Experienced IT and Operations leader with over 24 years of success in driving technology initiatives and business operations. Proven track record in ERP system implementation and IT strategy alignment with business goals. Including strong communication and team-building skills, adept at enhancing system security and data integrity. Skilled in merging technology with business processes for optimal efficiency and growth.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Director of Information Technology
Bernhardt Furniture Company
Lenoir, NC
01.2023 - Current
Improved leadership of a 21-member team, including a development team based in the Philippines, fostering trust and engagement among members.
Evaluated and implemented new technologies across various divisions to enhance operational efficiency.
Streamlined existing processes through automation initiatives for improved performance.
Created actionable short-term plans addressing immediate needs while developing long-term strategies.
Instituted a budgeting process that effectively forecasted necessary IT resources.
Maintained clear communication channels between departments to guarantee effective service delivery.
Managed disaster recovery efforts in response to system outages or emergencies.
Developed and executed an IT strategy supporting overall business objectives and cybersecurity standards.
Vice President of Operations, Global
Datascope WMS
Charlotte, NC (Remote)
01.2022 - 12.2022
Responsible for leading, developing, and growing the Datascope Channel Partner program.
The program presently consists of 4 companies that sell and implement Datascope warehouse management software for Syspro customers.
My key role consisted of building relationships, developing/facilitating training opportunities, and providing support.
Support role in working with our development team on requests, improvements, and mitigating any support-related needs.
Partnering with the DSPs at customer installations, upgrades, and expansions to ensure the best solution and smooth execution of projects through completion.
Provided training and mentoring support for new employees in the operations department.
Developed and implemented strategic plans for the operations department.
Vice President of Information Technology
von Drehle Corporation
Hickory, NC
06.2010 - 12.2021
Successfully designed & implemented real time shop floor data collection & MRP system companywide. Upgrading and improving existing ERP modules.
As a member of the senior management team, I worked on developing solutions for intricate operational challenges.
Cultivated a culture of collaboration among department heads to facilitate cross-functional project execution.
Responsible for providing leadership, management, and strategic direction of the Information Technology Department, supporting the company's $220 million in sales annually. Servicing customers such as Walmart, McDonald's, and Cintas under private label, as well as over 400 dealers.
Successfully led cross-functional teams in optimizing operations at nine locations across the country, integrating paper manufacturing with converting, and injection molding processes.
Key role as a member of the Senior Management Team, leading and directing the company's business strategy and employee engagement initiatives, working closely with the leadership team, site leaders, supervisors, and operators/warehouse staff.
Established robust BI reporting and dashboards that supported all teams, including sales, finance, and operations.
Provided oversight for all aspects of financial operations, such as budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis activities.
Key member of teams responsible for standing up of new manufacturing & distribution centers across the US. Participating in both M&A as well as new facility establishment of operations.
Information Systems Manager
American Roller Bearing Mfg.
09.2000 - 06.2010
Implemented ERP and real-time Shop Floor barcode scanning, transitioning from the 40-year-old legacy system to a modern ERP & MRP system.
Planned, directed, and coordinated activities in areas of electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, computer programming, data communication systems, security, and disaster recovery.
Developed and implemented IT strategies, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with organizational standards.
Worked closely with operations to enable real-time data collection on the shop floor.
Facilitated the relocation of corporate headquarters.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Information Technology
Catawba Valley Community College
Hickory
Some College (No Degree) - Accounting and Business Management
Mitchell Community College
Statesville, NC
Quarterly Seminars, Conferences, CIO Round Tables
Skills
Strategic IT portfolio management
IT roadmap development
Team leadership and development
Applications and systems design
Network and systems administration
Financial and supply chain expertise
Disaster recovery planning
Legacy systems modernization
ERP implementation and administration
eCommerce integration and EDI
Product lifecycle management
Cross-functional collaboration
IT/OT network integration
Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
Timeline
Director of Information Technology
Bernhardt Furniture Company
01.2023 - Current
Vice President of Operations, Global
Datascope WMS
01.2022 - 12.2022
Vice President of Information Technology
von Drehle Corporation
06.2010 - 12.2021
Information Systems Manager
American Roller Bearing Mfg.
09.2000 - 06.2010
Some College (No Degree) - Information Technology
Catawba Valley Community College
Some College (No Degree) - Accounting and Business Management
Mitchell Community College
Quarterly Seminars, Conferences, CIO Round Tables
References
References available upon request.
Training
A+ Certified, June 2000
PMP certification training, CVCC August 2008
Network+ training, 2001
Annual attendance at Gartner CIO conferences/webinars/events
Managing Multiple Projects, Objectives and Deadlines Skill Path Seminar, Mar. 2007
Dealing with Complexity: A Macro-to-Micro Information Security Strategy by Ron Baklarz, CISSP, CISA, CISM, Charlotte
Course I: Supervisory Development Institute, October 2003 WCI, Hickory NC
Prioritize training events, literature, conferences that promote ongoing education on the latest technologies and trends - ongoing.
Notable Honors/Activities
Member of the Technology Advisory Board for Catawba Valley Community College, 2019-Present
Volunteer at local food banks that provide food for needy families.
2021 Leadership Catawba cohort with Catawba County Chamber of Commerce
Team leader for a group of volunteers that assist with the Forgiven Ministries of Taylorsville, NC. This is a family outreach for the children and families of the prisoners of the Alexander County Correctional Facility.
Volunteered with the ABC's Extreme Makeover Home Edition in Charlotte, NC 2008
Technology Committee, Hiddenite 2008 - 2010
Parent Advisory Committee, Hiddenite Elementary School 2006-2008
Advocate for STEM and programs that inspire young adults/females to pursue careers in STEM by participating in multiple events such as career day, Job Fairs and social media/ influencing platforms.
References
References available upon request.
Notable Honors/Activities
Member of the Technology Advisory Board for Catawba Valley Community College, 2019-Present
2021 Leadership Catawba cohort with Catawba County Chamber of Commerce
Technology Committee, Hiddenite 2008 - 2010
Advocate for STEM and programs that inspire young adults/females to pursue careers in STEM by participating in multiple events such as career day, Job Fairs and social media/ influencing platforms.
References:
Mark Combs, Vice President, Professional Services at Software AG, LLC
"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Phyllis Baker for the last 2.5 years, and I can confidently say they are a strategic and forward-thinking IT leader. In her role as the Director of Information Technology, Phyllis has consistently demonstrated a rare combination of technical expertise and strong leadership skills that elevates both the performance of her team and the broader organization.
She is leading a complex technology initiative with precision, from modernizing legacy infrastructure to implementing secure, scalable solutions that support evolving business needs. What truly sets Phyllis apart is her ability to bridge the gap between IT and business — translating technical challenges into clear, actionable plans that align with company goals. Any organization would benefit greatly from Phyllis’ vision, integrity, and results-driven mindset. I highly recommend her for any leadership role where technology plays a pivotal role in business success."
"When I work with an outstanding colleague, associate, or boss, they become the STANDARD in my mind for the ideal candidate in their profession. Phyllis is the “standard” for EXCELLENCE in IT for my 30-year career! She has a servant mindset, and a work ethic that is unmatched. She is a partner for operations, and has intimate knowledge of business processes while using tools that make it easier for everyone. I hope to work with her again!"