Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Technical Tools And Platforms
Websites
Education And Certifications
Key Qualifications
Timeline
Generic

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, AL

Skills

  • 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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STEVE NICKOLSON