As a Cloud Telephony Engineer at the University of Pittsburgh, I am responsible for architecting and administering the university's Microsoft Teams PSTN environment. I successfully led the migration from an on-premises PBX system to a cloud-based solution, ensuring a seamless transition that enhanced communication and collaboration across the university.In this role, I design and implement telephony strategies that optimize user experience and operational efficiency. To further enhance our processes, I leverage Azure DevOps to automate deployment pipelines, streamlining development and significantly reducing time-to-delivery for telephony projects.Additionally, I develop PowerShell scripts to automate routine administrative tasks, minimizing manual intervention and operational errors. My proficiency in Python allows me to conduct data analysis and reporting, providing valuable insights into telephony usage and performance metrics.Collaboration with cross-functional teams is a key aspect of my role, where I identify innovative solutions and drive continuous improvement in our telecommunication services. I conduct regular system assessments and updates, proactively troubleshooting issues to ensure seamless operation of the telephony environment. Furthermore, I provide training and support to staff and end-users, fostering a culture of technology adoption and digital transformation within the university.

In my role, I report directly to the CIO and hold the primary responsibility for investigating and establishing the strategic direction of the University’s technology initiatives. By leveraging my analytical skills and embracing emerging technologies, I advance the overall computing services provided to the institution. I develop innovative and multifaceted engagement strategies for the central IT department while creating a comprehensive IT plan that aligns with the University’s goals. A key aspect of my position is bridging the communication gap between the central IT organization and various academic and administrative departments, fostering collaboration and understanding.I provide exceptional support on cross-institutional committees, including those focused on sustainability, research data management, and the Center for Creativity.Conceptualized and Launched a Comprehensive Technology Plan: Defined the mission and objectives of the technology organization, establishing guiding principles for technology decisions based on organizational needs.Enhanced Decision-Making and Efficiency: Improved senior management's decision-making capabilities and boosted departmental efficiencies by implementing policies and procedures that position research data management as a strategic and holistic platform.Developed the IT Service Portfolio: Organized and coordinated the creation of the IT department's first service portfolio, recognized as a core tool for categorizing services, identifying gaps, and facilitating strategic planning processes.

I have worked and operated as one of the founding members of the Enterprise Architecture group, articulating and describing the role and set standards for enterprise systems to ensure interoperability, reliability, and to meet the needs of the users. I have enforced end-to-end control by executing and aiming company vision, long-range strategic planning to lead enterprise-level projects. I have orchestrated all bottom-line factors, including university vision, long-range strategic planning, design, and leadership. I have steered efforts towards recognizing and communicating the value of leveraging InCommon and Internet2. I have rendered management expertise and directions in order to ensure that University aligned and participated in programs and initiatives. I acknowledged as an integral participant in deploying and updating internal policies and procedures, including change management and critical problem resolution.♦ Conserved both personnel and financial resources by employing various innovative use of technologies, including switching from use of Verisign SSL certificate to In Common/Comodo for an annual savings of over $2M.♦ Implemented the new service within 1 week by using open source software rather than embarking on a custom development process that required 6 to 9 months and multiple developers to complete.♦ Elevated and promoted department institutional goals by the establishment of the Mobile App challenge to engage the student body in technology and the mobile environment.♦ Performed comprehensive operations as sole Identity Architect for the University of Pittsburgh computing systems-- designing, building, maintaining, and enhancing the identity and access management environment for all enterprise computing systems and services including single sign-on and roles-based access.

I have originated, streamlined, and operationalized highly successful enterprise systems and system enhancements for the University of Pittsburgh as the core architect for the computer accounts management system, central directory service, identity management (IDM), spam filtering service, and emergency notification system. I have spearheaded various system design and architecture duties, administering highly skilled team of over 10 personnel, delegating work responsibilities, and managing budgeting resources, and the system design.♦ Praised by CENIC for exemplary performance with the 2015 innovation in networking award for the performing arts for the use of a low-latency network to allow for multiple musicians to collaborate in a live preformance from different parts of the country. ♦ Contributed to the success of a technically sophisticated strategic initiative, by designing and rolling-out low-latency network connection between multiple institutions for a live cyber-symposium that allowed Jazz musician from around the country to collaborate in real-time.♦ Created and implemented emergency notification system and designing and developed a subscription SMS subscription service. The system was utilized heavily during a rash of bomb threats against the University during the first quarter of 2012 to great success.

Successfully provided IT project consulting and support in addition to custom development for various small and medium sized businesses in the Pittsburgh area. Examples of projects include system integration projects, internet security audit and implementation, MS Exchange server administration, general network installation and web server configuration. Managing multiple client engagements and projects, contract negotiations, financial and staffing resource management, and developing and maintaining client and vendor relationships.

Oversaw all internal IT needs of the company along with the operation of the online services that were the sole source of revenue for the company. Accomplishments include: negotiation, setup and maintenance of the internet connection, and installation of the office IT infrastructure including the intranet, exchange server, firewall, and fileserver. Supervised online services which were hosted out of a separate facility. Projects included establishing the co-location of the site starting with locating and evaluating service providers, negotiating contracts, ordering and installing the necessary equipment. Other responsibilities included purchasing all computer equipment and software for the company.

Oversaw negotiations, setup, and maintenance of the internet connection. Additional responsibilities included setup and maintenance of the internal network, file servers, web servers, mail servers, and all client machines.

Supported designing of the www.WiseWire.com service, setup and maintenance of the multiple internet connections for this site, setup and maintenance of the Webserver, the News machines, and multiple DNS, 24x7 operations of the site, along with the day to day maintenance of the office networks. Effectively led facilities management which included managing a staff of five people to assist in building and maintaining the www.WiseWire.com service, office and network security, maintain vendor relations, order products, and negotiate contracts as necessary.

Responsibilities included final builds, testing, interacting with both the customer support group and the software development group, and defect tracking for the AFS product.

Multiple positions held including:Ubiquitous Network Access (UNA) Project, Lead Technical Analyst, May 1994 to September 1995Core Consulting Group, Systems Analyst III, April 1992 to September 1995Contract IT Support Analyst, Systems Analyst II, April 1992 to May 1994