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
Similar Profiles
Derricka TraylorDerricka Traylor
SharePoint Administrator at Heitmeyer ConsultingSharePoint Administrator at Heitmeyer Consulting
Don MurphyDon Murphy
Senior Business Development Manager at Heitmeyer ConsultingSenior Business Development Manager at Heitmeyer Consulting
Ramanathan VenkatramanRamanathan Venkatraman
Test Manager at GDS Consulting Ernst & Young Global Consulting ServicesTest Manager at GDS Consulting Ernst & Young Global Consulting Services
AYOBAMI ABASSAYOBAMI ABASS
Technology Risks Analyst at NHSTechnology Risks Analyst at NHS
Jonathan CainJonathan Cain
Volunteer at Birmingham Food BankVolunteer at Birmingham Food Bank