Benjamin A. Townsend
Palermo, NY 13069
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. 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 an environment of collaboration and teamwork to drive effective solutions that align with strategic objectives.
EXPERIENCE
May 2023: Software Applications and Security Specialist, Helio Health
- Coordinated and maintained the implementation, configuration, analysis, and integrity of all software applications and cyber security protections.
- Managed both on-premises and cloud applications.
- Developed mastery of Office 365/Azure environments to support all Helio Health applications.
- Lead project to implement Microsoft Endpoint Manager, Intune, and Defender for Endpoint to all agency managed endpoints.
- Oversaw application performance through system monitoring and analysis.
- Conducted continual analysis of applications focusing on workflow automation and process improvement.
- Ensured backup, recovery, and security procedures were documented and tested.
- Coordinated and maintained the cyber-security program, providing security awareness training for all staff, volunteers, contractors, and interns. Including ongoing simulated phishing training campaigns.
- Configured and operated on-prem and cloud applications, cloud architecture/systems, security management, and risk assessment systems.
- Supported the agency's digital transformation process for cloud-based applications, ensuring best practices for security and high availability.
- Participated in and/or led new initiatives and special projects.
- Monitored and reported significant problems, prioritizing issues to maintain security and support Helio Health's programs.
May 2018 – May 2023: IT OPERATIONS MANAGER, ARISE CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICE
- Manage and lead a team of IT professionals, including setting goals, providing guidance and support, and conducting performance evaluations
- Oversee the Data Analytics team and develop and implement data analytics projects and initiatives to support the organization's business objectives
- Analyze and interpret health care and billing data from various sources, including IT systems and infrastructure, to identify trends and patterns, and provide insights and recommendations to support decision-making
- Develop and implement IT strategies, policies, and procedures to support the organization's business objectives
- Oversee the deployment, maintenance, and support of IT systems and infrastructure, including hardware, software, and networks
- Monitor and analyze system performance, identify, and resolve technical issues, and implement enhancements to improve reliability and efficiency
- Collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to identify and prioritize IT projects and initiatives, and develop and manage budgets and project plans
- Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards, and manage risks associated with IT operations. Ex HIPAA/HITECH, NYS OMH, NY Shield Act, etc
- Provide technical guidance and support to end users, and train and mentor team members to develop their skills and expertise.
November 2014 – May 2018: NETWORK AND SYSTEM DEVELOPER, ARISE CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICE
- Develop and implement custom applications, reporting and analytics solutions using a variety of programming languages and frameworks, including PHP, Drupal, Wordpress, Python, MySQL, PowerShell, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS
- Develop and maintain dashboards, visualizations, and other tools to support the analysis and interpretation of data
- Collaborate with stakeholders to design and build user-friendly, high-quality solutions that meet business and technical requirements
- Write and maintain clean, efficient, and well-documented code that follows best practices and standards
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues, and perform code reviews and testing to ensure the reliability and performance of applications and solutions
- Collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to identify and prioritize IT projects and initiatives, and develop and manage budgets and project plans
- Provide technical guidance and support to end users, including training, troubleshooting, and issue resolution
- Write and maintain user guides, documentation, and other materials to support the use of applications and solutions
September 2010 – November 2014: NETWORK AND SYSTEM ADMINISTRATOR, ARISE CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICE
- Install, configure, and maintain Windows workstations and servers, including operating systems, applications, patches, and updates
- Manage and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks, including routers, switches, and access points
- Provide technical support and assistance to end users for desktop applications, including Microsoft Office and other business-critical applications
- Monitor and analyze system performance, identify, and resolve technical issues, and implement enhancements to improve reliability and efficiency
January 2009 – June 2010: Technical Support Agent, Cloud 10 Corporation
- Troubleshoot a wide range of customer issues; Internet connectivity, home networking, email, web publishing, virus protection, and PC hardware/software support.
- Document Inbound calls succinctly and accurately.
- Provide Efficient and Friendly customer service.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
- 2024: Helio Health - Implemented Automations to improve user account and licensing management.
- 2023-2024 Helio Health - Lead project to implement Microsoft Endpoint Manager, Intune, and Defender for Endpoint to all agency managed endpoints.
- 2022: ARISE - Implemented Inventory Management, RMM software, remote support and configuration management for all agency endpoints.
- 2021: ARISE - Lead project to implement Microsoft Endpoint Manager, Intune, and Bitwarden EDR to all agency managed endpoints.
- 2020: ARISE – Lead project to replace and upgrade end user hardware, implement cloud based telephony, and telehealth systems in-support of remote work due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- 2014 – 2022: ARISE - Developed Custom Application to facilitate payroll and medical billing for field staff using complex approval workflows, custom reporting, and automated compliance verification systems.
- 2020 – 2022: ARISE - Developed custom telehealth scheduling application to schedule appointments and facilitate patient communications.
- 2019 – 2022: ARISE - Developed custom reporting, analytics and data capture tools for organization’s data warehousing initiatives.
- 2018 – 2022: ARISE - Implemented Cyber Security Controls and Monitoring Program. Implemented Cyber Security Awareness training program.
SKILLS
- IT operations management
- Leadership and team management
- Data analytics
- Reporting and data visualization
- Network and system administration
- Windows workstation and server management
- Desktop application support
- Wired and wireless networking
- Technical support and assistance
- System performance monitoring and analysis
- Project management and budgeting
- Cyber security programs and Risk management
- Training and mentoring
- PHP, Drupal, Wordpress, Python, MySQL, PowerShell, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS programming languages and frameworks
- User-friendly application design and development
- Technical writing and documentation.
EDUCATION
- Communications and Broadcasting – SUNY Brockport 2002 – 2004
- Business administration and management – Genesee Community College 2000 - 2004
VOLUNTEER AND PERSONAL ACTIVITIES
-
FCC Licensed Amateur Radio Operator – Extra Class
-
Volunteer Communications Support for Community Events Such as Running Races, Bicycle Races, Festivals etc.
-
Secretary, Webmaster & Former Vice President - Fulton Amateur Radio Club
-
Former Vice President and Webmaster – Salt City Brew Club
-
Trained NOAA NWS Skywarn Severe Weather Spotter