Technology
Drew Sanders
Senior IT Leader | Cybersecurity, Infrastructure, & Operational Excellence | Driving Business Innovation
Aburn,WA
Summary
Strategic IT executive and infrastructure leader with a high level of business and technical acumen, driving technology initiatives that optimize operations, enhance security, and align with corporate objectives. Proven expertise in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud strategy, and ERP/MRP systems, delivering cost-effective, scalable, and secure solutions.
- Business-minded technology leader adept at translating complex IT strategies into measurable business outcomes
- Expertise in IT infrastructure modernization, cloud transformation, cybersecurity, and SaaS optimization
- Deep financial acumen, managing $2M+ IT budgets, optimizing costs, and maximizing ROI
- Successfully led enterprise IT transformations, increasing uptime, reducing costs, and enhancing efficiency
- Strong background in Microsoft 365, Azure, virtualization, ERP/MRP, and network security
- Effective communicator, bridging the gap between technical teams, executive leadership, and business stakeholders
A trusted strategic partner, combining technical expertise with business insight to create secure, scalable, and innovative IT solutions that drive company growth and operational success.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Sr. Manager, IT Infrastructure and Operations
Zonar Systems
08.2021 - Current
Strategic IT leader overseeing corporate infrastructure, security, and operations across multi-site environments. Managed a $2M annual budget, led a high-performing engineering team, and optimized service desk operations to improve IT service delivery.
- Increased network uptime from ~85% to 99.99% by optimizing infrastructure and hardening security
- Modernized on-prem computing, reducing storage/compute usage by 40% and cutting operational costs by 25%
- Migrated offsite datacenter, lowering monthly costs by 68% while maintaining full functionality
- Transitioned on-prem AD to a cloud-first Entra AD model, improving security and scalability
- Led CIS RAMP Security Review, advancing compliance toward SOC 2, ISO 27001, NIST, and FedRAMP
- Reduced open support tickets by 80%, achieving 1-hour response times and 3-day resolution rates at 95-100%
- Implemented Agile methodologies for engineering, improving sprint performance to 90%+
- Optimized Azure Cloud resources, reducing complexity while enhancing security and scalability
- Standardized a hardware refresh cycle (25% annually) for improved reliability and cost predictability
- Reduced SaaS spend through vendor negotiations, licensing optimization, and tool consolidation
IT Director
Allpak Container / Golden West Packaging
04.1986 - 08.2021
Led IT infrastructure, operations, and ERP/MRP systems across multiple locations. Managed a $750K annual budget, optimized networking, security, and cloud services, and ensured seamless manufacturing IT operations.
- Led three ERP/MRP system migrations, delivering each on time, within budget, and disruption-free
- Designed and maintained a state-of-the-art on-prem datacenter, migrating 26 physical servers to a virtualized 3-2-1 architecture
- Transitioned Microsoft Exchange from on-prem to Exchange Online, reducing maintenance overhead
- Implemented secure network infrastructure across two facilities, leveraging WatchGuard Firewalls and Meraki Switching
- Developed an internal production display system, improving real-time material staging and workforce planning
- Led two Microsoft 365 tenant splits, supporting a division sell-off and an acquisition consolidation
- Increased production efficiency by enhancing real-time data collection and floor tracking
- Drove cost savings and scalability through cloud adoption, virtualization, and IT process improvements
Education
Master of Science - Information Technology Management
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration IT Management
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT 05.2001 -
Skills
Strategic planning
Accomplishments
- Optimized IT Infrastructure & Security – Increased network uptime from ~85% to 99.99%, modernized infrastructure, and enhanced security posture
- Cloud & Digital Transformation – Led migrations from on-prem to cloud, including Microsoft 365, Azure, and Entra AD, improving efficiency and scalability
- ERP/MRP System Leadership – Successfully implemented and migrated three ERP/MRP systems, ensuring on-time, on-budget, and disruption-free transitions
- IT Cost Optimization & Budget Management – Managed $2M+ annual budgets, reducing IT operational costs by 25-68% through vendor negotiations, licensing optimizations, and cloud efficiencies
- Business & Technology Alignment – Bridged the gap between IT strategy and corporate goals, driving measurable business impact through process automation, system integrations, and strategic IT investments
- Service Desk & IT Operations Excellence – Reduced open support tickets by 80%, implemented Agile methodologies, and ensured 95-100% SLA compliance
- Production & Operational Efficiency – Designed a real-time production information system, streamlining workforce planning and material staging, improving manufacturing floor efficiency
- Enterprise Security & Compliance – Led CIS RAMP Security Review, driving compliance toward SOC 2, ISO 27001, NIST, and FedRAMP
- Datacenter & Network Modernization – Consolidated 26 physical servers into a virtualized 3-2-1 environment, reducing maintenance costs and improving redundancy
- Strategic Leadership & Team Development – Built and led high-performing IT teams, implementing best practices in cybersecurity, cloud strategy, and IT governance
Certification
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
Interests
Outdoors
Home Renovation
Investing
Timeline
Sr. Manager, IT Infrastructure and Operations
Zonar Systems
08.2021 - Current
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
05-2021
Micro-Credential in Management
01-2021
Micro-credential in Applied Business Skills
10-2020
Master of Science - Information Technology Management
Western Governors University
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration IT Management
Western Governors University
05.2001 -
IT Director
Allpak Container / Golden West Packaging
04.1986 - 08.2021
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