Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) has solidified key leadership roles with the permanent appointment of Corey Weidner as Vice President of Administrative Services and the continued leadership of Justin Johnston as Chief Information Officer, reflecting the college’s commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and student success.
Weidner first stepped into the role as interim vice president in July 2024 following the retirement of longtime leader Herman Gonzalez. Since then, he has guided the division with steady leadership and a clear vision, earning the confidence of campus leadership and colleagues alike. His appointment to the permanent role marks a continuation of that momentum.
“Corey leads with humor, grace, and a singular focus on excellence,” said PVCC President Dr. Jana Schwartz. “I am certain Corey will continue to be a pillar of strength and will support and lead the Administrative Services Division to serve our campus well.”
Weidner’s journey at PVCC began in 1996 and evolved into a student worker role in 1998, launching a career that has grown alongside the institution.
“PVCC has been foundational to both my personal and professional journey,” Weidner said. “As a first-generation student, I understand the transformative power of education. It’s an honor to serve this college in a way that supports our students, empowers our teams, and strengthens the systems that make their success possible.”
Over the past three decades, Weidner has built a strong foundation in technology and leadership, holding a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and a Master of Science in Information Management from Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business. His career progression spans technical roles to executive leadership, with a focus on aligning systems, infrastructure, and operations to support the college’s academic mission.
Now overseeing a broad portfolio that includes Information Technology, Business Services, Human Resources, Facilities Operations, and Event Planning, Weidner emphasizes adaptability, collaboration, and empowering teams to deliver meaningful results. He credits much of his success to the colleagues and mentors who have supported him along the way, shaping both his leadership style and commitment to service.
Leadership Continuity in Information Technology
With Weidner’s transition, PVCC’s Chief Information Officer role is now led by Justin Johnston, whose leadership has ensured a seamless continuation of the college’s technology operations and strategy.
“Justin’s ability to step into this role so seamlessly and continue to serve PVCC in such a purposeful way has been instrumental,” Schwartz said. “Together, Corey and Justin represent the strength, stability, and forward-thinking leadership that will continue to move PVCC forward.”
Johnston brings more than 20 years of experience across information technology, audiovisual services, and project management in both public and private sectors. Since joining PVCC in 2020, he has led a wide range of IT functions, including service desk operations, classroom and AV technology, infrastructure, systems engineering, and web development.
In his role, Johnston oversees daily operations, mentors staff, manages budgets, and leads strategic planning efforts that support both teaching and learning. He also plays a key role in major campus construction and technology projects, helping design and implement systems that enhance the student and faculty experience.
Prior to PVCC, Johnston held leadership roles at other Maricopa County Community Colleges and in the private sector, where he managed large-scale projects for national clients, bringing valuable expertise in complex systems and cross-functional collaboration.
“Over the past six years at PVCC, it’s been an honor to work alongside such dedicated colleagues to support our students, faculty, and staff,” Johnston said. “I’m excited to build on the momentum of the last couple of years and continue enhancing the student learning experience, support innovation, and strengthen our technology systems and overall campus experience.”
Together, Weidner and Johnston bring deep institutional knowledge, technical expertise, and a shared commitment to service that will continue to strengthen PVCC’s operations and support its mission. As the college looks ahead, these leadership appointments signal a continued investment in people, systems, and strategies that empower students, faculty, and staff to succeed.