Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

April Branch

Lead Systems Applications Specialist
Calumet City,IL

Summary

Promote optimal performance, reliability, and security across core business systems. Results-driven professional offering a progressive, ten-year career in information technology. Repeated success directing IT projects from inception to execution, strategically allocating resources and delegating tasks to achieve on-time, on-budget delivery. Expertly manage technical support operations, diligently troubleshooting issues to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. Process improvement champion with a history of implementing new procedures and technologies to strengthen security posture, enhance operational efficiency, and control costs.

Overview

10
10
years of post-secondary education
17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Leader Systems Application Specialist

Lansing, IL
10.2014 - Current
  • Proving Tier III IT support to non-technical personnel within district
  • Manages overall maintenance of existing programs and IT systems, including testing and rollout of all changes and upgrades, MDM AirWatch iPad configuration, Microsoft Exchange/ Active Directory, Spice Works Helpdesk System, creating and managing SIS accounts (PowerSchool), administering VOIP communication system (Avaya Management), and Windows Deployment Services (WDS).
  • Updates of POS, perform E-Learning remote troubleshooting (Splash Top, VPN) and managing district emergency system (RedSky E911).
  • Perform end user computing and desktop service operations.
  • Made recommendations and performed upgrades, assisting district in technology planning aligned with growth projections.
  • Contributed ideas and suggestions in team meetings and delivered updates on deadlines, designs and enhancements.
  • Implemented and managed operating systems and software.
  • Contributed to project cost estimates and budgets based on assessment of district's needs.
  • Recommended and installed upgrades and helped district to plan for technology to match growth.
  • Created service level agreement for IT operational functions including help desk operations.
  • Gathered and defined staff requirements to develop clear specifications for project plans.
  • Managed team of 4 employees, overseeing hiring, training, and professional growth of employees
  • Led projects and analyzed data to identify opportunities for improvement
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced atmosphere
  • Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork
  • Worked closely with Director of Technology to maintain optimum levels of communication to effectively and efficiently complete projects
  • Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity
  • Created plans and communicated deadlines to ensure projects were completed on time

Software Support Specialist

Legacy Professionals LLP
Chicago, IL
11.2013 - 04.2014
  • Configured hardware, devices and software to set up work stations for 50-100 employees.
  • Followed up with clients to verify optimal customer satisfaction following support engagement and problem resolution.
  • Removed malware, ransomware and other threats from laptops and desktop systems.
  • Broke down and evaluated user problems, using test scripts, personal expertise and probing questions.
  • Patched software and installed new versions to eliminate security problems and protect data.
  • Worked with software development team of six on reported errors and bugs on newly released software and assisted in deployment of release fixes.
  • Helped streamline repair processes and update procedures for support action consistency.
  • Collaborated with 3-5 vendors to locate replacement components and resolve advanced problems.
  • Carried out day-day-day duties accurately and efficiently.

University of Chicago Medical Center
Chicago, IL
09.2005 - 10.2013
  • Provided customer service/greeted families and visitors, handled all word processing and data entry of patient information for applicable database, assisted doctors and nurses with patient needs.
  • Ordered production items and maintained inventory, answered telephones, and represented company in professional manners.
  • Patient admission and discharge.

IT Consultant

Catalyst Schools
Chicago, IL
05.2012 - 09.2013
  • Implemented and managed operating systems and software, security systems and intrusion detection systems.
  • Recommended and installed upgrades and helped businesses to plan for technology to match growth.
  • Consulted with engineering team members to determine system loads and develop improvement plans.
  • Inspected equipment, assessed functionality and optimized controls.
  • Evaluated business requirements, leveraging information to forecast costs relating to hardware, software and consulting.

Education

MBA - Project Management

DeVry Keller
10.2018 - Current

Master of Project Management -

10.2018 - 08.2020

Bachelor of Science - Technical Management/Business Information Systems

DeVry University
07.2013 - 06.2017

AAS - Computer Information Systems

City Colleges of Chicago, Richard J. Daley College
09.2011 - 05.2013

Skills

Configuration management

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Timeline

MBA - Project Management

DeVry Keller
10.2018 - Current

Master of Project Management -

10.2018 - 08.2020

Leader Systems Application Specialist

10.2014 - Current

Software Support Specialist

Legacy Professionals LLP
11.2013 - 04.2014

Bachelor of Science - Technical Management/Business Information Systems

DeVry University
07.2013 - 06.2017

IT Consultant

Catalyst Schools
05.2012 - 09.2013

AAS - Computer Information Systems

City Colleges of Chicago, Richard J. Daley College
09.2011 - 05.2013

University of Chicago Medical Center
09.2005 - 10.2013

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April BranchLead Systems Applications Specialist