STEVE NICKOLSON
Birmingham
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive M&A and TSA experience at Heitmeyer Consulting, adept at stakeholder communication and strategic thinking. Successfully managed large-scale IT budgets and drove infrastructure modernization, achieving a 55% reduction in costs while enhancing operational efficiency. Proven ability to lead teams and execute complex projects in high-pressure environments.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior SME, Merger & Acquisition Advisory Services
Heitmeyer Consulting
01.2024 - Current
- Advised healthcare and banking clients on TSA exits and post-merger operational integration, including infrastructure and application transitions
- Developed and tracked large-scale asset deployment initiatives and communicated plans/cutovers to stakeholders
SVP – Operations | CIO | Director of IT
ServisFirst Bank
01.2016 - 12.2023
- Directed a $26MM IT and operations budget, overseeing infrastructure across 27 locations and 145+ team members
- Led core system conversions and application rationalization efforts, reducing vendor costs and eliminating manual processes
- Designed and executed disaster recovery plans, real-time fraud detection using AI, and built scalable IT infrastructure during rapid 2500%+ growth
- Implemented endpoint lifecycle management processes (desktop and monitor replacements) across multiple sites
Director of Infrastructure
Ryan Specialty Group
01.2012 - 12.2014
- Managed M&A-related technology integrations across 45 offices and 1,500+ employees
- Reduced infrastructure costs by 55% and migrated critical systems to cloud-based platforms
- Implemented BYOD policies and replaced all end-user equipment for newly acquired offices
Information Systems Specialist – Academic & Medical Division
University of Alabama at Birmingham
05.1993 - 10.2000
- Managed IT operations in healthcare settings, contributing to patient care continuity through a secure and reliable network infrastructure.
- Monitored network performance to determine adjustments needed.
- Prepared reports summarizing operational status of systems and networks.
- Monitored system logs for errors or suspicious activities that may indicate potential security threats.
- Installed, configured, and maintained hardware components such as routers, switches, firewalls, server systems and storage devices.
- Coordinated with vendors and company personnel to facilitate purchases.
- Deployed new applications and services following established change management procedures.
- Coordinated with vendors to resolve hardware or software problems within specified timeframes.
- Consulted users to determine areas in need of improvement.
- Created project plans with established timelines, assigned to appropriate teams and managed workflow throughout construction.
Education
General Courses -
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, ALSkills
- M&A and TSA Experience
- Stakeholder communication
- M&A integration
- Team leadership
- Infrastructure Replacement
- Application Transition & Modernization
- Healthcare Technology Background
- Vendor & Asset Coordination
- PMP-level Execution
- Compliance-Focused
- Vendor management
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Strategic thinking
- Analytical skills
- Multitasking capacity
Technical Tools And Platforms
- Microsoft Teams, Excel, PowerPoint
- Cloud Computing (Azure, AWS)
- Endpoint Management (Desktop & Monitor Rollouts)
- Core Banking Systems, Application Integration APIs
- Network Infrastructure & VoIP
- Cybersecurity & Risk Mitigation
Websites
Education And Certifications
- ITIL Foundation Certification
- U.S. Army – Leadership & Personnel Management
- University of Alabama at Birmingham – General Courses
- PMP (In Progress/Planned)
Key Qualifications
- M&A and TSA Experience – Led post-acquisition infrastructure and application transitions, vendor integration, and technology streamlining.
- Infrastructure Replacement – Oversaw enterprise-wide equipment replacement including servers, desktops, monitors, and telecommunication assets.
- Application Transition & Modernization – Managed replacement and modernization of 100+ applications during digital banking transformations and system conversions.
- Healthcare Technology Background – Supported hospital network infrastructure and academic medical environments during early career roles.
- Vendor & Asset Coordination – Directed vendor relationships and equipment procurement/implementation across 27+ facilities.
- PMP-level Execution – Practiced in structured project planning, cutover coordination, and stakeholder communication using Teams, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Compliance-Focused – Deep knowledge of regulated environments with experience serving on the SAR Committee and working with FinCEN compliance.
Timeline
Senior SME, Merger & Acquisition Advisory Services
Heitmeyer Consulting
01.2024 - Current
SVP – Operations | CIO | Director of IT
ServisFirst Bank
01.2016 - 12.2023
Director of Infrastructure
Ryan Specialty Group
01.2012 - 12.2014
Information Systems Specialist – Academic & Medical Division
University of Alabama at Birmingham
05.1993 - 10.2000
General Courses -
University of Alabama at Birmingham
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