Director of Information Technology and Security

Jacob Akcora

916-***-**** *****@******.*** El Dorado Hills, California

www.linkedin.com/in/jacobakcora/

Summary

Technology Leader seasoned in implementing systems and security with over 20 years of experience. Precise delivery expert in digital transformation and optimization of technology departments. Keen eye on defining and executing strategic plans and translating them into actionable roadmaps. Skilled in addressing complex IT infrastructure issues, designing Cloud, Server, Network, and Security frameworks, and formulating Business IT strategies. Highly experienced in mergers and acquisitions to manage system migrations and divestitures, ensuring smooth integration of systems and processes.

Work Experience

My Secure Advantage Roseville, CA

Director of Information Technology and Security Jan 2024 - Present

Head of IT and Security operations. Responsible for developing and executing IT strategies to support the company's growth, enhance business performance, and ensure the technology infrastructure's security, scalability, and efficiency.

Spearheaded Digital Transformation in the IT Department.

Led Compliance with ISO27001, CMMC, GDPR, FedRAMP, and other mandated security frameworks by government and private organizations.

Implemented ITIL and ITSM framework to modernize and secure enterprise-level IT operations.

Established the vision, future direction, and strategic use of infrastructure enterprise applications and information systems.

Developed annual IT, Security budgets, and system implementation projects, resulting in an 80% reduction in Technology inefficiencies and costs.

Led the digital transformation efforts to modernize and optimize IT systems, processes, and tools to support efficiency.

Established a long-term technology roadmap that supports business expansion and scalability.

Reduced application spending by 25% by eliminating duplicates and negotiating with vendors.

Managed the department budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources for software, hardware, and services.

Reviewed and managed IT service agreements with vendors, ensuring SLAs were met and services were delivered at a high standard.

Driven COLO to AWS migration of applications, data, and databases, allowing users VPN-free ZTNA connection to resources, resulting in an 80% saving.

PowerSchool Folsom, CA

Director of Information Technology and Security Feb 2017 - Dec 2023

Lead Data Center, Networking, Security, Identity Access Management, Automation, and End-User Services teams of 23 engineers. Provided leadership for mergers and acquisitions initiatives for a leading SaaS provider in K-12 education.

Developed a multinational team of skilled technology professionals and oversaw globally distributed systems to enhance user experiences for 4,500 employees and over 100 million users.

As a senior leader, collaborated closely with Cloud Operations, Architecture, Development, and Support teams to create a cooperative operational environment that delivers high-availability solutions for mission-critical applications.

Implement advanced AI-driven automation technologies alongside appropriate governance frameworks to improve employee efficiency, enhance the employee experience, and support growth.

Managed the $ 20 million Information Technology and Security budget, managing IT vendor relations.

Spearheaded Digital Transformation in the organization and established the vision and strategic utilization of enterprise applications and information systems within the infrastructure.

Led ISO27001, SOC2, FedRamp, and SOX certifications using CIS/NIST/ISO Security frameworks.

Developed infrastructure and platform solutions, including Splunk Enterprise Security, CrowdStrike, ExtraHop, Zero Trust Network Access, identity access management, Call Center, Zoom, and other large-scale implementation projects.

Led Salesforce and NetSuite implementation and migration projects for 18 Acquisition companies.

Developed, tracked, and reported budgets and KPIs for the IT and Security departments.

Implemented Cloud Call Center solution for over 600 call center agents, providing $1 Million in savings compared to the incumbent provider. Allowed further savings by opening the organization to operate call center agents offshore.

Established multi-year design plans and project pipelines to align company resources.

Reduced 30% redundant applications and implemented SSO to over 500 internal-use applications.

PowerSchool Folsom, CA

Manager of Information Technology Aug 2016 - Feb 2017

Developed and supported teams to create a cooperative operational environment that delivers high-availability solutions for mission-critical applications. Implement advanced AI-driven automation technologies alongside appropriate governance frameworks to improve employee efficiency, enhance the employee experience, and support growth.

Established lifecycle processes rooted in the ITIL and ITSM frameworks. Prepared acquisition integration runbook to prepare the company to execute 18 acquisitions in 5 years.

Managed, mentored, and developed the IT team, including IT managers, network administrators, system engineers, and IT support staff in the US and offshore.

Reduced telecom expenses by 40% by redesigning the Internet, Network, and Telephony solutions.

Fostered a high-performance culture by promoting collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning within the IT department.

TRMX Corp Vacaville, CA

Managing Director Jun 2005 - Aug 2016

Managed MSP, serving small to medium-sized businesses in media, technology, finance, healthcare, retail, and warehouse, ensuring their operations were comparable to those of large enterprises

Built collaborative and functional teams to create the highest value for stakeholders.

Performed sales and support activities to meet client needs and maintain service levels.

Liaised with senior leaders to recommend strategy and new initiatives based on an in-depth understanding of business.

Cultivated client relationships, developed new client relationships, and won new business.

Increased efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability by managing team productivity, costs, and budgets

Provided up to 90% cost reduction in telecom expenses with innovative solutions.

Education

California State University - Sacramento Sacramento, CA Jan 2003 - Jun 2005

Bachelor of Science, Management Information Systems

Training

AWS Solution Architect, Azure Fundamentals, Microsoft 365 Fundamentals, ITIL, CISM

Skills

Leadership: Accountability, Innovation, Communication, Relationships, People management, Stakeholder engagement, Budget management, Cost reduction, ITIL, ITSM

Compliance: IT Security, GDPR, CMMC, FedRAMP, ISO27001, SOC2, NIST CSF, SOX Compliance, Risk management, Data governance, Disaster Recovery, Policy, Compliance monitoring

IT Management: Vendor Management, Asset Management, Problem Resolution, Project management, Change management, Team Management, Critical Thinking, Team Collaboration, Automation

IT Infrastructure: Azure, AWS, Colo, Network, Security, Cisco, Meraki, ZTNA, IAM, SSO, MFA, IDS/IPS, EntraID, Purview, Intune, Microsoft 365, JAMF, MDM, Salesforce, NetSuite.

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