PRESS RELEASES

Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES) Places Chief Information Officer at Central New Mexico Community College

(May 7, 2026, WEST HARTFORD, CT) Following a national search, Academic Career & Executive Search (ACES), a leading higher education focused executive search firm, is pleased to announce the successful placement of Chris Ament, securing the role as the next Chief Information Officer at the Central New Mexico Community College.

Chris Ament is currently the CIO at Ohio University, where he has led institution-wide efforts to improve the student and employee experience and reposition IT as a strategic partner to the institution.  He brings a strong track record of leading large-scale system modernization, aligning technology with institutional priorities, and building high-performing teams that enhance student and employee experience.  Chris received his MBA from the University of Minnesota and spent more than a decade there in a range of IT leadership roles with broad enterprise responsibilities, including academic technology and user support.  He has also periodically taught courses, helping him stay connected to the academic mission and the student and faculty experience. Reporting directly to the President, Chris will serve as a trusted advisor to the President and Executive Cabinet and engage with the Governing Board on technology strategy, digital risk, and institutional readiness. As a cabinet-level executive, he will modernize enterprise platforms, strengthen digital foundations, and deliver measurable improvements in institutional performance, shaping CNM’s future and leaving a lasting institutional legacy.

As the institution with the largest undergraduate student body in New Mexico, CNM provides affordable education to over 30,000 learners and offers rewarding career opportunities to over 2,000 faculty and staff. Over the last decade, CNM has consistently enrolled the largest undergraduate student body in the state. In U.S. Department of Education statistics, CNM consistently ranks among the top five two-year colleges nationwide for the number of associate degrees and certificates awarded to both Hispanics and Native Americans. CNM also consistently ranks among the top 10 for total associate degrees and certificates awarded to all students. CNM currently offers Associate of Arts, Associate of Science and Associate of Applied Science degrees, as well as many certificate programs and non-credit certifications and licensures. CNM has nine locations for easy student access across CNM’s District, including seven campuses. The campuses are in each quadrant of Albuquerque, and one in nearby Rio Rancho.

Affordable Excellence 

Academic Career & Executive Search, a higher education focused search firm, specializes in affordable excellence, providing perfectly matched candidates to institutions quickly and accurately. Their methodologies, based on frequent touchpoints, pinpoint ideal candidates with speed and meticulous care resulting in highly successful placements.

They offer flexible service/pricing levels for all positions, ensuring affordability.

Contact Jennifer Muller, Managing Partner, at 860-740-2600 or Jennifer@ACESrch.com, or visit https://acesrch.com/.