Thomas A. Kozak
Fairview Park,OH
Summary
Infrastructure-focused IT manager with strength in Microsoft systems, Windows administration, remote support, and mobile device management. Supports full-cycle technology operations from deployment and testing to upgrade planning, security tools, and vendor relationships, with consistent attention to uptime and user support.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
IT Manager
ScottCare Cardiovascular Solutions
01.2023 - 01.2026
- Main IT resource for a small (~60 person) medical device manufacturer.
- Deployed and maintained all IT hardware and software for all users, in office and remote.
- Maintained all IT infrastructure systems, including servers, phones, network, etc.
- Planned and managed a complete server infrastructure upgrade for the business.
- Oversaw partnership with MSP for infrastructure and upgrade projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Cultivated strategic relationships with hardware and software vendors to ensure optimal service and support.
- Tested, deployed, and supported a range of technologies including M365, Fortigate, BeyondTrust, SentinelOne, Mitel, etc.
- Coordinated integration of all IT systems and processes during major company realignment and relocation, enhancing operational continuity.
Product Support Specialist
TimeKeeping Systems, Inc., dba Guard1
01.2017 - 01.2023
- Delivered comprehensive hardware and software support to enhance operational efficiency across the business.
- Remote and on-site support for Guard Tour hardware and software.
- On-site hardware and software support and installation in correctional facilities (i.e., prisons).
- Deployed and supported customer systems hosted in the Azure cloud.
- Configured, deployed, and supported Android devices using ManageEngine remote management tools to improve user experience.
- Supported Microsoft SQL Server to ensure optimal performance of Guard1 products.
- Assisted with QA testing of new products and subsequent deployment.
- Oversaw tools and systems utilized by Sales for product promotion and demonstrations, facilitating effective client engagement.
Tech Analyst III / Tech Platform Specialist II
National City Bank / PNC Bank
01.2006 - 01.2016
- Achieved a monthly minimum 95% patching success rate for 90,000 endpoints.
- Coordinated monthly patching activities across multiple teams and lines of business, ensuring timely updates.
- Streamlined internal processes, reducing monthly changes from 21 to 9, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Utilized SCCM tools to enhance internal processes.
- Maintained and improved Symantec Antivirus client-side infrastructure.
- Delivered 3rd Tier support for workstations and servers, resolving complex infrastructure issues.
- Supported in-place upgrade of 2,000 ATM devices.
- Completed Windows XP SP1 deployment to 60,000 workstations within 3 months.
Senior Technical Analyst, Client Administrator
Invacare Corporation
01.1999 - 01.2006
- Provided direct, 24-hour support for corporate executives and corporate sales force.
- Enhanced corporate message delivery and client satisfaction through effective use of Blackberry hardware and server tools.
- Established hardware and software lab environment to facilitate testing and enhance client usability.
- Built and maintained a modern client imaging solution for standard client imaging and fast-deployment disaster recovery.
- Maintained corporate relationship with multiple hardware vendors and performed product evaluations.
- Developed and enhanced role of 4th tier desktop support specialist to better meet corporate needs.
Senior Support Engineer
XL Connect Solutions / Xerox Connect
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Developed and implemented strategy to upgrade hundreds to thousands of user PCs from Win95/NT4 to Windows 2000 Professional, enhancing system compatibility and user productivity.
- Acted as lead engineer and tier-3 user support during and after multiple OS migration projects.
- Traveled to various US and Canadian sites, coordinating local resources for successful OS migrations.
- Led Help Desk team in supporting diverse user environment, ensuring timely and effective resolution of technical issues.
Education
St. Edward High School
Lakewood, OHCAD program
Lorain County Community College
Elyria, OHMOS 81B, Technical Drafting Specialist
U.S. Army Defense Mapping School
Ft. Belvoir, VirginiaSkills
- Microsoft 365
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Microsoft security patching
- PC systems management
- Operating systems: Extensive experience with Windows OS (server and client)
- Symantec Endpoint Protection and Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager
- ManageEngine MDM
- Network troubleshooting
- Cisco Systems and FortiGate VPN Clients
- Application Management
- Symantec Ghost
- McAfee, SentinelOne Antivirus products
- Microsoft System Center
Timeline
IT Manager
ScottCare Cardiovascular Solutions
01.2023 - 01.2026
Product Support Specialist
TimeKeeping Systems, Inc., dba Guard1
01.2017 - 01.2023
Tech Analyst III / Tech Platform Specialist II
National City Bank / PNC Bank
01.2006 - 01.2016
Senior Technical Analyst, Client Administrator
Invacare Corporation
01.1999 - 01.2006
Senior Support Engineer
XL Connect Solutions / Xerox Connect
01.1997 - 01.1999
St. Edward High School
CAD program
Lorain County Community College
MOS 81B, Technical Drafting Specialist
U.S. Army Defense Mapping School