CV — Benjamin Townsend | Software & Consulting

Summary

Experienced IT professional specializing in software applications and cyber security within the healthcare sector. Expert in leading critical initiatives such as migrating organizational computer management to Microsoft Intune and implementing cloud-first automations. Successfully developed solutions to enhance security against phishing threats and utilized PowerShell scripting to manage Azure environments and automate processes efficiently. Proficient in Microsoft Defender for cloud, identity, and endpoint management. Recently led projects involving Intune policy configuration, Autopilot deployment, and custom BCDR solutions to ensure reliable and secure access to patient care data. Seeking opportunities to further modernize IT infrastructure in healthcare, focusing on cloud technologies to enhance the usability of software and support patient care. Committed to fostering a collaborative environment that drives effective solutions aligned with strategic objectives.

Professional Experience

Software Applications and Security Specialist

Helio Health — May 2023 to Present

Coordinate and maintain the implementation, configuration, analysis, and integrity of all software applications and cyber security protections.
Manage both on-premises and cloud applications, with advanced proficiency in Office 365/Azure environments.
Implement Intune configuration and security policies, application deployments, and custom scripting for remediations, including Autopilot to streamline asset deployment.
Develop custom automations and a scripting environment for quality checks, user account automations, and reporting, significantly improving IT department efficiency.
Lead the development of a custom BCDR solution to ensure reliable access to critical patient care data across all locations in the event of downtime.
Collaborate on a massive modernization and standardization effort, strengthening the internal IT team and enhancing overall operational effectiveness.
Oversee application performance through system monitoring and analysis, focusing on workflow automation and process improvement.
Ensure backup, recovery, and security procedures are documented, tested, and aligned with best practices.
Maintain the cyber-security program, delivering security awareness training and running simulated phishing campaigns for continuous improvement.
Monitor, prioritize, and report significant security and performance issues to support Helio Health's digital transformation initiatives.

Independent IT Consultant

Dispatch Dataworks LLC — 2008 to Present

Business & Technical Advisory: Provide end-to-end consulting for small and mid-sized organizations, focusing on cybersecurity, cloud adoption (Azure/Office 365).
Custom Software Solutions: Design and build web-based applications and automated processes that streamline data capture, enhance workflows, and optimize business operations.
Data & Digital Enablement: Implement advanced reporting and analytics tools for data-driven insights, while modernizing clients' web presence to improve visibility and user engagement.

IT Operations Manager

ARISE Child and Family Service — May 2018 to May 2023

Managed and led a team of IT professionals, including hiring, goal-setting, and performance evaluations.
Oversaw the Data Analytics team, developing and implementing data analytics projects to support organizational objectives.
Analyzed and interpreted healthcare and billing data to identify trends, provide insights, and support data-driven decision-making.
Developed and enforced IT strategies, policies, and procedures aligned with business goals and compliance requirements (HIPAA/HITECH, NYS OMH, NY Shield Act).
Maintained IT systems and infrastructure — hardware, software, networks — ensuring reliability and efficiency through performance monitoring and problem resolution.
Collaborated with various departments to identify and prioritize IT projects, managing budgets and project plans effectively.
Provided technical guidance to end users and mentored team members to enhance their skills and expertise.

Network and System Developer

ARISE Child and Family Service — November 2014 to May 2018

Developed and implemented custom applications, reporting, and analytics solutions using PHP, Python, SQL, PowerShell, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
Built and maintained business intelligence dashboards, visualizations, and data capture tools to support organizational analytics and interpretation needs.
Collaborated with stakeholders to design and deploy user-friendly, high-quality solutions that met business and technical requirements.
Performed code reviews, testing, and troubleshooting to ensure reliability, performance, and adherence to best practices.
Provided technical guidance and end-user support, including training and issue resolution.

Network and System Administrator

ARISE Child and Family Service — September 2010 to November 2014

Installed, configured, and maintained Windows workstations and servers, including OS, applications, patches, and updates.
Managed and troubleshot wired and wireless networks, encompassing routers, switches, and access points.
Provided desktop support and assistance for Microsoft Office and other business-critical applications.
Conducted system performance monitoring, identified and resolved technical issues, and implemented enhancements for improved reliability.

Technical Support Agent

Cloud 10 Corporation — January 2009 to June 2010

Provided efficient and friendly technical support for internet connectivity, home networking, email, virus protection, and PC hardware/software.
Documented inbound calls accurately to maintain clear customer service records.

Professional Accomplishments

2025 (Helio Health): Implemented automations to improve user account and licensing management, IT System Reporting, and System Security Compliance.
2023–2024 (Helio Health): Led project to implement Microsoft Endpoint Manager, Intune, and Defender for Endpoint on all agency-managed endpoints.
2022 (ARISE): Deployed inventory management, RMM software, remote support, and configuration management for all agency endpoints.
2021 (ARISE): Led project to implement Microsoft Endpoint Manager, Intune, and Bitwarden EDR on all agency-managed endpoints.
2020 (ARISE): Spearheaded the upgrade and replacement of end-user hardware and implemented cloud-based telephony and telehealth systems for remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2014–2022 (ARISE): Developed a custom application to facilitate payroll and medical billing for field staff, incorporating complex approval workflows, custom reporting, and automated compliance verification.
2020–2022 (ARISE): Created a custom telehealth scheduling application for patient appointments and communications.
2019–2023 (ARISE): Built custom reporting, analytics, and data capture tools for data warehousing initiatives.
2018–2022 (ARISE): Implemented a comprehensive Cyber Security Controls and Monitoring Program, including an awareness training program.

Skills

Management & Leadership IT operations, team management, project management, budgeting

Technical Expertise Microsoft Intune, Endpoint Manager, Defender for Endpoint, Autopilot, PowerShell, Azure/Office 365

Automation & Scripting Custom automations for quality checks, user account management, reporting

Cyber Security Risk management, security awareness training, compliance (HIPAA/HITECH, NYS OMH, NY Shield Act)

Data & Analytics Reporting, data visualization, dashboards, MySQL, data warehousing

Systems Administration Windows server/workstation management, wired/wireless networking, system performance monitoring

Software Development PHP, Drupal, WordPress, Python, PowerShell, JavaScript, HTML/CSS

Collaboration & Communication Cross-functional teamwork, user training/support, documentation

Education

Communications and Broadcasting

SUNY Brockport — 2002–2004

Business Administration and Management

Genesee Community College — 2000–2004

Volunteer & Personal Activities