Bill Bakken

Served as the technical lead in designing and implementing best-practice cloud architectures to support expanding AI initiatives. Directed the integration of generative and quantitative AI applications, ensuring scalable and efficient deployment across environments.

• Architected and deployed highly geo-redundant cloud infrastructure using Microsoft Azure, emphasizing resilience, performance, and security.
• Recognized as a subject matter expert in compliance and security frameworks, including PCI-DSS, FedRAMP, NIST, CMMC, and Zero Trust, ensuring all implementations adhered to rigorous industry standards.

Serving as Head of IT at a rapidly growing Enterprise Content Management (ECM) firm, I lead the full spectrum of IT operations with a strategic focus on cost efficiency, operational excellence, and employee satisfaction. My role encompasses oversight of high-availability cloud hosting for critical court systems in California, Michigan, Alaska, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

• Spearheading full-stack implementations of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Customer Service Enterprise (CSE) and Operations (OPS).
• Designing and executing cross-departmental training and mentorship programs to enhance staff development and interdepartmental collaboration.
• Managing the acquisition and deployment of scalable, cloud-based telephony systems.
• Leading AI integration initiatives, applying both generative and quantitative models to optimize workflows and decision-making.
• Architecting and deploying geo-redundant cloud infrastructure leveraging Microsoft Azure.
• Overseeing DevOps administration and continuous operations to ensure seamless delivery and support of IT services.

Led server and network initiatives, providing strategic oversight and hands-on support for core infrastructure systems. Key accomplishments include:

• Rapidly deployed Rackspace Cloud Servers, reducing provisioning time to under 15 minutes and improving operational agility.
• Deployed and optimized high-performance WordPress environments to support scalable web applications.
• Implemented and managed VMware ESX Server virtualization, enhancing resource utilization and system flexibility.
• Developed and maintained comprehensive disaster recovery documentation to ensure business continuity.
• Configured and optimized Microsoft Exchange with a focus on mobile device compatibility and performance.
• Deployed and provided ongoing support for Linux-based web servers in high-availability environments.

Led the end-to-end development of IT infrastructure for a rapidly growing E-Commerce firm based in Sylvan Lake, building systems and processes from the ground up to support scalable operations and long-term growth.

• Built and managed a technical support team of six, providing daily oversight and performance leadership.
• Directed the acquisition and deployment of the Sage ACCPAC ERP and Warehouse Management System (WMS) to streamline operations and inventory control.
• Authored and maintained disaster recovery documentation, ensuring preparedness and continuity.
• Oversaw the rollout and ongoing support of IP telephony systems across multiple sites.
• Provided 24/7 on-call technical support, maintaining consistent uptime and rapid incident response.
• Engineered multi-site and multi-state network connectivity for seamless communication and data access.
• Successfully integrated mixed operating environments, including Mac OS X and Windows XP/7 systems, to support diverse user needs.

Served as the lead for all web development operations, overseeing the full lifecycle of the company’s online business initiatives.

• Solely managed and maintained 21 web-based stores and program redemption sites, ensuring performance, security, and scalability.
• Provided full global e-commerce support, enabling seamless transactions and user experiences across international markets.
• Led enterprise-level site development for DaimlerChrysler, adhering to ISO 9001 standards for quality and compliance.
• Designed and implemented a modular, easy-to-deploy client store interface, accelerating launch timelines and simplifying maintenance.