Harro Penk

Background

About Harro Penk

Director of Information Technology I lead focused teams in daily helpdesk support activities and long term projects. I provide a strategic technology vision and IT project management, people management, process refinement, and policy management. I have worked in manufacturing environments for IBM and Watson Pharmaceutical, nonprofit SMB Abilities First, and large international retail fast food company AppleGreen. My accomplishments include successfully leading an IT Helpdesk for 600+ users and ~30 locations with 4 staff and an OPEX budget of $140-250k plus CAPEX of $70k-210k. Installed enterprise grade VPN network to all locations, maintained access and security for all users and services, extended server systems to 5 data centers, and maintained above 99.5% uptime for all critical infrastructure. I created a team culture conducive to efficiency, reliability, and innovation. For example: We cut PC deployment time from 6 hours to 1.25 hours. I have gained my leadership expertise the old fashioned way: By doing. I have served in the Infantry early in my development and learned from the best. I have carried those lessons forward and apply everything I have learned at every job since then. At every opportunity, I have been an agent for positive change: At IBM I led the team's understanding of new tool systems and calibrations. At Watson I developed an inventory database and added new skills to the team. At Abilities First I updated the entire infrastructure from server to laptop, including the entire network, WiFi, smartboards, digital displays, security cameras, and IP phone system. At AppleGreen, I led new site acquisitions, network equipment installations, and helpdesk software implementation. Major accomplishments: Implemented agency-wide Meraki-UniFi network w/ VPN connectivity to staff and all sites. IT project management and installation of all IT equipment for dozens of sites, including 6 special needs schools, 5 Travel Plazas, and 2 HQ offices. Implemented Office 365 for 600+ users. Implemented helpdesk CRM system for two companies. Administered combined users across 3 enterprises.