Richard N. Wakefield Email & Phone Number

Atlanta, Ga, Us

Atlanta, Ga

Multinational wireless communications equipment designer, manufacturer, and service provider offering a full suite of IoT solutions. Administers all areas of mission-critical global infrastructure to ensure seamless delivery of revenue-generating Managed IoT Connectivity services, as well as positive and uninterrupted customer experiencesImplements security controls and technologies to safeguard information systems and networks from cybersecurity threatsCoordinates and aligns forecasting, capacity planning, and budget planning with operational and financial goalsEstablished a team to streamline cost tracking, forecasting, and reporting by consolidating vendors, negotiating or renegotiating contracts, and identifying cost-saving opportunities; resulted in $1+ million in annual savingsDesigned global infrastructure to support hybrid deployment of modern co-located and public cloud infrastructure, high-availability services, infrastructure-centric cybersecurity, and evolution of compute/storage architecturesNew global infrastructure refreshed aging virtualization systems, enabling consolidation of multiple data centers which yielded significant cost savings and simplified administration while supporting future company growthBuilt a new Global Infrastructure and IP Network Team by blending AMER and EMEA resources; improved relations between global teams, as well as R&D and Product Management community, resulting in a unified global cultureEstablished a Cybersecurity Team and program to maximize defense of customer-facing, highly-available production systems; adopted CIS controls as a framework to mitigate the most prevalent threatsDeveloped a multi-year cybersecurity roadmap and budget to mature cybersecurity posture; reduced risk and protected service availability while supporting customer SLAs and compliance

Provider of managed machine-to-machine (M2M) enterprise solutions enabling the IoT. Acquired by Sierra Wireless in 2017. Led a progressive IT group in executing production tasks while liaising between users, operations team, and development teams to maximize effectiveness of systems design, modifications, and troubleshootingAnalyzed complex business needs presented by the Company and recommended optimal technical solutionsApproved and aligned technical solutions with business requirements prior to execution; ensured team adherence to a documented schedule that met or exceeded customer expectationsDrove internal modernization by implementing effective and innovative software development methodologies; participated in all hardware and software evaluations, in addition to managing vendor contractsEnsured consistency of existing applications by developing new standards and SOPs for implementing technical solutionsRepresented IT function at customer review meeting, when appropriate

Rebuilt and revitalized IT department to create a culture of collaboration and unification following years of acquisitionsConsolidated data center to establish a unified system infrastructure while refreshing technologies and virtualization, as well as technical documentation and departmental standard operating procedures (SOPs)Played an integral role in achieving and maintaining ISO 27001 certification year-after-year

Provider of IoT-enabled electronic monitoring to the public safety/law enforcement sector. Acquired by Numerex Corp. in 2014. Paved the way for a technical refresh and created policies to better support customer SLAs; improved ongoing uptime requirements, as well as customer experiences and compliance, leading to YoY business and revenue growth

Alpharetta, Ga

Automotive Parts Distributor – eCommerce 2004 to 2013Started an eCommerce business in 2004 selling aftermarket replacement auto parts to the end consumer. Sold products on Ebay, Amazon and several standalone web stores. Leveraging SEO techniques including Google search and indexing was a key factor to company’s growth. Transitioned into a virtual inventory model and started a wholesale fulfillment division. Recognized as an industry leader by the Director of Ebay Motors, Parts & Accessories and consulted often on product features and usability. Participated in beta product offerings by leading channels. Developed partnership in 2008 in an effort to grow business. RemartUSA, Inc – President - Atlanta, GA 2008 to 2013• Responsible for all facets of company operations.• Recognized by leading channels such as Ebay and Amazon as a leader in handling virtual inventory and the supporting technology. • Created a wholesale division that currently represents more than 40% of total monthly sales.• Created a proprietary inventory control system that is specific to the automotive industry.RD Auction Enterprises - President (Owner) – Atlanta, GA 2004 to 2008• Started company as a home based business selling auto parts to the end consumer via Ebay and Amazon.• Created system to photograph, catalogue and warehouse more than 50,000 SKU’s.• Leveraged cataloged subscriptions to create a solution allowing us to take thousands of SKU’s to market daily. This process created multiple efficiencies while eliminating redundant data entry and data quality errors.

Alpharetta, Ga

Began in 1995 as a Support Analyst supporting end user applications running on legacy SCO Unix systems. Quickly promoted to Customer Support Manager and then to Director of Operations. Responsible for Y2K upgrade services and compliance on more than 200 customer legacy systems as well as the company’s internal systems. Created a robust HA infrastructure supporting Datatrac’s SAAS offering hosted in an IBM Data Center.Director of Technical Operations 2000 to 2004• Created a previously non-existent HA solution. Housed in an IBM Data Center.• Put numerous vendor relationships in place to assist with configuration and design of production HA systems as well as ongoing support.• Created processes and was responsible for new release installation in the production HA environment.• Created and managed a team of Unix, Microsoft, Network Engineers and Oracle DBA’s to install releases and proactively maintain production HA environment.• Recognized by IBM as a leader in using innovative technologies as noted and presented at IBM’s 2002 Vision of Technology conference.Director of Operations 1999 to 2000• Named Director of Operations to spearhead Y2K initiative. Initiative included upgrades to customer owned legacy systems, conversion of customer legacy systems to Hosted SAS offering. Confirmed, certified, or upgraded all internal systems to ensure compliance.• Managed customer support team – application, operating system, and hardware support. Maintained excellent customer relationships and provided after hours support service. Preformed monthly customer billing for support services.• Managed development group that provided software customization services.• Managed technical group that configured and prepared customer legacy system. Provided remote and on-site installation services. Responsible for handling company’s internal systems.Customer Support Manager 1996 to 1999Support Analyst 1995 to 1996

Atlanta, Ga

Encore and Synergy/Strategic Technology Services – Atlanta, GA 1992 to 1995As a contractor, with Encore Systems and Strategic Training Services (STS), provided property management system installation and training services to Holiday Inn Worldwide. Contract included installation of property management systems in more than 1600 hotels.Synergy/STS – Gaithersburg, MD - Key Account Team Leader 1993 to 1995• Managed team of on-site technical and application installers and trainers.• Handled all hardware and software installation in a SCO Unix environment for property management system. Encore Systems – Atlanta, GA - Interface Technician 1992 to 1993• Installed software and cabling to support interfaces such as point of sale and call accounting systems for SCO Unix based property management system.• Worked with 3rd party vendors to troubleshoot and resolve asynchronous communication and cabling issues.