WES MININGER

New York, NY

Feb 2011 - Mar 2018

A global lifestyle brand and media company; generates1.2B+ video views a month across its digital channels

Information Technology Director / IT Project Manager

Performance in helping organizations scale quickly led to a consulting role focused on supporting a then 45-employee company through a period of exponential growth. Hired directly as IT Project Manager within six months, leading the company's technology initiatives as a one-person department. Promoted to IT Director in 2014 and grew the team to its peak of 10 professionals, as the company grew to 700 employees.

Brought diverse experience with IT process workflows to manage all IT and technology resources for Complex, including researching new technologies and services, security monitoring, planning and strategizing the growth and management of the company's IT needs and developing staff into highly-skilled and educated contributors.

* Successfully navigated complex IT challenges resulting from astronomic corporate growth, as the company expanded from 45 to 700 global employees (U.S., UK and Australia). Following acquisition by Verizon and Hearst, managed the integration of 160 new team members across two locations, in less than three months.

* Implemented dramatic cost-saving measures totaling $1M+. Significant savings included: $250K by replacing a cloud-based VoIP with an internal phone system, $200K by building an online file server, and $350K by building (vs. buying) four location-based servers for high-speed video editing.

* Prioritized security by introducing an ongoing initiative to protect all devices. Introduced firmware locks, a stronger password policy and encrypted all drives and computers with an Enterprise Key, among other measures.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Jan 2008 - Oct 2010

The Middle East's leading English-language news service / newspaper

IT Team Lead / Systems Engineer

Following a family relocation to Abu Dhabi, landed a key IT leadership role with the newspaper prior to its launch. Directed the rapid buildout of IT systems as the business scaled its staff. Led a team of six in administering an editorial content management system, page planning and output systems that were key to daily production.

Onboarded all new hires, setting each up with necessary software and equipment, and ultimately supporting 400+ Mac OS X users around the globe.

* Built out a new satellite office in Dubai and grew a multi-national IT team of six engineers - fully embracing opportunities to work with and learn from professionals from diverse cultures.

* Enabled rapid growth within a fast-paced, daily-deadline environment, adeptly managing software rollouts, training, deployment, hardware repair, troubleshooting, backup tasks and bug reports - while quickly mastering industry-specific software (SAXoPRESS, PlanPag, PPI Pre-Press, Adobe InDesign / InCopy / Photoshop).

Seattle, WA

2006 - 2007

Providers of sales, installation and repair services of two-way radio communications systems / networks across Western Washington.

Network Website Administrator

Stepped into a more technology-focused administrative role, with primary focus on managing the company's website, network and server, and revitalizing its networking system. Also, repaired radios and phones for a customer base including construction companies and governmental agencies (police, fire, ambulance) - demonstrating technical versatility.

* Rebuilt the company's entire network infrastructure, across three office locations, enabling remote access, ongoing backups and instant data sharing for users.

* Redesigned the company website to include video demos - an addition that was fresh and groundbreaking at the time.

Tacoma, WA

2005 - 2006

The professional society of funeral directors and funeral service providers in the state of Washington

IT Specialist / Newsletter Editor

Relocated with family to Washington and began work with the Funeral Directors Association as their Newsletter Editor. Familiarity with technology issues led to an expanded role as the organization's IT Specialist. Compiled a membership database and updated records, creating a user-friendly, digitized format for accessing information.

* Successfully produced a professional, 40-60-page publication every month, managing every aspect of newsletter production inclusive of design, content, advertising sales and distribution to 900+ members.

Joined the St. John Student Center serving Michigan State University as a consultant on interactive media and as an AV Technician. Gained experience working on live stream video as it first emerged, redesigned St. John's website using video and was invited to work on live stream events for the wider MSU community based on skills and work product.

Joined this multinational IT equipment and services firm to support a large, global project with General Motors - transitioning the company from Windows 98 to Windows 2000.