WEST TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
Vice President for IT and CIO
2007-Present
2019 CEO Performance Evaluation: “One of the most effective IT leaders I have worked with. High academic standards and strong customer service.”
Collaboration
Promoted from CIO to VP for IT & CIO in 2019 by the CEO following a successful multi-year peer evaluation and 360 degree feedback process.
Recipient of the first ever Campus Partner award by Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities for providing visionary leadership.
Recipient of the University Staff Excellence award for successfully delivering exceptional IT services and solutions.
Created a strategic partnership between IT and the University Police Department to establish the University's emergency notification system, which earned the University the recognition of the next "America’s Safe Campus" by Omnilert.
Cost Savings
Developed a virtualized data center to provide agile, flexible and secure workloads that has generated $12M in cost savings over the last decade.
Growth
Collaboratively developed the technology strategy that enabled a 28 percent growth in undergraduate, graduate and online enrollment over the last decade while providing a technology-rich educational framework in classrooms, computer labs, libraries, residence halls, and online learning environments.
Contribute to the academic mission of teaching, research, and service by serving as a faculty member for the Computer Information and Decision Management department in the College of Business.
Customer Satisfaction
Delivered an overall campus customer satisfaction rating of 98 percent for the past five years in a row through the establishment of a quality services program focused on information security, courtesy, productivity and accountability..
Innovation
Launched a student success initiative with iPads across the University focused on transitioning to digital textbooks and open educational resources to lower costs and improve access.
Implemented the first Wi-Fi 6 stadium network in the U.S. and launched a student Wi-Fi coaching team to provide experiential learning opportunities and internships.
Developed an award-winning digital media platform that earned the University a Digital Signage Expo Apex award alongside other award winners that included NASDAQ, JW Marriott, and New Meadowlands Football Stadium.
Information Security & Assurance
Earned the first ever code-1 audit rating (no findings or recommendations) from the Texas A&M University System Department of Internal Audit.
Director of IT Systems Support
2006-2007
Promoted to Director of IT Systems Support with responsibilities to serve as the Information Security Officer (ISO) and deputy CIO following a national search. Implemented an in-depth information security program focused on identifying and protecting confidential information, mission critical systems, and identifying areas of non-compliance. Formalized the university’s information security policies, risk assessment program, and vulnerability assessment and management program. Established a regional presence for the Texas A&M University System to provide secure internet services throughout the 26-county region for system members and agencies.
Network Analyst
2004-2006
Accepted newly established position with Alma mater to assess the security and technology infrastructure, evaluate the effectiveness of operations and guide efforts to implement a next-generation campus network and perimeter security strategy. Converted the campus to private address space and established a new perimeter security architecture with intrusion detection and prevention systems. Implemented a campus wireless network with enterprise level encryption and authentication using Cisco wireless access points and centralized controllers.
COALITION OF HEALTH SERVICES, 2001-2004
Director of Network Operations
Recruited by the board of directors to secure the healthcare consortium’s network following a data breach and provide expanded services to its 21 member hospitals located throughout the 26,000-mile service region. Established strategic partnerships with CEO’s and IT teams, conducted system-wide security architecture reviews and implemented shared services to enhance operational efficiency and improve the overall information security posture of the members. Successfully revamped the technology infrastructure, refreshed the core routing, switching, and security services as well as expanded shared services that included managed firewall, VPN, and voice over IP communications. Continued to be involved with the Coalition in a strategic and consulting capacity until the spring of 2011.
CISCO SYSTEMS, 2001
Systems Engineer II
Worldwide Security Solutions
Served as global customer response and escalation services for Cisco’s line of network security products and services. Collaborated with global security teams in Australia, Europe, California and North Carolina and managed over 1,000 escalation cases related to security product lines, data breaches, network down situations and denial of service attacks. Simulated complex networks in Cisco’s lab environments and coordinated with product development teams to identify, document and provide interim workaround solutions. Earned silver and gold level case management service awards for exceptional customer service, response and support.
CORPORATE SYSTEMS, 1998-2000
Internal Network Services Lead
Advanced career to lead network security engineering and project management services for both the Chicago and Amarillo locations. Continued to develop a successful record of accomplishment as an effective project manager by leading major corporate initiatives such as the transition of AT&T managed internet services and GTE Internetworking’s managed firewall and security services in-house resulting in an annual cost savings of $100,000. Accepted position with Cisco Systems to pursue global cyber security experience.
NORTHWEST TEXAS HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS, 1990-1998
Network & Project Coordinator
Launched career in IT at 19 years of age and quickly earned a reputation for building partnerships throughout the hospital district. Promoted from operations to network coordinator after three years and assumed responsibility for management of the healthcare systems technology infrastructure, systems and information security programs focused on protecting patient data. Served as the technology liaison for the region’s physician access system. Established a successful record of accomplishment by implementing numerous high-profile projects such as the implementation of the Texas Panhandle Poison Center Network, the implementation of the Neonatal Central Fetal Monitoring System, and the replacement of the healthcare system’s legacy network to switched Ethernet. Recipient of the employee of the month service award in June of 1995.