BURTON BARDUS
Worthington,OH
Summary
IT EXECUTIVE | TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR | ENTERPRISE IT STRATEGY | OPERATIONS & INNOVATION
Transformational technology leader with a proven track record directing enterprise IT operations, modernizing infrastructure, and implementing cybersecurity initiatives. Successful in aligning technology strategy with operational and community objectives while managing cross-functional teams, multimillion-dollar budgets, and vendor partnerships. Expertise includes enterprise infrastructure, IT governance, service management, digital transformation, cloud strategy, and innovative public-facing technology solutions. Recognized for combining strategic leadership with operational execution, stakeholder communication, and customer-focused technology delivery across complex multi-site environments.
Work History
IT Service Desk Manager | Technology & Innovation
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Columbus, OH
01.2014 - Current
- Serve as a senior technology leader for a 23-location public library system, providing strategic and operational leadership across enterprise IT services, infrastructure modernization, cybersecurity initiatives, endpoint operations, and public technology platforms.
- Direct and optimize a $1.8M annual IT budget, aligning technology investments with organizational priorities, capital improvement initiatives, and modernization strategies.
- Lead cross-functional technology initiatives spanning endpoint management, enterprise infrastructure coordination, cloud services, public computing environments, conferencing systems, and vendor-supported technologies.
- Oversee enterprise endpoint management and lifecycle operations supporting approximately 2,000 desktops and laptops across a multi-site public computing environment.
- Implemented cybersecurity and asset protection technologies including BeyondTrust, Absolute, JAMF, and enterprise-wide security modernization initiatives.
- Led cloud-first transformation initiatives and enterprise technology deployments including PC refresh programs, public printing modernization, self-service kiosks, laptop dispensing systems, enterprise A/V modernization, and mobile technology services.
- Coordinated technology modernization efforts across 16 newly constructed or renovated library branches, managing vendor relationships, procurement coordination, implementation planning, and operational readiness.
- Achieved approximately 95% SLA compliance across more than 7,500 annual IT service incidents through operational improvements, ITIL-aligned service management practices, and proactive support strategies.
- Present technology strategies, operational plans, and modernization initiatives to executive leadership, cross-functional stakeholders, vendors, and external partners.
- Helped expand the library’s role as a community technology hub through AI exploration, gaming, STEM initiatives, 3D printing, and innovation-focused public technology programs.
- Partnered with Lenovo, NVIDIA, PAST Foundation, Esport Foundry, and regional technology leaders to advance innovation-focused programming and strategic technology initiatives.
Manager of Technology Services
Franklin University
Columbus, OH
01.2009 - 01.2014
- Directed enterprise technology services, infrastructure operations, telecommunications systems, and data center support across university business units.
- Led engineering teams responsible for enterprise infrastructure design, deployment, operational continuity, and large-scale systems support initiatives.
- Collaborated with university leadership to improve technology reliability, cybersecurity posture, operational efficiency, and long-term infrastructure planning.
- Coordinated enterprise technology modernization projects involving infrastructure, systems deployment, and operational support services.
Director, Technology & Sales Engineering
Horizon Datacom
Columbus, OH
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Directed enterprise solution delivery and technical sales engineering initiatives supporting infrastructure deployments, customer implementations, and strategic technology consulting services.
- Managed technical teams, vendor relationships, and customer-focused technology solutions supporting operational growth and service delivery objectives.
Senior Engineer, Data Center Engineering
America Online (AOL)
Columbus, OH
01.2001 - 01.2007
- Supported enterprise data center operations, infrastructure engineering, systems reliability, and operational continuity initiatives within large-scale hosting environments.
Senior Network Engineer, Hosting
Verizon / UUNET
Hilliard, OH
01.1995 - 01.2001
- Managed enterprise networking, hosting infrastructure, systems operations, and technical support within large-scale carrier and hosting environments within the US and internationally.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Skills
- Enterprise IT Strategy & Operations
- IT Infrastructure & Endpoint Management
- Cybersecurity & Risk Management
- IT Governance & ITIL Service Management
- Budget Development & Financial Planning
- Capital Planning & Technology Roadmaps
- Vendor Management & Contract Negotiation
- Project & Program Management
- Public Sector & Community Technology
- Cloud Transformation Strategy
- Disaster Recovery & Operational Continuity
- Digital Equity & Technology Innovation
- Executive Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
- Enterprise Networking & Systems Operations
- Procurement, RFPs & SLA Management
Affiliations
- Chair, IT Advisory Committee - Columbus Metropolitan Library
- Chair, IT Library Leaders Forum - Representing Ohio Library Systems
- Member, Columbus CIO Forum
Certification
- ITIL Certification (Information Technology Infrastructure Library)
- Project Management (PMP) Fundamentals (Franklin University)
- Essential Leadership Skills Coursework (Franklin University)
- Leadership Columbus Signature Program (Graduate)
- Cisco Network Academy Instructor (CCNA. CCNP)
Timeline
IT Service Desk Manager | Technology & Innovation - Columbus Metropolitan Library
01.2014 - Current
Manager of Technology Services - Franklin University
01.2009 - 01.2014
Director, Technology & Sales Engineering - Horizon Datacom
01.2007 - 01.2009
Senior Engineer, Data Center Engineering - America Online (AOL)
01.2001 - 01.2007
Senior Network Engineer, Hosting - Verizon / UUNET
01.1995 - 01.2001
Ohio Dominican University - Bachelor of Arts, Psychology