DENNIS CANTU
Chicago,IL
Summary
Experienced IT and telecommunications solutions leadership with over 20 years of expertise in system design, planning, and project management. Proven track record in cross-functional leadership, strategic business solutions, and cost-saving initiatives. Adept at managing complex projects, guiding technical teams, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. Seeking a senior or management role to leverage extensive experience in leading change initiatives and implementing strategic IT solutions.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr Telecommunications
Railroad Retirement Board Federal Government
01.2020 - Current
- Acted as a senior advisor to management, significantly enhancing the evaluation and effectiveness of information toll-free programs, leading to a 20% increase in operational productivity and efficiency
- Provided advanced technical leadership and expertise in monitoring project activities as a Contracting Officer Representative, ensuring all projects adhered to federal standards and delivered on time and within budget
- Developed and implemented a cost-effective, risk-based approach for adopting and utilizing telecommunications services, ensuring full compliance with FedRAMP, resulting in annual cost savings of $500,000
- Delivered expert guidance, direction, and training to the communication community, enhancing overall technical proficiency and project execution
- Conducted thorough research and analysis of federal guidelines and standards, ensuring all network policies, principles, and practices met or exceeded regulatory requirements
- Coordinated and conducted comprehensive technical testing, audits, and vulnerability assessments of planned toll-free communication systems, identifying and mitigating potential risks
- Prepared detailed statements of work (SOWs), requests for information (RFIs), and requests for proposals (RFPs) related to telecommunications needs, ensuring vendor proposals met all performance and quality standards
- Managed ongoing support and maintenance of critical NTFS platform components, including the IVR system, ACD, MPLS data network, and VoIP telephones, ensuring seamless operation across all field offices.
- Successfully balanced multiple assignments simultaneously while maintaining high-quality work standards under tight deadlines.
- Researched and recommended network and data communications hardware and software.
- Stayed up-to-date on industry developments, attending workshops and conferences to enhance skills as a Telecommunication Installer.
- Mitigated potential service interruptions by proactively identifying potential issues during routine maintenance checks.
Network Service Manager
Motorola Solutions
01.2019 - 06.2020
- Collaborated with the Sales Team, project management, and ILEC/CLEC staff in a post-sales capacity to design robust network solutions, resulting in a 25% improvement in service delivery times
- Resolved complex technical and logistical issues related to service delivery commitments made during the sales process, achieving a 98% on-time delivery rate
- Provided expert pre-sales consultancy, thoroughly understanding customer needs, and advising on the relative benefits and risks of potential solutions, leading to a 30% increase in customer satisfaction
- Identified new technologies and solutions, assisting in the evolution of reference telephony network designs and solution best practices, which enhanced network efficiency by 40%
- Delivered guidance and alternative solution advice for network products and integration opportunities, optimizing network performance
- Developed regional and enterprise procurement strategies, conducted price and cost analysis, and directed market research teams for materials and services in compliance with regulations for 9-1-1 service delivery, managing budgets between $0.5 million and $1 million
- Served as a keynote presenter, providing critical guidance to stakeholders on sales and deployment strategies, contributing to a 20% increase in successful deployments
- Provided a wide scope of solutions including telco network traffic engineering and VoIP solutions design, improving overall network traffic management by 35%.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing cost-effective deals on hardware and software purchases.
- Established strong relationships with stakeholders, providing timely updates on project progress and outcomes.
- Optimized network infrastructure with the design and implementation of new systems and solutions.
- Implemented industry-standard security protocols to safeguard sensitive data from potential threats.
- Mentored junior staff members, providing training on networking concepts and troubleshooting techniques.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements by conducting thorough risk assessments and audits.
Program/Project Manager
Broadcasting Board of Governors Federal
01.2019 - 06.2020
- Served as Contracting Officer Representative on multimillion-dollar PMO contracts, providing technical leadership and expertise in monitoring project activities
Established and maintained liaison with U.S
Diplomatic staffs, foreign government officials, and key stakeholders in radio, television, and transmission stations to ensure efficient delivery of Satellite, LAN/WAN, Server, Data Center, and telecommunications services
Directed comprehensive IT services for Department of Engineering and Transmission Division, managing $20 million IT budget and leading team of 5 staff members across 5 countries with $2 million budget
Oversaw 20 contracts and interagency agreements for IT, Telecommunications, and Satellite services, ensuring compliance and performance standards were met
Provided advice and recommendations on management of enterprise-wide IT services, enhancing system effectiveness and addressing emerging technology issues
Promoted development and evaluation of new satellite, telecommunications, Data Center, WAN, and Server technologies, resulting in improved service delivery and cost efficiencies.
Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
Delivered exceptional customer satisfaction by proactively addressing client concerns and meeting or exceeding expectations throughout engagement process.
Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in team''s ability to deliver results.
Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks.
Collaborated closely with senior management to align project objectives with strategic company initiatives, ensuring that efforts contributed to overall business growth.
Prepared detailed reports on project status for stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with objectives.
Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing quality materials at competitive prices for efficient use of resources.
Negotiated and managed third-party contracts related to project deliverables.
Created accurate budgets based on resource requirements, allowing for optimal allocation of funds across all aspects of projects.
Effectively managed scope creep by establishing clear boundaries on requested changes while keeping projects aligned with original objectives and budgets.
Implemented continuous improvement initiatives to optimize project outcomes while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Enhanced overall project success by conducting thorough post-project evaluations and incorporating lessons learned into future efforts.
Fostered culture of innovation and creativity within project team, leading to improved problem-solving capabilities and enhanced outcomes.
Ensured regulatory compliance by closely monitoring applicable laws and regulations within industry sector throughout each stage of project life cycle.
Streamlined project processes by implementing Agile methodologies, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced costs.
IT Manager
HSBC
01.2002 - 01.2014
- Directed a team of 5 IT engineers, 8 managers, and 25 contractors, achieving team objectives and timelines
- Presented and executed budget initiatives related to Data Center build-outs and remote call centers, managing a $20 million telecommunications budget
- Led high-volume Data Center projects, impacting budgets, SLA, project plans, design, and equipment layouts.
- Developed custom IT solutions to address specific business needs, driving operational improvements and cost savings.
- Collaborated with other departments to help meet IT needs and properly integrate and secure systems.
- Reduced downtime by promptly addressing hardware and software issues, ensuring minimal impact on business operations.
- Optimized helpdesk performance through process improvements, enabling faster response times and increased user satisfaction levels.
- Managed vendor relationships for hardware, software, and services procurement, ensuring quality products at competitive prices.
- Oversaw technology budget planning and allocation to optimize resource utilization while meeting organizational objectives.
- Promoted collaboration between cross-functional teams by integrating disparate systems into unified platforms for improved communication and workflow efficiency.
- Established a robust IT service management framework based on industry standards such as ITIL, driving quality improvements and operational excellence.
- Facilitated seamless transitions during system upgrades or migrations by coordinating between stakeholders and mitigating potential disruptions to business operations.
- Managed network and system performance, conducting troubleshooting, security patching, and maintenance.
- Led a skilled IT team in providing exceptional technical support, fostering a collaborative environment that promoted professional growth.
- Spearheaded disaster recovery efforts during critical incidents, restoring systems functionality quickly to minimize downtime and maintain business continuity.
- Contributed to the successful completion of numerous high-profile projects by providing expert guidance on technology strategy, infrastructure design, and implementation best practices.
- Evaluated emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement within the organization''s IT landscape.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations by implementing comprehensive IT policies and procedures covering data privacy, security, and access controls.
- Improved network efficiency by implementing new server configurations and optimizing system operations.
- Assisted in development of long-term strategies to grow department and resources.
Central Office Manager
TXU COMMUNICATIONS
01.1998 - 01.2001
Signal Support Systems Specialist
UNITED STATES ARMY
01.1993 - 01.1997
Education
Associate of Science -
Panama Canal College
Department Of Defense School Panama06.1993
Skills
- Lead change and Implement strategic IT Solutions
- Experienced IT and telecommunications solutions leadership with over 20 years of expertise in system design, planning, and project management
- Proven track record in cross-functional leadership, strategic business solutions, and cost-saving initiatives
- Adept at managing complex projects, guiding technical teams, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations
- Specific areas of expertise include:
- Leadership & Supervision
- Knowledge of NENA/APCO
- Knowledge of FCC Regulations
- FedRAMP
- Telecom/Satellite/Fiber/DWDM
- Contract Management & Negotiation
- Budget Control & Life Cycle
- Cloud Solutions Toll-Free/VOIP/WAN/MPLS
- Next Generation 9-1-1
- Data Center
Timeline
Sr Telecommunications
Railroad Retirement Board Federal Government
01.2020 - Current
Network Service Manager
Motorola Solutions
01.2019 - 06.2020
Program/Project Manager
Broadcasting Board of Governors Federal
01.2019 - 06.2020
IT Manager
HSBC
01.2002 - 01.2014
Central Office Manager
TXU COMMUNICATIONS
01.1998 - 01.2001
Signal Support Systems Specialist
UNITED STATES ARMY
01.1993 - 01.1997
Associate of Science -
Panama Canal College
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