## Hi, this page contains a little about me and my experience.
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
**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
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 bring both technical expertise and leadership to educational technology initiatives.
## Leadership & Management
- 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 presented multi-year budgets (3–10 year forecasts) to the Board of Education.
- 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
- 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 your organization 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 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
### **Systems & Administration**
- **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**
- **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**
- **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**
- **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**
- **Educational Tech**: PowerSchool (SIS), Clever (SSO & rostering), Apptegy (CMS)
- **Cloud Services**: Google Workspace, Microsoft 365
- **Assessment Platforms**: NWEA, M-STEP, SAT, WIDA, Smarter Balanced
