Software Engineering Institute Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Software Engineering Institute has 5 executives leading key functions including technology strategy, financial operations, software architecture research, administrative management, and technical oversight.

Dedicated to advancing software engineering practices, Software Engineering Institute fosters innovation through rigorous academic research and practical application in software architecture, risk assessment, and security.

Leadership Roles at Software Engineering Institute

  • Chief Financial Officer - Heidi Magnelia
  • Senior Administrator To Chief Financial Officer and FABS Team - Jennifer Recklein
  • Chief Technology Officer - Thomas Longstaff
  • SEI Fellow, Office of the Chief Technology Officer - Linda Northrop
  • Deputy Chief Technology Officer - Roman Danyliw
  • Heidi Magnelia - Chief Financial Officer

    Heidi Magnelia, the Chief Financial Officer at Software Engineering Institute, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for all research and educational initiatives. Overseeing the budgetary requirements for software architecture programs, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial planning supports long-term institutional growth. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to optimize funding for software security research projects. By implementing rigorous financial controls, Heidi Magnelia maintains the stability necessary for the institute to pursue high-impact academic endeavors. The Chief Financial Officer monitors revenue streams and grant distributions to ensure alignment with the core mission of the organization. Through strategic financial oversight, Magnelia supports the expansion of educational offerings, providing the necessary capital to sustain the institute's reputation for excellence in software engineering across the United States and beyond.
    Heidi Magnelia

    Jennifer Recklein - Senior Administrator To Chief Financial Officer and FABS Team

    Jennifer Recklein, the Senior Administrator To Chief Financial Officer and FABS Team at Software Engineering Institute, coordinates the operational workflows and administrative support for the financial division. Overseeing the daily activities of the FABS team, the Senior Administrator To Chief Financial Officer and FABS Team ensures that financial reporting and administrative processes function with maximum efficiency. This leadership role involves managing the communication flow between the finance department and other key institutional stakeholders. By streamlining internal procedures, Jennifer Recklein supports the Chief Financial Officer in maintaining accurate fiscal oversight for all software engineering research programs. The Senior Administrator To Chief Financial Officer and FABS Team facilitates the successful execution of administrative tasks that underpin the institute's educational mission. Through meticulous attention to operational detail, Recklein enables the finance team to focus on strategic resource management, ultimately contributing to the overall stability of the organization's research operations.

    Thomas Longstaff - Chief Technology Officer

    Thomas Longstaff, the Chief Technology Officer at Software Engineering Institute, directs the overarching technical vision and research agenda for the organization. Overseeing the integration of advanced software security protocols, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that all academic research aligns with modern industry requirements. This leadership role involves managing complex software architecture projects that define the standard for secure systems development. By bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical application, Thomas Longstaff drives the development of robust frameworks for risk assessment. The Chief Technology Officer maintains constant collaboration with the broader university research community to push the boundaries of software engineering. Through the implementation of cutting-edge technical strategies, Longstaff secures the institute's position as a global leader in software security and architecture, ultimately enhancing the reliability of critical infrastructure across North American and international markets.

    Linda Northrop - SEI Fellow, Office of the Chief Technology Officer

    Linda Northrop, the SEI Fellow, Office of the Chief Technology Officer at Software Engineering Institute, architects advanced methodologies for software architecture and system design. Overseeing the development of specialized research frameworks, the SEI Fellow, Office of the Chief Technology Officer ensures that complex software engineering principles remain accessible for academic and industry application. This leadership role involves mentoring research teams and providing technical guidance on high-stakes software security projects. By synthesizing decades of expertise, Linda Northrop drives the creation of innovative standards that influence global software development practices. The SEI Fellow, Office of the Chief Technology Officer collaborates with the broader technical leadership to refine the institute's research roadmap. Through the continuous pursuit of architectural excellence, Northrop strengthens the institute's influence on modern software engineering, ensuring that research outcomes effectively address the evolving challenges of secure system design in global markets.

    Roman Danyliw - Deputy Chief Technology Officer

    Roman Danyliw, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer at Software Engineering Institute, executes the tactical implementation of technical research and security initiatives. Overseeing the operational deployment of software security tools, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer ensures that research findings translate into actionable solutions for industry partners. This leadership role involves managing the technical staff responsible for risk assessment and software architecture testing. By optimizing the research pipeline, Roman Danyliw drives the rapid adoption of new security standards across the institute's portfolio. The Deputy Chief Technology Officer works closely with the Chief Technology Officer to align technical projects with the broader strategic goals of the organization. Through the management of complex technical workflows, Danyliw ensures that the institute remains at the forefront of software engineering innovation, providing critical support for secure system development across diverse regional and international markets.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Software Engineering Institute Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Software Engineering Institute?
    Software Engineering Institute is led by Heidi Magnelia (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Jennifer Recklein (Senior Administrator To Chief Financial Officer and FABS Team) and Thomas Longstaff (Chief Technology Officer).
    Who is part of Software Engineering Institute’s executive team?
    The executive team of Software Engineering Institute includes leaders such as Heidi Magnelia (Chief Financial Officer), Jennifer Recklein (Senior Administrator To Chief Financial Officer and FABS Team), Thomas Longstaff (Chief Technology Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Software Engineering Institute have?
    Software Engineering Institute has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Software Engineering Institute’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Software Engineering Institute includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Senior Administrator To Chief Financial Officer and FABS Team, Chief Technology Officer, SEI Fellow, Office of the Chief Technology Officer, Deputy Chief Technology Officer.