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About

Hi, this page contains a little about me and my experience.
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I have been a technology director based in Mid-Michigan since 2011, and have over 25 years of experience working in K-12 education. I enjoy working with educators and students helping to make the most out of technology throughout the district.

In my career I have been fortunate to work for the same district with outstanding teachers and students.

Personally I have a passion for photography, science fiction, Tolkien, technology, and enjoy traveling to the upper peninsula in particular Marquette.

Work Experience
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Director of Technology – K–12 Education
Experienced technology leader with a focus on infrastructure, cybersecurity, systems administration, and long-term planning in public education environments.

Summary
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I have lead the technology department for a K–12 public school district, overseeing infrastructure, security, device deployment, and strategic planning. With a hands-on background in systems administration and a forward-thinking approach to budgeting and project management, I brought both technical expertise and leadership to educational technology initiatives.

Leadership & Management
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  • Supervised and supported technology department staff, including hiring, job descriptions, and budgeting.
  • Centralized all technology purchasing and budgeting under the tech department to ensure consistency and maintainability.
  • Developed and managed multi-year budgets (3–10 year forecasts) and presented them to the Board of Education for approval.
  • Maintained a replacement cycle schedule for all district technology to better forecast costs and needs.
  • Served as Chair of the Strategic Planning Technology Committee and as a member of the district technology committee.
  • Lead professional development sessions and tutorial creation for staff.
  • Guided the 22i initiative and district technology readiness.

Cybersecurity
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  • Cybersecurity lead for the district, attending monthly State of Michigan Cyber Partner meetings and other security-focused professional development.
  • Spearheaded the move to CrowdStrike Falcon Complete for managed detection and response across the district. The first district to do so in our region.
  • A member of the first State of Michigan Cyber Partners K12 Cohort. Volunteering to be part of a group of like-minded people working together to improve cybersecurity of our organizations and the rest of the state.
  • Managed and deployed Tenable Nessus for vulnerability scanning.
  • Managed and deployed KnowBe4 for phishing training, cybersecurity training, and managed threats with PhishER and PhishRIP.
  • Managed the deployment of Duo to enforce multi-factor authentication and harden access to internal systems and servers.
  • Managed and deployed CISA’s Logging Made Easy to capture and identify issues from systems logs.
  • Manage web filtering and alerting solutions (GoGuardian and Linewize) for student and staff devices.

Infrastructure & Systems Administration
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  • Administer a mixed environment: Google Workspace, macOS, Windows, Linux, Novell.
  • Manage VMware virtualization: configuration, P2V conversion, and backup.
  • Oversaw the district-wide TCP/IP network: routers, switches, VLANs, wireless controllers, fiber optics, and firewalls.
  • Maintained and supported the district phone system and online ticketing platform.
  • Maintained the district technology inventory
  • Administered and integrated our Student Information System (PowerSchool) with external vendors using scripting and automation.
  • Manage building security systems: Avigilon NVRs, IP cameras, Paxton access control.

Strategic Technology Initiatives
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  • Launched and lead the district’s 1:1 computing program since 2016 (K–12).
  • Administer Clever for streamlined access to educational applications.
  • District lead for Apptegy website migration and staff onboarding.
  • Wrote and advised on grant proposals to support technology growth.
  • Oversaw E-Rate submissions to maximize funding and infrastructure improvements.

Automation & Scripting
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  • Automate repetitive tasks within the Google domain using gam and shell scripting.
  • Create scripts for data processing and system integrations involving PowerSchool and third-party applications.
  • Automate routine tasks and reporting using PowerShell for account creation, security, and directory updates.
  • Used PowerShell to manage Active Directory and synchronize accounts with cloud services and SIS systems.
  • Built scripts for secure data sharing between systems, including automated exports and compliance reports.
  • Implemented and maintained API integrations between enterprise platforms, including issue diagnosis and resolution.

Assessment & Testing Leadership
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  • Played a key role in implementing state-mandated assessments including Smarter Balanced, ACT Aspire, and MDE pilot programs.
  • The primary technical lead for testing including NWEA, M-STEP, WIDA, and the SAT.

Tools & Technologies
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Systems & Administration
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  • Operating Systems: Windows Server, macOS, Linux, Novell
  • Virtualization & Management: VMware (configuration, P2V, backup), Google Workspace Admin Console
  • Identity & Directory Services: Active Directory, SIS integration (PowerSchool), account synchronization
  • Device Management: Chromebook and Windows fleet support, ticketing platforms

Networking & Infrastructure
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  • Network Hardware: HPE/Aruba, Meraki, Ruckus, Ubiquiti
  • Core Services: DHCP, DNS, VLAN segmentation, firewall configuration
  • Infrastructure Oversight: TCP/IP networks, wireless controllers, fiber optic backbones

Cybersecurity & Monitoring
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  • Endpoint Protection: CrowdStrike Falcon Complete (MDR)
  • Threat Management: KnowBe4 PhishER, PhishRIP, phishing & security awareness training
  • Vulnerability Management: Tenable Nessus, CISA Logging Made Easy
  • Content Filtering & Alerts: GoGuardian, Linewize (for students and staff)
  • Physical Security: Paxton access control, Avigilon NVRs & IP cameras

Automation & Scripting
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  • Languages & Tools: PowerShell, Shell Scripting, GAM (Google Apps Manager)
  • Use Cases: AD user automation, data integration (PowerSchool & vendors), compliance reporting, cloud sync, API-based system integrations

Web & Application Platforms
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  • Educational Tech: PowerSchool (SIS), Clever (SSO & rostering), Apptegy (CMS)
  • Cloud Services: Google Workspace, Microsoft 365
  • Assessment Platforms: NWEA, M-STEP, SAT, WIDA, Smarter Balanced