Work Preference
Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Training
Notable Honors/Activities
Notable Honors/Activities
References:
References (additional)
Generic
Phyllis Baker

Phyllis Baker

Taylorsville,NC

Work Preference

Job Search Status

Open to work

Work Type

Full Time

Location Preference

Remote

Summary

  • Instrumental leader in technology & operations, bringing 25 years of experience achieving ambitious goals in challenging IT and various industry specific environments. Diligent, forward-thinking and adaptable to dynamic company, customer, and project needs. Successful at motivating teams to meet demanding timelines and adept at enhancing system security and data integrity. Skilled in merging technology, including establishing an "AI first" environment for business processes for optimal efficiency and growth.

Overview

3
3

Certificates

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

VP of Information Technology

Bernhardt Furniture Company
Lenoir, NC
01.2023 - Current
  • Improved leadership of a 21-member team, including a global development team, fostering trust and engagement among members.
  • Evaluated and implemented advanced technologies across diverse divisions to enhance operational efficiency, including governance of multiple AI platforms and integrated training to facilitate AI adoption for improved employee productivity.
  • Revamped existing processes via automation initiatives to elevate 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 and develop strong partnerships with divisional leadership and stakeholders. Divisional partnerships are key to our success story for developing a modern workplace.
  • Coordinated disaster recovery strategies in response to system outages or emergencies.
  • Designed and deployed comprehensive IT strategy that meets organizational aims and maintains compliance with 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

Associate of Applied Science - Information Technology

Catawba Valley Community College
Hickory

Associate of Science - 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
  • AI adoption/alignment for best ROI
  • Network and systems design & administration
  • Financial and supply chain expertise
  • Disaster recovery planning
  • Legacy systems modernization, incorporating microservices and modern frameworks
  • ERP/AS400/IBM & multiple Cloud platforms such as Azure/AWS implementation and administration
  • eCommerce integration and EDI, B2B,B2C B2D
  • "Composable" architecture engineering
  • Cross-functional collaboration to build partnerships across divisions
  • IT/OT network integration
  • Microsoft Office Suite proficiency

Timeline

VP 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

Associate of Applied Science - Information Technology

Catawba Valley Community College

Associate of Science - Accounting and Business Management

Mitchell Community College

Quarterly Seminars, Conferences, CIO Round Tables

Training

  • Annual attendance at Gartner CIO conferences/webinars/events/roundtables with industry leaders
  • A+ Certified, June 2000
  • PMP certification training, CVCC August 2008
  • Network+ training, 2001
  • Dealing with Complexity: A Macro-to-Micro Information Security Strategy by Ron Baklarz, CISSP, CISA, CISM, Charlotte
  • 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.

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."

____________________________________________________

Eric Lail,   Independent Consultant / Shingo Prize Examiner / Extended Supply Chain Thinker / Teacher

  • "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!"

References (additional)

Additional references available upon request.

Phyllis Baker