RANDY DRAY
East Peoria,IL
Summary
Experienced IT Leaders with a strong focus on spearheading the creation of custom software solutions tailored to meet specific organizational needs. Proficient in guiding teams through the entire software development lifecycle, ensuring seamless integration with strategic initiatives. Known for fostering collaborative team environments that optimize the design, development, and deployment of custom-built software. Consistently delivers tangible results by aligning innovative solutions with business objectives. Navigates the evolving IT landscape with a proactive approach, leveraging strong interpersonal skills and maintaining a steadfast commitment to continuous learning. Leadership spans agile software development methodologies, data and analytics, IT operations, and support, aligning seamlessly with the dynamic needs of today's IT landscape.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
IT Director/AVP
Pekin Insurance Company
12.2021 - 10.2023
- IT Senior Leadership Team Member overseeing 150 Pekin IT employees and 150 offshore/contract employees
- Led Custom Software Development initiatives, using Microsoft .Net, Mulesoft, Web Services, and ASP
- Enterprise Data and Analytics program encompassing Snowflake, Airflow, DBT, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft SSIS, Microsoft SSRS, Data Lake, PowerBI, and Qlik
- Orchestrated and directed IT Operations for the Pekin Life Insurance Division, spearheading the management of critical $14M core transformation programs and overseeing a $4.2M annual budget. Delivered strategic leadership in alignment with organizational goals, ensuring optimal utilization of resources and successful execution of transformative initiatives
- Designed and implemented a Final Expense product with instant quote delivery, reducing contract time from 15 days
- Member of Life Company's Strategic Leadership Core Team, shaping Life Insurance Growth Strategy
- Advisor to the CIO in IT workforce realignment and operational model transformation
- Oversaw maintenance and service of various systems, including AWS Cloud, IBM Mainframe, Microsoft .NET, Java, and more
Divisional IT Director
Pekin Life Insurance Company
02.2016 - 12.2021
- Drove the successful execution of complex custom software projects within the Life Insurance Division, leveraging a keen understanding of industry dynamics and technological advancements
- Navigated challenges with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, resulting in the achievement of strategic goals and sustained business growth
- Collaborated seamlessly with cross-functional software development and support teams, fostering a culture of collaboration to deliver impactful solutions
- Employed a proactive approach to identify emerging technologies and industry best practices, integrating them into the architectural framework to maintain a competitive edge
- As a trusted member of the Strategic Senior Leadership Team, contributed strategic insights and played a pivotal role in decision-making processes that shaped the overall direction of the organization
- Maintained a steadfast commitment to continuous improvement, both in terms of personal and team development, fostering a culture of learning and adaptation
- Implemented a strategic vision as an Enterprise Architect for the Life Insurance Company, overseeing the orchestration of a dynamic team comprising 3 Enterprise Architects and 11 Solutions Architects. Aligned IT initiatives meticulously with the architecture roadmap and overarching business objectives, ensuring a cohesive and forward-looking technology landscape
Application Development Manager
Pekin Insurance
01.2015 - 02.2016
- Initiated and fostered a culture of innovation within the custom Software Development team, encouraging creative problem-solving and continuous improvement. Collaborated closely with cross-functional stakeholders to align technology initiatives with business objectives, ensuring the delivery of impactful solutions
- Led the team in the successful execution of complex projects, emphasizing the importance of quality assurance and adherence to project timelines. Implemented agile methodologies to enhance project flexibility and responsiveness to changing requirements, resulting in increased adaptability and faster time-to-market for custom software solutions
- Championed ongoing professional development for team members, fostering a dynamic and highly skilled workforce. Proactively identified emerging technologies and industry best practices, integrating them into the development process to maintain a competitive edge
- Drove a customer-centric approach, actively engaging with internal and external clients to understand their needs and deliver customized software solutions that exceeded expectations. Maintained a keen focus on user experience, ensuring that developed applications not only met technical requirements but also provided an intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Continuously evaluated and optimized processes within the software development lifecycle, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. Maintained a commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends and emerging technologies, reinforcing the team's position as a leader in Custom Software Development
IT Manager/Interim Director
Morton Buildings Inc
11.2009 - 01.2015
- Implemented innovative strategies for the creation and customization of in-house applications, most notably a new application called Customer Select
- Streamlined development processes to maximize efficiency, resulting in accelerated project timelines and the delivery of high-quality, tailored software solutions using Microsoft .Net, Test Driven Development, SQL Server, and Quick Deploy
- Led the team in adopting cutting-edge technologies, staying at the forefront of advancements in the field of custom software development
- Ensured a rigorous focus on quality assurance throughout the use of Test Driven Development, implementing robust testing methodologies to guarantee the reliability and functionality of custom applications. This commitment to quality contributed to the team's reputation for delivering software solutions that not only addressed immediate needs but also anticipated future challenges
- Continuously refined and optimized project management practices, emphasizing agile methodologies to enhance flexibility and responsiveness to evolving project requirements
- Successfully navigated the dynamic landscape of custom software development, balancing innovation with practicality to achieve both short-term project goals and long-term strategic objectives that are still in use today
- Maintained open communication channels with the team, fostering a collaborative environment that encouraged creativity and initiative in the pursuit of excellence in custom software development.
SQL Database Administrator
Morton Buildings Inc
05.2006 - 06.2014
- Primarily responsible for the design, implementation, maintenance, and repair of all databases
- Manage development, testing, and production SQL environments.
- Analyzed business reports for prompt communication, follow-up and ongoing support
- Managed workload independently but collaborated with colleagues to complete larger scale tasks in distributed team environment
Systems Programmer, COBOL Programmer, Assembler Programmer
Morton Buildings Inc
01.2000 - 06.2011
- Conducted software programming for applications on a z/800 Mainframe system
- Maintained software related to custom-written fixed assets, payroll, inventory, and job costing systems
Operations Non-Commissioned Officer - Corporal
US Army Reserve
12.1990 - 12.1998
- Supervised manual and automated supply strategies, and connected with supply and data processing teams to facilitate communication and collaboration
- Created contingency plans to address unexpected tactical scenarios
- Executed tactical operations with accuracy and control
- Planned and coordinated tactical movements of personnel and equipment
- Served as the company retention Non-Commissioned Officer from January 1994 - January 1996
President
East Peoria STEM
10.2010 - Current
- East Peoria STEM is a Non-Profit 501(c)3 Corporation
- Our mission is to educate and promote interest in and knowledge of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) throughout the East Peoria Districts #86 & #309 community area; and to develop leadership, business, teamwork, communication, and other life skills through the F.I.R.S.T Core Methodology - https://www.firstinspires.org
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Computer Science And Programming
Illinois Central College
East Peoria, IL05.2000
Automated Logistic Systems
US Army Quartermaster School
Ft. Lee, VA08.1992
Skills
- Organizational Leadership with a strong focus on Software Development, Data, IT Operations, and high-functioning teams
- Strong knowledge of Software Development and DevOps Engineering Practices
- Strong Project Management delivering several multi-million dollar projects
- API Integrations with MuleSoft and WSO2
- Operational Excellence using a cloud-first approach with AWS and Azure
- Data Visualizations, Data Quality, ETL, BI, and Data Platform with MS SQL, Snowflake, Airflow, and DBT
- ITSM/ITIL Tools and Concepts such as ServiceNow
- Strong Knowledge Of AWS, Azure, Cisco, Jira, Microsoft 365, and other Cloud tooling Systems
Certification
- Certified Scrum Master, Scaled Agile 4.0 - May 2020
- Certified Software Developer - C#, Microsoft - April 2012
- Certified Project Management - Project +, CompTIA
- Certified IBM Systems Programmer - May 2005
- Certified IBM COBOL Programmer, Illinois Central College - December 1999
Timeline
IT Director/AVP
Pekin Insurance Company
12.2021 - 10.2023
Divisional IT Director
Pekin Life Insurance Company
02.2016 - 12.2021
Application Development Manager
Pekin Insurance
01.2015 - 02.2016
President
East Peoria STEM
10.2010 - Current
IT Manager/Interim Director
Morton Buildings Inc
11.2009 - 01.2015
SQL Database Administrator
Morton Buildings Inc
05.2006 - 06.2014
Systems Programmer, COBOL Programmer, Assembler Programmer
Morton Buildings Inc
01.2000 - 06.2011
Operations Non-Commissioned Officer - Corporal
US Army Reserve
12.1990 - 12.1998
Associate of Applied Science - Computer Science And Programming
Illinois Central College
Automated Logistic Systems
US Army Quartermaster School
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Recommendation Letters and References available upon request
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