Modernizing Auxiliary Operations through Technology: A Strategic IT-Led Approach
Tracks
Information Technology
| Monday, January 12, 2026 |
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Salon C |
Overview
Salon C
Details
Auxiliary organizations are under growing pressure to modernize their operations amid expanding compliance requirements, complex labor models, and the rising expectations of a digitally native workforce. Many are still managing critical processes—such as student worker tracking, payroll, and labor distribution—through disconnected systems and manual workflows that create risk, inefficiency, and data silos.
This session explores how auxiliary IT leaders can drive cross-functional transformation by implementing integrated technologies that enhance operational agility, automate compliance tasks, and improve data-driven decision-making across departments.
You will hear directly from Thang Ho, Director of IT for Associated Students at Chico State, on how his team successfully unified systems and streamlined processes to deliver measurable outcomes across their organization. We will also share recent research from UKG on the role of AI and automation in frontline operations, along with workforce sentiment data that highlights how technology expectations are shifting across industries.
Speaker
Thang Ho
IT Director
Associated Students, CSU Chico
Modernizing Auxiliary Operations through Technology: A Strategic IT-Led Approach
Abstract
Auxiliary organizations are under growing pressure to modernize their operations amid expanding compliance requirements, complex labor models, and the rising expectations of a digitally native workforce. Many are still managing critical processes—such as student worker tracking, payroll, and labor distribution—through disconnected systems and manual workflows that create risk, inefficiency, and data silos.
This session explores how auxiliary IT leaders can drive cross-functional transformation by implementing integrated technologies that enhance operational agility, automate compliance tasks, and improve data-driven decision-making across departments.
You will hear directly from Thang Ho, Director of IT for Associated Students at Chico State, on how his team successfully unified systems and streamlined processes to deliver measurable outcomes across their organization. We will also share recent research from UKG on the role of AI and automation in frontline operations, along with workforce sentiment data that highlights how technology expectations are shifting across industries.
This session explores how auxiliary IT leaders can drive cross-functional transformation by implementing integrated technologies that enhance operational agility, automate compliance tasks, and improve data-driven decision-making across departments.
You will hear directly from Thang Ho, Director of IT for Associated Students at Chico State, on how his team successfully unified systems and streamlined processes to deliver measurable outcomes across their organization. We will also share recent research from UKG on the role of AI and automation in frontline operations, along with workforce sentiment data that highlights how technology expectations are shifting across industries.
Biography
Thang Ho is an experienced IT leader with over 20 years in technology management across higher education and large organizations. He serves as the Information Technology Director for the Associated Students at CSU Chico, where he leads all technology operations and drives innovation across multiple student-focused programs and services. Thang is known for modernizing systems, strengthening cybersecurity, and managing major upgrades in finance, HR, payroll, IT infrastructure, and cloud technologies.
Before his current role, he held leadership positions at OptumRx and United Healthcare, overseeing analytics, reporting, and large-scale technology projects. Thang was active on campus and community leadership, serving on several local boards and organizations.
Erika Sandoval
Principal Human Insights Program Manager
UKG
Modernizing Auxiliary Operations Through Technology: A Strategic IT-Led Approach
Abstract
Auxiliary organizations are under growing pressure to modernize their operations amid expanding compliance requirements, complex labor models, and the rising expectations of a digitally native workforce. Many are still managing critical processes—such as student worker tracking, payroll, and labor distribution—through disconnected systems and manual workflows that create risk, inefficiency, and data silos.
This session explores how auxiliary IT leaders can drive cross-functional transformation by implementing integrated technologies that enhance operational agility, automate compliance tasks, and improve data-driven decision-making across departments.
You will hear directly from Thang Ho, Director of IT for Associated Students at Chico State, on how his team successfully unified systems and streamlined processes to deliver measurable outcomes across their organization. We will also share recent research from UKG on the role of AI and automation in frontline operations, along with workforce sentiment data that highlights how technology expectations are shifting across industries.
This session explores how auxiliary IT leaders can drive cross-functional transformation by implementing integrated technologies that enhance operational agility, automate compliance tasks, and improve data-driven decision-making across departments.
You will hear directly from Thang Ho, Director of IT for Associated Students at Chico State, on how his team successfully unified systems and streamlined processes to deliver measurable outcomes across their organization. We will also share recent research from UKG on the role of AI and automation in frontline operations, along with workforce sentiment data that highlights how technology expectations are shifting across industries.
Biography
Erika Sandoval is a Global Senior Partner on UKG’s Human Insights team, which delivers technology-driven workforce research and analytics to help organizations navigate the future of work. With more than 15 years of experience across higher education and research-based institutions, she has led technology-enabled development programs and advanced initiatives focused on organizational and employee development, including efforts to close the digital divide for frontline campus employees. Her expertise sits at the intersection of people, purpose, and technology—supporting organizations as they navigate the next era of work. She received the University of Colorado Staff Council Service Excellence Award for her contributions to elevating and supporting frontline employees on campus and holds graduate degrees from the University of Birmingham (UK) and the University of Kansas, along with advanced certifications in DEI and professional development.
