership with the HITEC Member of the Year Award in 2020, having played a crucial role in establishing the partnership between KPMG and HITEC and driving new programs to support HITEC’s mission. She joined the HITEC Foundation Board in 2018 and is the HITEC Corporate Advisory Board co-chair since 2021. 

As a leader, Rios-Haniger leverages her personal and professional relationships to develop new opportunities for students in underserved communities to create a more equitable future. She champions youth preparation for the digital economy through her role as an advocate of the Cristo Rey High School National Network and co-leading the KPMG partnership with the Cristo Rey San Jose High School. Rios-Haniger received the Points of Light recognition for her dedication to civic engagement in the community in 2022.  

“Patricia’s leadership in growing opportunities for all within the technology field is inspiring,” said Illinois Tech Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Kenneth Christensen. “At Illinois Tech we’re working to launch our students’ careers and develop leaders who will solve the world’s most pressing problems. These complex, multidisciplinary problems require diverse perspectives to develop the right solutions. I’m thrilled that Patricia will be bringing her insights and vast experience to our board.”

Rios-Haniger is also a member of Illinois Tech’s Stuart School of Business Board of Advisors; and from 2012–18 she served on the selection committee of the World Economic Forum Technology Pioneers.

“I look forward to welcoming an accomplished and inspirational leader such as Patricia to the board,” said Michael P. Galvin (LAW ’78), chair of the Board of Trustees. “Her multifaceted achievements—from pioneering technology strategies to uplifting underserved communities—promise a vibrant future for Illinois Tech and our student community.”

Photo: Patricia Rios-Haniger

Illinois Institute of Technology

Based in the global metropolis of Chicago, Illinois Tech was born to liberate the power of collective difference to advance technology and progress for all. It is the only tech-focused university in the city, and it stands at the crossroads of exploration and invention, advancing the future of Chicago and the world. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, computing, architecture, business, design, science and human sciences, and law. Illinois Tech students are guaranteed hands-on experiences, personalized mentorship, and job readiness through the university's one-of-a-kind Elevate program. Its graduates lead the state and much of the nation in economic prosperity. Its faculty and alumni built the Chicago skyline. And every day in the living lab of the city, Illinois Tech fuels breakthroughs that change lives. Visit iit.edu.

Media contacts

Petra Kelly
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Illinois Institute of Technology
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Howard J. Lee
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Illinois Institute of Technology
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