Ryan M. Ward Email & Phone Number

Lowell, Mi, Us

Lowell, Mi, Us

East Lansing, Mi, Us

• Data Center Facilities• IT Operations Center• Enterprise Processing & Monitoring

East Lansing, Mi, Us

• Client & OS Engineering• Data Storage & Recovery• Virtual Systems & Cloud Enablement• Telecommunication Systems

East Lansing, Mi, Us

• Led a team overseeing virtual server infrastructure, virtual desktop solutions, storage, and cloud enablement.• Focused on sustainable innovation, efficiency, and reliability.• Streamlined service portfolio and optimized resource allocation by retiring legacy systems and consolidating compute and storage platforms, significantly reducing costs while increasing efficiency.• Revamped file services, creating a strategic roadmap that enhanced storage capabilities and improved research support while cutting service costs by 75% compared to the previous system.• Negotiated new license agreements, saving $2.6 million in costs over a 3-year span.• Completed a comprehensive 5-year re-architecture of the virtual server hosting platform, including RFP development, hardware replacement, and upgrading server storage—finishing on time and under budget, with a 25% increase in compute capacity.• Scaled virtual desktop to accommodate a 426% increase in usage during the pandemic.• Collaborated with Health Colleges to successfully migrate a complex server and storage environment, ensuring a seamless transition.

East Lansing, Mi, Us

• Led a university-wide IT alignment initiative for the College of Natural Science, ensuring a unified technology strategy.• Managed IT operations and strategic planning for 29 departments and programs, overseeing a team of 18 technology staff.• Directed the transition of key technology resources, modernizing services and enhancing sustainability. Shifted budgeting from CapEx to OpEx for collaboration, storage, server hosting, authentication, access, and security systems.• Upgraded hardware and infrastructure by relocating two data centers to university colocations, centralizing core services for increased efficiency.• Facilitated two complete building network overhauls, creating long-term funding plans for future lifecycle management.• Enhanced the College’s security posture, implementing effective solutions to strengthen overall cybersecurity.• Co-founded the MSU Web Governance Committee in 2018, driving governance and best practices for university-wide web standards.

East Lansing, Mi, Us

• Founded and managed a comprehensive college-wide web environment, reaching 75 websites and 190 content managers.• Established a supporting community of practice, providing routine training, direction and clear communication.• Designed and implemented customizable, consistently branded CMS themes and plugins, including CMS-driven digital signage, all meeting WCAG 2.0 AA accessibility standards.• Built a collaborative web community across 29 departments and programs in the natural sciences, fostering shared standards and best practices.• Led a geographically diverse web design and development team, ensuring consistent and high-quality output.• Actively participated in university-wide discussions on web strategy, contributing to the development of new processes and standards.• Oversaw web server infrastructure, handling security, migrations, and ongoing maintenance to ensure a reliable web environment.• Created and maintained custom web applications, prioritizing secure data collection and storage for university needs.

East Lansing, Mi, Us

• Developed both internal and public web applications using a ColdFusion/IIS server environment, ensuring robust and scalable solutions.• Maintained and optimized server infrastructure, creating a clean and structured development environment for enhanced productivity.• Created versatile team library tools, compatible across multiple environments to support diverse development needs.• Developed code generation tools, significantly accelerating the application development process.• Served as the lead architect and developer for multiple management and reporting systems, utilizing jQuery, ColdFusion, HTML5/CSS3, Oracle, MySQL, and Microsoft SQL Server.• Designed and launched innovative, experimental websites to highlight campus features, pushing the boundaries of web capabilities.• Implemented data grooming batch processes, improving data accuracy and reliability.• Led projects in high-pressure environments, ensuring timely completion and maintaining high-quality standards.

• Designed and developed interactive web, desktop, and mobile applications tailored to client specifications, delivering custom solutions.• Reengineered and maintained core packaged applications, enhancing functionality and stability.• Created interactive custom data and content management systems for small and midsized businesses, improving workflow and efficiency.• Developed secure login systems and encrypted data management tools, prioritizing client data security.• Built versatile team library classes, compatible across various environments, to streamline development efforts.• Implemented organizational tools to optimize team collaboration, code management, and project tracking.• Researched and integrated new and emerging technologies, staying at the forefront of industry trends.• Managed the entire software development lifecycle, from initial concept through to final release, ensuring high-quality deliverables.• Collaborated closely with clients to identify needs and deliver optimal software solutions.• Constructed advanced MS SQL database architectures, defining management rules for secure and efficient data handling.

• Provided technology consulting services for individuals and small businesses, addressing diverse computing and web needs.• Planned and executed custom computer builds, including part selection and system assembly from scratch.• Performed PC repairs, component replacements, and performance optimizations to enhance system functionality.• Developed custom websites for clients, both interactive and static, to meet specific business and personal requirements.

East Lansing, Mi, Us

• Developed database-driven Adobe Flex applications for web and desktop use, collaborating effectively within a team environment.• Designed and launched scalable websites that adhered to accessibility standards, ensuring a user-friendly experience for all.• Customized website and application graphics to enhance visual appeal and ensure clear brand identification.• Installed, configured, and maintained Mura Content Management System, ensuring stable and efficient performance.• Conducted staff training on the effective use of the Mura CMS, enabling self-sufficiency in content management.• Documented construction progress through photography and maintained a detailed image gallery in both 2D and 3D formats.• Managed and monitored Windows application and web servers, ensuring reliable operation and quick issue resolution.