My Story

My first job out of college? I worked as a janitor. I will be more clear: I cleaned toilets. Lots of them. It was at a boys juvenile residential home. I have never forgotten the experience.

I have worked for two non-profits, worked at firms supporting the federal government, and a transit agency. Having a larger purpose in my work is important to me.

When I worked for a homeless shelter, I wore three hats: fundraising, bookkeeping, and I was the default IT guy. It was here that I began to grow that interest in IT, entered a certificate program in Client/Server technology, and jumped into the IT industry.

It was also during this time that I discovered the core of what I love to do: solve problems. I have been solving problems with technology ever since. Solving problems does not happen in a vacuum — it requires others: collaboration.

My first IT job was right at the start of the Internet Bust. I eventually got laid off. I have been laid off two times in my life.

For the last 16 years or so, I have held a role that requires me to manage both people and projects. I understand that projects are hard. My job is to make them easier.

My current team has been with me on average for 9 years. I think that says something. We accomplish a lot for being a small team.

The customer — internal and external — is extremely important. Superior customer service is a given. I'm an independent thinker: I will give you an honest assessment of any situation.

Core Values

Dignity

Treat everyone with dignity. It is inherent in who they are as a human.

Respect

Whether you agree or disagree with someone, treat them with respect.

Honesty

This isn't about being blunt. It's the ability to be self-aware — can you look in the mirror and see yourself? — and organizationally aware: organizations need hard truths spoken to them sometimes. It also means telling upper management there isn't enough time, talent, or resources to get the project done.

Listening

No project is successful without good communication. This is not just about speaking, but also listening.

Collaboration

Without collaboration, a project simply cannot move forward. This requires hard work. Collaboration fuels project success.

Customer Service

Serve your customers. Listen to their needs. Help them.

Personality

Problem Solver

I do not shy away from a challenge. I persevere until a solution is found and in place.

Philomath

Curious. Thirsty to learn and try new things. Generalist, not the specialist. I have range.

Thinker

Able to digest complex information and issues. Listen. Communicate it to others simply.

Self-Believer

Willing to take risks and face new challenges. Decision maker. Willing to work it through no matter what happens.

Strategist

Forward looking. Sees the big picture. Can see how things are connected across teams and departments.

30+ Year Work Journey

From odd jobs to IT director — the long way around.

  1. Retail Associate — Hardware Store
  2. Dock Worker — Receiving
  3. Summer Intern — Inner City Non-Profits
  4. Wire Spooling Warehouse Worker
  5. Cafeteria Worker
  6. House Cleaner
  7. Call Center — 2nd Shift
  8. Miscellaneous Odd Jobs — Temp Agency
  9. Survey Telemarketer
  10. Order Fulfillment — Education Non-Profit
  11. Fundraising Office Assistant — Homeless Shelter
  12. Director of Development (Bookkeeper and IT too) — Homeless Shelter
  13. Associate Programmer — Oracle Reports
  14. Consultant — Oracle Reports
  15. Programmer/Analyst — Creating Reports
  16. Programmer/Analyst — 3rd Party System Implementation and Support
  17. Manager, IT Operations Systems — Manage People and Projects
  18. Senior Manager, IT Operations Systems — Manage People and Projects
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