Ryan Bekkum
Belgrade,MT
Summary
Dynamic IT executive with over 25 years of comprehensive experience in the technology lifecycle, encompassing hardware, networking, software engineering, and AI/ML innovation. Recognized for exceptional adaptability and proficiency across major platforms and infrastructures, with a strong track record in high-growth environments. Demonstrated success in unifying infrastructure, standardizing systems, and leading M&A due diligence and integrations for multi-entity organizations. Adept at leveraging advanced analytics to enhance operational efficiency and drive digital transformation, while fostering high-performing teams that align IT strategy with business objectives.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Technology and Programming Director
Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.
Bozeman, MT
11.2023 - 11.2024
- Managed development strategies for the digital solutions division.
- Served as a public spokesperson at industry events or conferences.
- Designed and implemented custom applications, programs, and automation solutions tailored to client needs.
- Streamlined communication processes to improve client engagement.
- Developed strategic plans to enhance operational efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to define project scopes and deliverables.
- Oversaw budget management for multiple concurrent projects and resource allocation.
- Facilitated regular meetings to track progress and address project challenges.
- Mentored junior staff on best practices in project management and execution.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to align goals with organizational objectives.
- Developed policies and procedures to ensure compliance with corporate standards.
Information Technology Manager
Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.
Butte, MT
07.2017 - 11.2023
- Directed all IT functions for a nationwide environmental engineering firm.
- Planned, implemented, and maintained network hardware, software systems, websites, security, and other technology in the company.
- Led strategic initiatives for technology innovation and business development.
- Managed IT infrastructure to ensure system reliability and performance.
- Assisted in developing IT policies and procedures for data management.
- Monitored network security protocols to protect sensitive information.
- Evaluated emerging technologies and provided recommendations on their implementation into current infrastructure.
- Implemented, tested and tracked applications, business software, network infrastructure and wireless devices.
- Created and enforced information technology budget.
- Collaborated with senior leaders to develop solutions with and platforms for key business initiatives.
- Taught and supervised team employees, coaching, motivating, and disciplining to optimize results.
Information Technology Manager
Couleecap, Inc.
Westby, WI
09.2010 - 12.2017
- Spearheaded website development, VoIP phone systems, and digital resource management.
- Managed IT infrastructure to ensure system reliability and performance.
- Supported software deployment and updates across various departments.
- Collaborated with team to resolve technical issues and improve user experience.
- Met with stakeholders to collaborate and resolve problems.
- Maintained knowledge of advances in information technology systems and applications.
- Managed backup, user account and helpdesk systems.
- Analyzed workflows and established priorities for daily operations.
- Supervised and oriented computer operator trainees, both onsite and remotely via internet and intranet, promoting full staffing with trained and knowledgeable employees.
- Conducted regular audits of systems to identify vulnerabilities and implement necessary changes for improved security.
Director of Information Technology
Nucleus & Trillium Communications
Kalamazoo, MI
10.2001 - 07.2010
- Oversaw IT services for multiple companies with numerous offices and thousands of employees.
- Oversaw operations of the Information Technology department with 16 full-time employees, and 48 subcontractors.
- Developed and implemented IT policies and procedures for operational efficiency.
- Managed vendor relationships to ensure service quality and compliance.
- Oversaw network infrastructure upgrades to enhance system performance.
- Designed contingency planning, formal training, and employee development plan to increase staff quality performance.
- Developed and implemented short and long-term technology programs to determine performance measurements, outcomes, and investment needs.
- Facilitated leadership to community and internal staff by conducting technology trainings and workshops.
- Coordinated, managed and prepared RFPs and RFQs for purchasing department, recommending software, and hardware specifications.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws and regulations regarding information technology.
- Directed operations of various server farms.
- Provided 24/7 on-call support for all companies.
- Reported directly to the president of the company.
- Implemented innovative digital campaigns for top pharmaceutical brands, such as Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly.
IT Manager (Contract Position)
Allen Edwin Homes
Portage, MI
04.2003 - 04.2004
- Led IT infrastructure projects to enhance system performance and reliability.
- Managed vendor relationships to negotiate contracts and service agreements.
- Oversaw help desk operations to ensure the timely resolution of technical issues.
- Coordinated training programs for staff on new technology and software tools.
- Developed IT policies and procedures to maintain security standards and compliance.
- Implemented disaster recovery plans to safeguard data integrity and availability.
- Managed the installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of network systems.
International Sales Executive
Stryker
Kalamazoo, MI
01.1995 - 09.2001
- Cultivated relationships with international clients to promote product offerings.
- Executed sales strategies to enhance market presence across diverse regions.
- Analyzed market trends to identify potential sales opportunities and challenges.
- Delivered presentations to clients, showcasing product features and benefits.
- Managed client inquiries and provided timely responses to support needs.
- Participated in trade shows and events to network and showcase products.
- Collaborated with marketing teams on promotional materials for international campaigns.
- Identified new potential customers and negotiated business conditions.
- Developed proposals, slides, analysis and oral presentations.
- Partnered with cross-functional teams to meet account needs and requests.
- Supervised and implemented collection of account orders within territory, working closely with operations team to timely ship open orders.
Environmental Intern
United States Army
Camp Zama, Japan
02.1989 - 05.1993
- Assisted in environmental assessments and compliance evaluations for military operations.
- Conducted field surveys to collect soil and water samples for analysis.
- Collaborated with teams to implement sustainable practices within military installations.
- Prepared reports detailing findings from environmental studies and assessments.
- Observed wildlife behavior in their natural habitat.
- Surveyed areas for possible contamination sites.
- Conducted research on local and regional environmental topics.
Education
Master of Science - Leadership & Human Resource Development
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA12-2026
Master of Science - Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
Open Institute of Technology
Rome, Italy08-2026
Bachelor of Science - Modern Computer Science
Open Institute of Technology
Rome, Italy07-2025
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of The People
California04-2025
Skills
- Project management
- Data analysis
- Strategic planning
- Team collaboration
- Client engagement
- Software development
- Business strategy
- Business administration
- People management
- Financial analysis
- Decision-making
- Regulatory compliance
- Business development
- Creativity and innovation
- Information technology management
- Risk management
- Media relations
Languages
French
Professional
Spanish
Limited
Japanese
Limited
Italian
Limited
Certification
- Spousal Work Visa for France and EU (10 Years)
Affiliations
- Black Belt Shotokan Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Jui-jitsu
- Sons of Norway
- FEMA Volunteer
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Technology and Programming Director
Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.
11.2023 - 11.2024
Information Technology Manager
Pioneer Technical Services, Inc.
07.2017 - 11.2023
Information Technology Manager
Couleecap, Inc.
09.2010 - 12.2017
IT Manager (Contract Position)
Allen Edwin Homes
04.2003 - 04.2004
Director of Information Technology
Nucleus & Trillium Communications
10.2001 - 07.2010
International Sales Executive
Stryker
01.1995 - 09.2001
Environmental Intern
United States Army
02.1989 - 05.1993
Master of Science - Leadership & Human Resource Development
Louisiana State University
Master of Science - Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
Open Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science - Modern Computer Science
Open Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of The People
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