John Petro
IT Leader
Clayton,DE
Summary
Strategic and results-oriented IT executive with over 25 years of progressive leadership experience in IT infrastructure, application delivery, compliance, and business systems integration. Proven expert in leading enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives, managing complex IT portfolios, and aligning technology strategy with business objectives. Skilled in cross-functional team leadership, governance, risk management, and vendor oversight. Recognized for building resilient and scalable solutions that drive operational efficiency and foster innovation. Demonstrated experience leading complex and multifaceted teams while effectively engaging with all levels of the organization.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
6
6
Certifications
Work History
Director, IT Compliance and Special Projects
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
02.2024 - 04.2025
- Work closely with CIO, Internal and External Auditors, and other leaders of the business to provide guidance for SOX and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Implemented IT Compliance Department to meet expanding regulatory reporting requirements.
- Established IT compliance training programs spanning the corporation.
- Guided implementation of core ITIL and NIST frameworks for the IT Department.
- Executed various special projects to increase compliance and establish baselines.
Director, Infrastructure
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
10.2019 - 02.2024
- Work closely with CIO and other leaders of the business to provide insight, guidance and support for the operations of the company.
- Directed multiple operational support and project teams to provide reliable and secure infrastructure for the operation and growth of the company.
- Generated and managed forward looking budgets.
- Provided architectural oversight for the technology used in the company.
- Responsible for relocating data center location and establish cloud migration strategy.
- Worked closely with the cyber security team to access, address and manage technology based risks in the company.
Director, Business Applications
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
10.2018 - 10.2019
- Worked closely with CIO and other leaders of the business to provide insight, guidance and support for the application suites of the company.
- Directed team and projects to support and modernize the applications used in the company.
- Worked closely with other leaders in the company to develop plans and forecasts of future technology roadmaps.
- Developed and deploy reliable and scalable solutions to meet complex business models.
Sr. Manager, Business Applications
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
03.2016 - 10.2018
- Managed a team of business analysts, application analysts, and programmers to develop, deploy, and manage various applications used throughout the company’s business units.
- Provide the company with various subject matter expertise across various platforms.
- Work closely with Cyber Security and Infrastructure teams to deliver solutions reliably and securely.
Manager, Business Applications
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
09.2013 - 03.2016
- Leaded a team of business analysts to support various business applications used throughout the company.
- Provide advanced support and subject matter expertise for a number of applications with the team acting a Level 3 support for various complex issues.
Sr. Technical Analyst
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
09.2007 - 09.2013
- Responsible for system design and implementation regarding data center components and applications.
- Responsible for integration of technologies resulting from mergers and acquisitions.
Enterprise Consultant
MTM Inc.
06.2005 - 09.2007
- Technical consultant for various companies providing expertise in Windows products, web hosting, networking, system virtualization, Citrix, application deployment, system development and upgrades.
Sr. Computer Scientist
Computer Sciences Corporation
03.2005 - 06.2005
- Lead designer and architect for various public and private contracts involving secure Windows based systems and various application virtualization methodologies.
Sr. Manager
Computer Sciences Corporation
11.2002 - 03.2005
- Manager of system operations in support of the U.S. Army LMP Project.
- Lead a team of Windows and Unix Administrators supporting resources in geographically dispersed locations.
- Modernized one data center and lead team in building a second data center from converted office space in a major metropolitan area.
- Provide technical design and implementation of application virtualization solutions for high latency based connected individuals.
Advanced Technical Resource
Computer Sciences Corporation
01.2001 - 11.2002
- Contract and on-demand special support for various customers operating out of a commercial data center.
- Focus on clients with FDA and financial regulatory requirements.
- Windows based systems and services, Citrix application delivery and special projects.
- Appointed to Issue Resolution Teams as a subject matter expert for various clients.
- Onboard new clients into the data center.
Advanced Technical Resource
Volt Placement Services
08.2000 - 01.2001
- Placed with Computer Sciences Corporation.
- Contract and on-demand special support for various customers operating out of a commercial data center.
- Focus on Windows based systems and services, Citrix application delivery and special projects.
Consultant
Ameristar Technologies
08.1999 - 08.2000
- Worked with the State of Delaware and a consultant with Banyan Vines network conversion to Windows 2000 and Active Directory.
- Supported various other customers with system and application support and expertise.
Network and Systems Manager
State of DE Department of Service for Children, Youth and their Families
03.1997 - 08.1999
- Responsible for the support and maintenance of all systems and network connectivity for the department.
- Work closely with other State agencies as needed to provide interconnectivity and services.
- Escalated support for the department’s Help Desk.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Management
Wilmington University
Skills
Budgeting
IT Compliance
Project and Portfolio Management
System Architecture
Network Architecture
Microsoft
Citrix
VMware
Cisco
Telephony
Video Meeting Solutions
End User Device Management
Cloud Computing
SQL
Linux
Advanced Troubleshooting
Multi-System Interfaces
Billing Systems
Contract Management
Business Analysis
Support Operations
Incident and Problem Management
Solution Development and Deployment
Cloud Migration
Data Center Setup
Data Center Design
Cyber Security
ESRI
Payment Processing Systems
Handheld Technologies
Facility Security
Problem-solving
Project management
Change management
Rules and regulations
Certification
MSCE
Skills And Experience
- Budgeting
- IT Compliance
- Project and Portfolio Management
- System Architecture
- Network Architecture
- Microsoft
- Citrix
- VMware
- Cisco
- Telephony
- Video Meeting Solutions
- End User Device Management
- Cloud Computing
- SQL
- Linux
- Advanced Troubleshooting
- Multi-System Interfaces
- Billing Systems
- Contract Management
- Business Analysis
- Support Operations
- Incident and Problem Management
- Solution Development and Deployment
- Cloud Migration
- Data Center Setup
- Data Center Design
- Cyber Security
- ESRI
- Payment Processing Systems
- Handheld Technologies
- Facility Security
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 30 staff members.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Software
Microsoft Azure
Vmware
Active Directory
Windows
Linux
Cisco
Meraki
MS SQL
MS Office
M365
Interests
Generative AI
Cyber Security
Server OS
Computer Networking
Troubleshooting
Affiliations
- Town of Clayton Board of Adjustments
Timeline
Director, IT Compliance and Special Projects
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
02.2024 - 04.2025
Director, Infrastructure
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
10.2019 - 02.2024
Director, Business Applications
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
10.2018 - 10.2019
Sr. Manager, Business Applications
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
03.2016 - 10.2018
Manager, Business Applications
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
09.2013 - 03.2016
Sr. Technical Analyst
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation
09.2007 - 09.2013
Enterprise Consultant
MTM Inc.
06.2005 - 09.2007
Sr. Computer Scientist
Computer Sciences Corporation
03.2005 - 06.2005
Sr. Manager
Computer Sciences Corporation
11.2002 - 03.2005
Advanced Technical Resource
Computer Sciences Corporation
01.2001 - 11.2002
Advanced Technical Resource
Volt Placement Services
08.2000 - 01.2001
Consultant
Ameristar Technologies
08.1999 - 08.2000
Network and Systems Manager
State of DE Department of Service for Children, Youth and their Families
03.1997 - 08.1999
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Management
Wilmington University