Welcome!
Thank You
for participating in my journey.
- PJ Way
Executive, C-Suite
As a technology professional my experience translates across verticals. My background supporting staff, communities, teams, emergency services, government, higher education, broadband initiatives, digital equity and inclusion, Artificial Intelligence, bloackchain, Fortune 500, healthcare, finance, entertainment, residential populations, GIS, ML, IoT, financial systems, and other areas have been demonstrated successfully thoughout my career. Let's explore the connections.
About Me
I am passionate about life. Today is an exciting time to be alive. There is so much potential for tomorrow. Perhaps that is why I believe technology offers an opportunity for everyone to achieve more than they ever dreamed possible and I want to help lead that potential. I'd welcome a deeper conversation over a cup of coffee.
My Experience
Background & Expertise
Prometheus Consulting, LLC (2023 - present)
Independent Contractor/Speaker 2008 - Present
2008 - Present
Prometheus Consulting, LLC is designed to deliver customer focus supporting objectives and strategic efforts. Focusing on digital equity & inclusion, rural broadband development, blockchain education & adoption, and promoting quality of life, education, economic development, and opportunity are core efforts. Over my years of experience in Information Technology, I have served in a variety of roles providing volunteer, professional development, contract, project management, academic review, and other areas of independent consulting. Professional experience identifying opportunity, being awarded, and executing successfully on grant funding. Establishing relationships, leading teams, fiscal responsbility, and accountability is a long demonstrated experience. Here is a brief sample of engagement: - NFT business development planning, Artificial Intelligence speaker & program designer, SME, Faculty, lecturer with NCS Madison, First Children's Finance, Strayer University, Journal of Information Technology Education, Southern New Hampshire University, Rock Valley College, Rasmussen College, Rockford University, NCAA, IHSA, Rockford Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, and more.
Rural Broadband and Special Initiatives
2022 - 2022
Key responsibilities to respond to current and expanding broadband needs which promote healthcare, education, public/life safety, tribal communities, economic development, transportation, tourism, hospitality, etc.. Continually participates in local and statewide broadband committees to track and report upon progress of collaborations and projects. Plans, implements, administers, and evaluates programs, especially as related to those that provide Broadband services to the public. Lead the establishment of grants and develop new funding sources. Maintains working relationships with community agencies and organizations across the county and state of Arizona. Present and inform policy makers, community members, and peers of broadband developments and special initiatives which supports the city, state, local agencies, and government progress. Provides connection with Federal, State, Local, Tribal, and other business partners to identify areas of collaboration. Deliver strategic advice on using technology to achieve goals. Participates in development and operational activities to achieve the departments long-term and short-range goals and business objectives. Conducts supervisory meetings, attends management meetings and full staff meetings. Selects, plans, assigns, supervises, trains, and evaluates the work of subordinates. Manages large special project and critical initiatives.
Director of Information Systems
2019 - 2022
Key responsibility for driving Northern Arizona University institutional success through the implementation, operation, and support of technology infrastructure and application systems. Primary responsibility is the successful management of engineering, operations, and support teams engaged in the planning, design and implementation of hardware, software and network technologies, and monitoring, daily maintenance and support of systems, networking and datacenters. Serve as a member of the ITS Leadership team by participating in strategic planning and governance. NAU is currently engaged in an Organizational Growth and Effectiveness Initiative, which focuses on positioning the University for future success of its operational practices.
Associate Vice President, Chief Information Officer
2015 - 2019
The position reflects the strategic value of technology leadership within the institution’s teaching, operation and service missions. Lead the technology infrastructure, information services, strategic planning technology efforts, and all related IS programs and services for the enterprise. The role provides visionary leadership for technology-related initiatives delivering emerging technology to drive strategy and digital transformation. Responsible for administering the operations, mutli-million dollar budgets and staff for the departments within the Information Services Division. Oversees the nations largest privately owned non-profit microwave network. Ensure internal controls, risk assessment and audit compliance are maintained. Committed to fostering a positive environment that nurtures culture and values relationships. Serve as a member of the President’s Executive Staff. Successfully led technology innovation to deliver higher educational opportunities and robust access across rural areas of Arizona in Navajo and Apache Counties.
Director of Information Technology
2013 - 2015
The position is responsible to direct and lead comprehensive planning, organizing, and execution of all IT functions. Providing staff mentoring, development, collaboration and establishing a culture of trust and empowerment. Within the role, I provided strategic vision, priorities and planning to support the future focus of the institution. Key tasks accomplished included organizing and maintaining all federal, state, and local compliance requirements to provide effective planning, reporting and auditing tasks. Additionally served as the technology liaison to the Board of Trustees.
School of Technology and Design Faculty
2010 - 2013
Responsible for student engagement and success and all performance reporting for 15-20 students per class at 20 classes per year in a quarter semester system.  Serve as Advisory Board for School of Technology and Design Chair. Developed MIS program to improve retention, increase enrollment and promote student engagement. Retention rose from 22% to 64% and enrollment increased 58%. Created and establish internship program supporting 12-16 internship students annually. Internship programs resulted in job and career placement opportunities for graduate candidates of the technology program.
Education and Military Service
May 2008 - Aug 2009
University of Phoenix
Master of Science, Management Information Systems
Aug 1998 - Aug 1999
United States Army Reserve
Honorable Discharge
UH-60 Black Hawk Crewchief
August 2004 - May 2008
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science, Business/e-Business
Nov 1991 - Nov 1995
United States Marine Corps
Honorable Discharge
CH-46E Sea Knight Crewchief - Combat Veteran
August 1996 - May 2000
Rock Valley College
Associate of Science, Math
Project Portfolio
Detailed Project Information
My 20+ years of experience in large scale project planning, reporting, and budgeting with specific IT process methodology has permitted me the opportunity to provide strategic vision, innovation and tactical execution across industries leading comprehensive and diverse technology ecosystems. Please review some of the details of these various projects. Follow the 'Review' link below.
Team Building
Trust is rarely given and must be earned. Demonstrating integrity and building collaborative relationships are the foundation of my approach to earning trust and establishing functional teams and partnerships. Believe in others.
Leadership
I believe leading is a privilege. Sharing vision, focusing on goals, inspiring others and most of all, supporting those under your care, direction and guidance are some of the most valuable qualities in a leader.
Genuine, Transparent, Communication
Strength in decision making requires a humility to listen as well as being heard. The best compliment I believe I have ever had stated I was "Genuine". Another stated an appreciation of my "command presence" to lead, listen and support. Being genuine, honest, transparent and a communicator are cornerstones of my character.
Awards and Recognition
IT Vanguard Award
April 2019
The IT Vanguard Awards honor North American IT network and enterprise communications professionals who are blazing new trails and putting the status quo aside to deliver exceptional solutions to their customers. Issued by Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise.
The following criteria was evaluated by a panel of judges from all nominations:
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Nominee’s contributions to advancing network/enterprise communications
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Leadership that demonstrates unique vision and contributes to IT transformation
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Innovation of project and demonstrated value to the organization
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Project/people management and impact on the organization's end-users
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Use of technology and resource allocation to achieve project success
