Experience

Lumos Pharma (Formerly NewLink Genetics)

Director, Information Technology | Jan 2024 – Present

We have migrated our entire infrastructure to a zero-trust environment, automated most of our deployment processes, converted our remaining on-premise infrastructure to a heavily scripted proxmox environment, and implemented several network and system monitoring tools to keep our environment as safe and efficient as possible.
Continued implementation of new policies, procedures, and access controls as well as developing a vendor risk assessment program, completing a thorough cybersecurity audit of our environment, and implementing tabletop exercises to constantly keep our staff informed of cybersecurity threats.
Continue to develop the infrastructure design and management procedures by working with department heads to identify technology needs and deficiencies. By working with all areas of the company I can ensure our technology continues to meet all security, regulatory and department staff requirements.

Senior Manager, Information Technology | Jul 2022 – Dec 2023

Completely revamped all of the company IT policies, SOX Access Controls, and SOPs which has led to a much more efficient audit and training process and contributed to us having zero control deficiencies in our audit.
Led a team of security technicians and consultants to rebuild our security infrastructure. This included building out InTune, implementing the advanced security features of the Microsoft Defender/Security E5 suite, and implementing several new security policies, procedures, and access controls that continue to keep our data safe.

IT Systems Manager | Jan 2017 – Jul 2022

Actively managed the systems infrastructure, researched and suggested new products, and provided a high-level support for my team.
Managed the budget for the IT department and provided new ways to more effectively use the allocated budget dollars.
Saved the company over one million dollars by revamping licensing, adjusting products and services to alternatives that better fit the budget and needs of the company, and by negotiating with vendors to provide competitive pricing.
Successfully managed merging the infrastructures of Lumos Pharma and NewLink Genetics together as part of the company merger which included combining O365 tenants, adapting Mac devices into our infrastructure, and scaling the existing datacenter to appropriately fit the size of the new company all at a time when IT staff had been reduced to just myself.
While merging the company infrastructures, I also migrated the company from a predominantly on-premises approach to having an almost entirely cloud based infrastructure.

Business Systems Specialist | Jun 2015 – Dec 2016

This position advanced my role as an information systems specialist by allowing greater input into company infrastructure decisions.
Took over management of the server infrastructure including implementing the Cisco UCS blade chassis alongside the EMC SAN. Managed all of the Microsoft services except exchange, all of the linux VMs, our VMWare environment, and the QAD ERP system.
Implemented our updated QAD system by adhering to validated system practices according to Part 11 compliance. Built the server, configured the system alongside their support, and continued to maintain the server and its updates while maintaining a validated status.
Built out the RDP Gateway system to allow end users to connect to individual apps or their desktops remotely while using a secure login.
Designed and assisted in the implementation of the MPLS connection alongside a significant upgrade in all of our core network with all Cisco equipment. Helped configure all of the switches, ASA, and routers for the expanded network.
Built out the infrastructure for both of our remote sites in Austin and Philidelphia including the switch configuration, the servers on-site at those locations, and the WiFi equipment for staff.
Upgraded our SQL server infrastructure from a standalone SQL server to a multi-node cluster environment while also upgrade our SharePoint infrastructure from a single server to a multi-node environment with redundancy.
Created an entire Skype for Business on-premises environment from scratch and integrated it fully into the Microsoft ecosystem, built out training for end users, and deployed the product to staff.

Information Systems Specialist | Aug 2013 – Jun 2015

Provided end-user support to the company of just over 100 employees including managing the desktops, laptops, printers, and mobile devices for the staff.
Migrated from the ManageEngine helpdesk ticketing system to KACE systems management and service desk modules. As part of this, I also was part of building out the imaging process for desktop and laptop images for staff.
Created documentation for products and services in use by the company and researched new products to improve company productivity.
Began managing the virtual server environment. Originally this was built in Hyper-V and we later migrated to VMWare and I was part of that migration.

Additional Accomplishments

In 2019 I embarked on the largest personal project I’ve ever tackled: I bought a 100-year-old farm house with the intentions of expanding it and remodeling it largely by myself. From July of 2019 through early March of 2020 my father, my wife, and myself (with some help from a few contractors) took this 100+ year old farm home from 1800 sq. feet. to over 4700 finished sq. feet. In December of 2019, before our home was livable, NewLink announced a merger with Lumos. As part of the merger, all of the remaining IT staff were eliminated leaving me to manage the infrastructure, helpdesk, and compliance myself.

The following March, alongside finishing my house to be livable in order to get my family out of the camper, I managed to merge the infrastructures of Lumos and NewLink Genetics. This was no small feat as Lumos was a predominantly Mac-based company, whereas NewLink was exclusively a windows-based infrastructure with several servers and hosted services. Despite managing the workload of finishing a house in my spare time and being the sole IT personnel for a biotech company that must adhere to Sox and GxP compliance and regulations, I managed to merge the infrastructures, onboard everyone to the same environment, and integrate Macs into the environment.

Vital Support Systems

Support Engineer 2 | Jan 2013 – Aug 2013

Supported several customer environments ranging from large enterprise equipment to stand alone servers by providing remote and on-site support.
Build and managed the DNS, Exchange, DHCP, Citrix, Active Directory, SharePoint, Web (IIS primarily with a few using Apache), Microsoft SQL, file and several other servers.
Assessed the environments of the customers and provided fiscally responsible suggestions for new technologies that could increase their productivity and efficiency.
Maintained customer storage environments, ranging from a single file server to full blade chassis systems with iSCSI/NFS/Fiber channel implementations in their HP EVA environments.
Managed customer VMWare environments, ranging from version 3.5 to 5.1 and varying in complexity from a single server to several managed in a clustered environment.
Managed and maintained customer backup solutions, primarily using HP Data Protector and Symantec Backup Executive suites to provide customers with consistent and reliable backups.
Created and maintained customer documentation for their entire environment to allow for efficient transition between technicians.
Supported several third-party applications for customers, ranging from PeachTree accounting software to PC Miler mileage tracking software for large trucking companies.
Provided initial training for customers on how to use new products and features and provided ongoing support as the software and hardware progresses.

Iowa Department of Human Services, Targeted Case Management

Information Technology Specialist 4 | Jan 2011 – Jan 2013

Provided top level support for Sigmund software in a complex environment spanning across Iowa using the ICN network.
Provided detailed analysis of the data within the system for complex reporting of productivity and department revenue.
Researched, designed, implemented, and oversaw the implementation of all IT projects for Iowa DHS Division of Targeted Case Management.
Acted as the team lead for IT by coordinating meetings, distributing projects, assigning tasks, and introducing new products to the team..
Supported the Sigmund server hardware and software by providing routine maintenance, reports, and updates on the SQL databases as well as the Sigmund Server processes.
Supported, implemented, and maintained Active Directory, Microsoft Exchange Server, a Moodle based LAMP server, as well as the VMWare based Virtual Machines.

Additional Accomplishments

Within the first week of employment, I discovered a programmatic error in the software I supported which allowed for the recovery of $200,000 in lost revenue. I found numerous errors in reports that were being used for budgeting purposes and worked closely with the finance and budget analysis teams to provide accurate reports. Within weeks I had the Director of DHS and numerous Administrators congratulating me on my performance, dedication to my work, and overall ability to provide excellent customer service.

Iowa State University

Datacenter Overnight Monitor | Aug 2010 – Dec 2010

Monitored servers and devices for the veterinary hospital to insure optimum performance, highest efficiency, and lowest down time.

Helpdesk Support (Veterinary Medicine) | Jun 2009 – Aug 2010

Provided on-site support for all students, faculty, and research labs for PC desktops, laptops, macs, and Linux machines.

Westec Intelligent Surveillance (Now Digital Witness)

PC/Network Support Technician | Feb 2008 – May 2009

Researched new hardware and software for the company to improve productivity and tested the equipment to ensure complete compatibility.
Utilized numerous scripting technologies to create new processes and automate application installation for all network servers and devices.
Implemented, tested, and actively managed SNMP applications to monitor, maintain, and improve the network, desktops, servers, and applications.
Provided all levels of support for all desktops, servers, laptops, and mobile devices.
Supported and maintained the Blackberry Enterprise Server and began the migration to iPhone devices.
Built, maintained, and implemented the Active Directory, Exchange, FTP, Citrix, Blackberry, DHCP, DNS, VMWare and Citrix, and numerous IVR servers using multiple methods of redundancy and backups to ensure the security of the data for the company and its clients.
Supported the Central Command Center while maintaining 99% up time 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.

Additional Accomplishments

While employed at Westec I singlehandedly rewired the building to segregate out the network and reduce the failure points for the building. In that time, I also managed to build a simple desktop deployment system from scratch using batch scripting and a program that allowed me to write the files to disk and execute them from a simple menu. At Westec I also assisted in building out their DR system which involved a fully mobile command center that was fully functional in the event of an emergency and our migration of our servers to an underground co-location.

MediNotes Corporation (Now Allscripts)

Technical Support Specialist | Dec 2006 – Dec 2007

Provided fast and effective customer service to all customers in a professional and courteous manner through phone support and remote troubleshooting.
Provided top-level support for all of the internal and external customers after only 4 months of experience with the product and SQL in general.
Negotiated with engineers and heads of departments on new ways to better improve the customer experience with the product.
Rebuilt SQL databases using log files and any other information available to provide the least amount of down time for every client.

Additional Accomplishments

When I began work at MediNotes I was extremely new to the helpdesk world and had never supported an application before. Within the first six months of employment, I had transitioned to training new hires and was completing more tickets than any other technician. When the company changed the bonus structure to be based on ticket count without returning issues, I met the top goal every single month that I was employed there.

Banctec (No longer in service)

Warranty Repair Specialist | Jul 2006 – Dec 2006

Provided on-site warranty part replacements for all Dell desktops, laptops, and printers throughout the northern half of Iowa.
Troubleshot equipment when necessary and provided any advice sought after by the clients on how to properly maintain their equipment.

CES Computers (Contract company for John Deere Des Moines Works)

Deployments Specialist | Aug 2005 – Jul 2006

Utilized Microsoft SMS server to manage inventory, deploy software, and troubleshoot network devices.
Provided on-site and remote support to all desktops, printers, laptops and other devices for engineers and manufacturing staff of John Deere.
Created new policies for deployments that allowed a single employee to take on the volume of three full time employees.