Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Awards
References
Timeline
SeniorSoftwareEngineer

Michael Garner

Greater Houston Area,Texas

Summary

Experienced IT and logistics professional with over 20 years of expertise in network administration, IT management, and logistics oversight. Skilled in managing IT infrastructure, facility planning, and implementing technology solutions to support business needs. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, coordinate product lifecycle timelines, and enhance efficiency through strategic planning and problem-solving. Proficient in remote troubleshooting, server builds, system configuration, and inventory management software. Committed to continuous learning and professional development, bringing a blend of technical and logistics knowledge to drive innovation and successful outcomes.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Facility Planning Manager

Assurant
Greater Houston Area
05.2020 - 10.2024
  • Overseeing facility planning operations, ensuring optimal space utilization, and resource allocation.
  • Coordinating with various departments to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
  • Developed and implemented planning strategies to ensure project completion within budget and timelines.
  • Collaborated with upper management to define objectives, plans and initiatives.
  • Managed resources across multiple projects to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.

Procurement & Fulfillment Supervisor

Assurant
09.2016 - 05.2020
  • Managed procurement processes, ensuring timely and cost-effective acquisition of necessary resources
  • Supervised fulfillment operations to maintain high standards of service delivery
  • Created reports to track shipment progress, performance metrics, and other related data.
  • Ensured compliance with safety regulations and quality control standards.
  • Advised senior management on strategies for streamlining operations while maintaining high standards of quality assurance.
  • Coordinated with IT department on the installation of software upgrades or modifications related to the fulfillment system.
  • Analyzed customer feedback surveys to determine areas where operational changes could be made to improve customer satisfaction ratings.

I.T. Director

Assurant
02.2012 - 08.2016
  • Managed the installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of network systems.
  • Developed and implemented IT policies and procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards.
  • Created detailed documentation for software, hardware, and network configurations.
  • Monitored system performance and identified areas for improvement.
  • Provided technical support to end users on a variety of issues.
  • Evaluated emerging trends in information technology to recommend upgrades or improvements.
  • Trained staff members on various aspects of computer usage and software applications.
  • Worked closely with vendors to negotiate contracts and select appropriate products or services.
  • Coordinated disaster recovery plans to minimize downtime during system outages or malfunctions.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of relevant technologies and equipment used in the organization.
  • Implemented strategies for improving customer service levels through enhanced use of technology.

Senior System Network Administrator

McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP
05.2011 - 02.2012
  • Managed network systems, performed server builds, and provided user support
  • Ensured network security and optimal performance through regular maintenance and updates
  • Troubleshot network issues such as latency, packet loss, slow speeds.
  • Managed the installation, configuration and maintenance of servers, routers and switches.
  • Provided technical support for end-users regarding network related queries or problems.
  • Assisted in the design, implementation and maintenance of local area networks and wide area networks.
  • Conducted regular backups of data in order to prevent data loss or corruption.
  • Planned, coordinated and executed upgrades on existing systems while maintaining minimal downtime.
  • Created detailed documentation about the network environment including diagrams, procedures, policies.
  • Analyzed system logs in order to identify any potential security threats or vulnerabilities.
  • Responded promptly to service outages or other major incidents by diagnosing root cause and implementing corrective actions.
  • Coordinated with vendors and suppliers when procuring new equipment or services related to the network infrastructure.
  • Created configuration guides for deploying new desktops, laptops and mobile devices.
  • Oversaw storage management, data migration, backups and drive replacements.
  • Implemented and monitored network security measures, including firewalls and intrusion detection systems.

Director of Information Technology

Blendstar, LLC
03.2008 - 02.2011
  • Led IT department, overseeing server configurations, security setups, and user support
  • Created and maintained Active Directory objects, managed backups, and supported Microsoft Exchange
  • Developed and implemented an IT strategy to align with the organization's overall business objectives.
  • Managed the installation, configuration, and maintenance of network hardware and software.
  • Conducted research on emerging technologies to identify areas of improvement in existing infrastructure.
  • Developed project proposals for new initiatives that included cost estimates, timelines, resource requirements.
  • Implemented short-term workarounds and long-term solutions to technical problems.
  • Negotiated service level agreements with vendors for hardware and software purchases.
  • Reviewed vendor contracts related to IT services including cloud hosting providers.

Systems Engineer (UK/Australia Lead)

Argent Software
07.2007 - 01.2008
  • Supported network monitoring software for Australian and UK markets
  • Configured network monitoring for UNIX, LINUX, AIX, and Windows environments
  • Monitored system performance using various tools and techniques to identify potential problems before they occur.
  • Provided technical support for end-users by troubleshooting hardware and software issues remotely or onsite.
  • Deployed patch updates to address identified vulnerabilities in the environment.
  • Verified stability, security and scalability of system architecture.

System Network Administrator

ATT Wireless
10.2004 - 07.2007
  • Developed server deployment architecture and plans
  • Provided remote server administration and support for retail outlet servers
  • Installed, configured and maintained network hardware and software.
  • Monitored system performance and implemented security measures to protect data, systems and networks.
  • Promoted continuous improvement for IT governance processes.
  • Analyzed intricate server issues and supported large enterprise and business-critical applications.
  • Provided effective resolutions to issues and escalated problems with knowledgeable support and quality service.
  • Monitored network performance to determine adjustments needed.
  • Ensured compliance with IT policies and regulatory requirements, conducting regular audits and assessments.
  • Conducted regular system backups and disaster recovery operations, minimizing data loss during critical failures.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Computer Science

Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas

Associate of Arts - English Language and Literature

Lone Star College System

Skills

  • Active Directory Management, Citrix Build and Support, Cloud-Based Architecture
  • Continuous learning, effective communication, facility planning, IT management
  • Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE),

Awards

Order of Demolay

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Facility Planning Manager

Assurant
05.2020 - 10.2024

Procurement & Fulfillment Supervisor

Assurant
09.2016 - 05.2020

I.T. Director

Assurant
02.2012 - 08.2016

Senior System Network Administrator

McConnell Jones Lanier & Murphy LLP
05.2011 - 02.2012

Director of Information Technology

Blendstar, LLC
03.2008 - 02.2011

Systems Engineer (UK/Australia Lead)

Argent Software
07.2007 - 01.2008

System Network Administrator

ATT Wireless
10.2004 - 07.2007

Bachelor of Science - Computer Science

Sam Houston State University

Associate of Arts - English Language and Literature

Lone Star College System
Michael Garner