JOHN L. RUIZ
Brighton,Colorado
Summary
Accomplished technology director specializing in IT strategy, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Led complex projects, including a cloud-based contact center solution and a Zero Trust network, resulting in improved operational efficiency and customer engagement. Strong fiscal management skills, with experience overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets and enhancing IT service delivery.
Overview
1
1
Certification
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Information Technology
Colorado 811
Denver, CO
06.2018 - 09.2026
- Led the technical workstream for the statewide migration of Colorado 811s legacy on-premises ticketing platform to a modern cloud-based solution, overseeing statewide user acceptance testing (UAT), API validation, load testing, and Google Cloud Platform & AWS deployment to ensure a successful enterprise transition. Delivered the project on time, within a $2M budget, achieving a 100% user adoption rate on day one while supporting over 50 API integrations for over 1,000 customers.
- Implemented a Five9 cloud contact center solution supporting over 10 million annual customer engagements, integrating Workforce Management (WFM), Workflow Optimization (WFO), and API based connectivity with the 811 ticketing platform for a 50-person customer service operation.
- Architected and deployed a Zero Trust Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) network, leveraging SD-WAN, Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS) to secure headquarters, colocation facilities, and remote workforce environments.
- Modernized enterprise collaboration through the deployment of hybrid conference room technology, integrating advanced audio/visual systems that enabled smooth communication and collaboration between onsite and remote employees across thousands of meetings annually.
- Directed the Colorado 811 cybersecurity program, overseeing risk assessments, vulnerability management, penetration testing, incident response planning, security awareness training, MDR services, vCISO engagements, compliance reviews, and multi-year cybersecurity roadmap development.
- Strengthened organizational security posture through continuous monitoring and governance initiatives, including cybersecurity assessments, gap analysis, advisory services, threat detection, vulnerability scanning, and security program maturity reviews.
- Managed data center and colocation infrastructure refresh initiatives, replacing and upgrading network, storage, and compute environments to minimize operational disruption.
- Led the enterprise migration from open-source productivity platforms to Microsoft 365, implementing Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, Outlook, Active Directory synchronization, and Microsoft Copilot to boost collaboration, productivity, and security.
- Managed and optimized the IT operating budget, overseeing expenditures across infrastructure, cybersecurity, networking, software applications, contractors, facilities, and cloud services while maintaining alignment with organizational objectives.
- Provided fiscal oversight of technology investments, ensuring reliability, resilience, operational efficiency, and responsible stewardship of Colorado 811 resources through strategic budget planning and vendor management.
- Delivered a critical compliance initiative by retrofitting legacy ticketing software to meet Colorado Senate Bill 18-167 requirements, ensuring regulatory compliance while maintaining uninterrupted business operations.
- Presented technology strategy, project updates, cybersecurity initiatives, and investment proposals to the Board of Directors, providing executive-level visibility into organizational technology performance and future planning.
- Successfully delivered complex technology programs and projects from initiation through closure, applying project management best practices across planning, execution, monitoring, reporting, risk management, and stakeholder communication.
- Partnered closely with executive leadership to communicate project status, strategic initiatives, company goals, and technology roadmaps, facilitating alignment between business objectives and technology execution.
- Identified, evaluated, and implemented new technology and process improvements, increasing operating efficiency, employee productivity, service quality, and stakeholder value across the organization.
- Led help desk and technical support operations for internal and external customers, overseeing application support, service delivery, and incident management to ensure effective technical assistance.
- Managed technology vendors, managed service providers (MSPs), and third-party contractors, conducting performance reviews and annual audits to ensure contract compliance, service-level agreement (SLA) attainment, operational accountability, and cost-effective service delivery.
- Colorado 811 is the vital communication link between underground utility and facility owners, excavators, and homeowners. Colorado 811 protects lives, property, and underground infrastructure from excavation-related damage.
Director of Information Technology
Tuff Shed
Denver, CO
10.2014 - 01.2018
- Led a company-wide digital transformation initiative, migrating CRM, endpoint security, UCaaS telecommunications, and Microsoft Office from on-premises environments to cloud-based platforms, empowering rapid organizational growth and scalability.
- Architected and implemented Salesforce CRM and Magic XPI data integrations with JD Edwards ERP, expanding the sales pipeline to more than 1 million customer records and increasing active leads and opportunities by 350,000 within 18 months.
- Modernized network across 100+ locations through MPLS deployment, increasing bandwidth tenfold and improving security.
- Implemented enterprise-wide RingCentral UCaaS platform, standardizing communications nationwide and integrating voice, SMS, conferencing, CRM, and ERP systems.
- Lowered operational labor costs by $250,000 annually through automation of B2B sales and purchasing transactions using SAP Data Integrator, JD Edwards EDI, and custom ETL solutions, eliminating manual processing and improving data accuracy.
- Saved $100,000 annually in labor expenses by designing and deploying an automated subcontractor payment system within JD Edwards, eliminating manual data entry, faxing, printing, and redundant workflows across the enterprise.
- Designed and delivered a custom scheduling, backlog, and accounts receivable platform that improved visibility and management of a $50 million customer backlog, consolidating sales order, delivery, and customer data into a single operational tool.
- Aligned IT strategy, KPIs, and departmental goals with corporate growth objectives, driving a 48% increase in customer satisfaction metrics through business expansion and employee retention initiatives.
- Modernized enterprise technology platforms, including CRM, ERP, Microsoft 365, SharePoint, cloud analytics, mobility solutions, endpoint security, networking infrastructure, telecommunications, and SCCM configuration management, improving system stability and user productivity.
- Built and led high-performing cross-functional project teams across sales, operations, finance, and IT departments, improving communication, stakeholder alignment, and project execution.
- Recruited and developed software engineers, application administrators, business analysts, developers, network engineers, help desk technicians, and trainers, enhancing organizational capabilities and service delivery.
- Transformed IT service delivery operations by implementing customer-first support processes, live monitoring, analytics, and SLA-driven performance management, significantly boosting user satisfaction and support responsiveness.
- Established an atmosphere of accountability and operational excellence through structured leadership, daily standups, and clear strategic direction, removing organizational roadblocks and improving team productivity.
- Authored and implemented an IT Playbook and Culture Framework that accelerated onboarding and standardized operational practices, used to transform an underperforming department into a customer-focused technology organization.
- Developed and managed annual IT operating budgets, optimizing technology expenditures, maintaining healthy cash flow, and ensuring successful execution of strategic projects.
- Created comprehensive QA testing strategies, test plans, and use cases for sandbox, testing, and prototype ERP environments, improving application performance, data validation, system compatibility, and release quality.
- Led enterprise-wide technology adoption and change management initiatives, developing training portals, video-based learning programs, knowledge bases, and instructor-led sessions that increased user readiness and product adoption.
- Negotiated and managed contracts with 30+ technology vendors, including Microsoft, Salesforce, Oracle, AT&T, RingCentral, and West UC, optimizing vendor performance, controlling costs, and assuring alignment with business objectives.
- Governed vendor management programs across technology partners, managed service providers, and contractors, driving contract compliance, performance accountability, annual audits, risk reduction, and cost-effective service delivery in support of enterprise objectives.
- Led enterprise-wide technology strategy and operations for 120+ retail locations and corporate headquarters at Tuff Shed, overseeing infrastructure, software development, cybersecurity, and support services while managing IT budgeting, vendor partnerships, and outsourced services to ensure operational excellence and scalability.
Director of Software Engineering
Tuff Shed
Denver, CO
03.2012 - 10.2014
- Recovered and delivered failed Oracle Sales Cloud implementation, enabling sales organization to manage pipeline, opportunities, forecasting, and customer relationships through custom integrations, software development, reporting dashboards, analytics, and user training.
- Transformed ERP application development and support operations by implementing modern development methodologies, cross-departmental collaboration, and enhanced quality assurance practices, increasing stakeholder participation, improving project outcomes, and accelerating solution delivery.
- Architected and implemented a custom Java-based integration platform utilizing REST APIs and offshore development resources, effectively connecting ERP, CRM, and web platforms to automate business processes and increase data visibility for sales and marketing teams.
- Designed, developed, and enhanced enterprise software solutions supporting finance, sales, procurement, inventory management, and human resources, improving operational efficiency, business process automation, data accuracy, and end-user productivity.
- Led software development initiatives, managed IT help desk operations, and oversaw IT outsourcing projects, enhancing overall IT service delivery for Tuff Shed.
Information Technology Manager
Tuff Shed
Denver, CO
10.2010 - 03.2012
- Architected and implemented a custom help desk case management platform supporting over 20,000 annual service requests, improving service delivery, issue tracking, reporting capabilities, and customer satisfaction.
- Designed and developed an enterprise project portfolio management (PPM) solution used to track and manage more than 500 IT and business projects, improving project visibility, resource allocation, governance, and executive reporting across the organization.
- Reduced telecommunications costs by $300,000 annually through a strategic Cisco VoIP modernization initiative, upgrading Cisco Unified Communications infrastructure and enhancing enterprise voice, video, plus collaboration services across the organization.
- Implemented JD Edwards CRM to deliver a 360-degree customer view across sales, marketing, and customer service operations, enhancing customer engagement with automated alerts and workflow automation.
- Developed and deployed preventive monitoring, alerting, and notification systems, enabling IT teams to identify and resolve issues before end-user impact, improving system reliability and decreasing downtime.
- Automated business processes by integrating custom workflow solutions into enterprise applications, streamlining approvals and notifications, enhancing operational efficiency across multiple departments.
- Strengthened enterprise network security by reconfiguring, auditing, and managing Cisco ASA firewall infrastructure, enhancing WAN security, access controls, and network performance while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Leading provider of storage buildings and garages. I managed software development, ERP, Managed IT Help Desk team to enhance customer satisfaction through efficient service delivery., Administered VoIP and network systems, improving connectivity and communication across the organization., and Managed IT outsourcing partnerships to enhance operational capabilities and reduce costs..
Software Engineering Manager
Tuff Shed
Denver, CO
11.2006 - 10.2010
- America's leading provider of storage buildings and garages. I managed all software development, ERP software, and the IT Help Desk.
- Led the first known JD Edwards EnterpriseOne deployment in a virtual server environment, improving system performance, scalability, and disaster recovery abilities.
- Designed and implemented a fully integrated JD Edwards CRM/SFA platform, streamlining lead management, marketing campaigns, and order-to-cash processes while saving $250,000 annually.
- Stabilized JD Edwards ERP environment through enhanced application development, infrastructure planning, system administration, and QA processes.
- Developed custom enterprise applications supporting finance, sales, procurement, inventory, human resources, and CRM business functions.
- Executed enterprise data quality initiatives across sales, inventory, procurement, and financial systems, enhancing ERP and business intelligence reporting accuracy.
- Delivered business intelligence and operational reporting solutions using Business Objects and JD Edwards RDA, producing actionable insights across the organization.
- Automated and simplified sales employee commission reporting, increasing accuracy and transparency while streamlining processing performance.
- Designed and implemented a custom serial number and lot-tracking solution, improving inventory accuracy and generating more than $300,000 in savings.
- Developed a workforce management solution for labor tracking, PTO management, workforce reporting, and productivity analysis.
- Created executive dashboards for Sales, Operations, Finance, and IT using SAP Xcelsius, supporting real-time performance monitoring and data-informed decision-making.
Business Analyst
Tuff Shed
Denver, CO
07.2006 - 11.2006
- Led business analysis and solution design for strategic technology initiatives, translating enterprise goals into technical requirements and project plans.
- Implemented enterprise Business Intelligence ecosystem using SAP BusinessObjects, Data Integrator, SQL Server, and Windows Server, facilitating data-informed decision-making.
- Streamlined processes and software applications to enhance reporting capabilities and improve customer support quality.
Senior Technical Support Engineer & Team Lead
Oracle Corporation
Denver, CO
01.2001 - 07.2006
- Provided advanced technical support to more than 6,000 global Oracle JD Edwards customers.
- Acted as Tier III escalation support for Oracle engineers and application consultants, effectively resolving high-priority and complex issues.
- Managed critical case escalations for high-profile enterprise customers, restoring operations and minimizing business disruption.
- Supported the full JD Edwards OneWorld and EnterpriseOne toolset, including OMW, FDA, RDA, Workflow, Security Workbench, Table Conversions, BSFNs, Event Rules, and Package Builds.
- Partnered with escalation managers, account executives, and senior leadership to resolve critical issues for enterprise clients.
- Coordinated the resolution of complex customer issues among technical support and application support teams.
- Optimized JD Edwards internal testing environments by redesigning patching and upgrade processes, accelerating issue resolution and improving troubleshooting efficiency.
- Delivered presentations and training to customers, peers, and management, increasing product knowledge and support effectiveness.
- Authored knowledge base articles for technical solutions, improving issue resolution and expanding Oracle's support knowledge base.
- Supported Oracle's database technology and cloud systems through technical leadership. I served customers and internal Oracle employees in a Global Support Center as a Technical Team Lead for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software products.
Application Support Consultant
JD Edwards
Denver, CO
07.1999 - 12.2000
- Delivered expert-level technical and application support for over 6,000 global JD Edwards customers, fixing complex ERP, supply chain, financial, and manufacturing system issues.
- Delivered technical support for JD Edwards World and EnterpriseOne environments to over 6,000 global customers.
- Cultivated functional expertise in inventory management, sales order processing, purchasing, advanced pricing, EDI, accounting, manufacturing, configurator, and supply chain management, enabling better support for diverse customer needs.
- Authored white papers, technical solutions, and knowledge base articles, enhancing Oracle's self-service support portal and accelerating customer issue resolution.
- JD Edwards (JDE) was an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software company. I served in a customer support role in the Global Support Center (Contact Center) for both internal and external users of JD Edwards products.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of Colorado At Boulder
Boulder, CO05-1999
Skills
- IT architecture
- Cybersecurity Program
- Zero trust networks
- Cloud Infrastructure
- Digital transformation
- Technology planning
- Technology leadership
- IT Compliance
- IT Service Delivery
- Project Management
- Budget management
- Contract management
- Incident & Problem Management
- Process automation
- Infrastructure Lifecycle
- Data Center & Colocation
- High Availability Systems
- VoIP & Contact Center Technologies
- Collaboration Platforms
- CRM, ERP & Enterprise Applications
- Predictive Analytics
- IT Operations
- Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Change leadership
- Customer Experience
- Data analytics
- IT Operations
Certification
Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification, Project Management Institute 2018 -2021
Timeline
Director of Information Technology
Colorado 811
06.2018 - 09.2026
Director of Information Technology
Tuff Shed
10.2014 - 01.2018
Director of Software Engineering
Tuff Shed
03.2012 - 10.2014
Information Technology Manager
Tuff Shed
10.2010 - 03.2012
Software Engineering Manager
Tuff Shed
11.2006 - 10.2010
Business Analyst
Tuff Shed
07.2006 - 11.2006
Senior Technical Support Engineer & Team Lead
Oracle Corporation
01.2001 - 07.2006
Application Support Consultant
JD Edwards
07.1999 - 12.2000
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of Colorado At Boulder