Open To Work
Rick Stivers
Altoona,PA
Summary
Dynamic IT leader with extensive experience at Blackboard Inc., driving software development and cloud migration initiatives. Proven track record in strategic planning and IT security, achieving significant cost savings and enhancing customer satisfaction. Adept at leading diverse teams and fostering innovation in fast-paced environments.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Owner
KDC Property Management
Altoona, PA
01.2018 - Current
- Founded and managed real estate investment company to provide affordable housing solutions.
- Managed daily operations for diverse property portfolio across multiple locations.
- Developed and enforced property management policies and procedures for efficiency.
- Oversaw tenant relations, addressing concerns and ensuring satisfaction with services.
- Delivered full-service contracting and handyman services, including plumbing, electrical, and remodeling, to meet diverse client needs.
Director of Infrastructure, Investor
TECH DIVERSIFIED
Phoenix, USA
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Led infrastructure strategy and implementation for diverse technology projects.
- Oversaw budgeting and resource allocation for infrastructure initiatives.
- Managed vendor relationships to ensure service delivery and compliance.
- Directed design of back end architecture for mobile app on React Native, Node.js, Rumble Cloud, ensuring scalable performance.
- Facilitated securing 100K funding from angel investors, enabling project launch and development.
Director of IT
SANGOMA US
Huntsville, USA
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Directed IT Operations and End User Support teams, establishing and maintaining network, data center, and end-user security protocols.
- Oversaw management of internal data centers, ensuring operational reliability and security.
- Led the alignment of systems to NIST SP 800-171 security standards.
- Spearheaded IT consolidation planning and execution for the Star2Star and Sangoma merger.
- Developed and initiated cloud migration strategy to AWS, enhancing scalability and flexibility for Sangoma.
- Led SOX certification IT project, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and safeguarding financial data.
Senior Director, Software Engineering
BLACKBOARD INC
State College, USA
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Led the full software development lifecycle for Blackboard’s K-12 Community Engagement Suite, managing Engineering, DevOps/SRE, and QA Automation departments.
- Oversaw applications serving over 2 billion page views and 4 billion email, SMS, and phone calls to approximately 40% of US public school districts.
- Migrated all products to AWS, enhancing scalability and reliability of services.
- Directed major consolidation project in 2018, retiring multiple legacy systems, achieving cost savings, and improving customer satisfaction.
- Consolidated multiple mass notification products into a Java microservice-based platform, streamlining operations and improving service delivery.
- Oversaw a technology stack that included Windows .NET, SQL Server, Python, MariaDB, MongoDB, NGINX, Java, Tomcat, iOS, and Android.
- Led and managed offshore teams in the Czech Republic, China, and India, fostering a diverse and inclusive team environment.
171st Maintenance Squadron Commander
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AND PENNSYLVANIA AIR NATIONAL GUARD
Pittsburgh, USA
01.1990 - 01.2018
- Retired as a Major after 27 years of combined active and reserve service.
- Led and managed 200+ maintenance personnel and 16 KC-135 aircraft, ensuring operational readiness and mission success.
- Completed five deployments supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, contributing to critical mission objectives.
- Received a commission as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer in 2005.
- Began an enlisted career as an Aircraft Mechanic on F-16 fighter jets.
- Trained as a member of the FEMA emergency response command and control element.
- Led security team during 2009 G20 summit in Pittsburgh, safeguarding delegates and maintaining event integrity.
Vice President, Platform Delivery
SCHOOLWIRES INC
State College, USA
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Joined the Schoolwires CEO's Senior Leadership Team during the company's acquisition by Blackboard.
- Oversaw due diligence for IT systems and software products during acquisition, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
- Directed product development, DevOps, and IT services to enhance operational efficiency and deliver high-quality solutions.
- Established DevOps and IT departments, creating frameworks that supported rapid scaling and improved service delivery.
- Contributed to the company's growth from 15 to over 160 employees and expanded the client base to over 600 school districts in the United States, China, and Mexico.
- Hired as the first software engineer, developed the Academic Portal/Content Management System, and wrote code for five years.
Web Application Developer
MERITAGE TECHNOLOGIES INC
New York, USA
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Developed web applications for clients such as Tudor.com and Practicing Law Institute, enhancing their online presence.
- Developed web applications using JavaScript and Python frameworks.
- Collaborated with designers to create user-friendly interfaces.
- Integrated third-party APIs for enhanced application functionality.
Education
B.S. - Management Information Systems
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA12-1999
Skills
- Portfolio Management
- IT strategy
- Strategic planning
- Project management
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Budget Management
- Budget forecasting
- Stakeholder management
- Vendor management
- Leading teams
- Agile/Scrum Methodologies
- Agile methods
- Full SDLC Management
- DevOps/SRE
- DevOps principles
- Cloud migration
- AWS cloud migration
- IT Security
- Cybersecurity
- Cybersecurity expertise
- Cloud security
- IT compliance
- IT governance
- IT risk management
- IT asset management
- Infrastructure management
- Infrastructure design
- System networking
- System integration
- Digital transformation
- Information technology management
- IT service management
- IT operations management
- IT incident management
- IT problem-solving
- IT policy development
- IT change control
- IT quality assurance
- Performance metrics
- Process improvement
- Service delivery
- Data Migration
- Data retention
- Data analytics
- Data analysis
- Analytical skills
- Decision-making
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Adaptability
- Organizational skills
- Communication skills
- Relationship building
- Department management
- Enterprise architecture
- Enterprise-class IT planning
- Virtualization
- Virtualization technologies
- Continuity planning
- Disaster recovery
- Software development
- Mobile technologies
- IT consulting
- Business analysis
- IT resource allocation
- IT budgeting
- Service delivery
- IT stakeholder management
- Department management
- System integration
- Agile methods
- Data analysis
- Analytical skills
- Project lifecycle
- Relationship building
- Organizational skills
- Portfolio Management
- Decision-making
- IT consulting
- IT governance
- System integration
Certification
- Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator, 2008
- Microsoft Certified Developer, 2001
References
Available upon request.
Volunteer Experience
Project Hero, San Diego, CA, 01/01/10, 01/01/20, Volunteered at fundraising events for Project Hero, supporting military veterans and first responders.
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workWork Type
Full TimeContract WorkGig WorkPart TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridSalary Range
$45000/yr - $200000/yrTimeline
Director of Infrastructure, Investor
TECH DIVERSIFIED
01.2021 - 01.2024
Director of IT
SANGOMA US
01.2020 - 01.2021
Owner
KDC Property Management
01.2018 - Current
Senior Director, Software Engineering
BLACKBOARD INC
01.2015 - 01.2020
Vice President, Platform Delivery
SCHOOLWIRES INC
01.2014 - 01.2015
Web Application Developer
MERITAGE TECHNOLOGIES INC
01.2000 - 01.2001
171st Maintenance Squadron Commander
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AND PENNSYLVANIA AIR NATIONAL GUARD
01.1990 - 01.2018
B.S. - Management Information Systems
Indiana University of Pennsylvania