GARY M. NICAR
Rayne, LA ***** 337-***-**** ***********@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/gary-nicar
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Versatile and dedicated professional with over 20 years of experience spanning technology management, corporate training, AI project support, and education. Proven ability to lead complex technology initiatives, evidenced by a 75% reduction in communication costs through strategic infrastructure optimization. Adept at building strong relationships, training diverse teams, and cultivating community partnerships. Combines a strong background in logistics and systems management with recent freelance experience in AI data annotation and a certification in AI Fundamentals.
SKILLS
Technical: Technology Integration, AI Data Annotation, Information Systems Management, Systems Administration, Logistics Management, Microsoft Office Suite, Data Entry
Professional: Strategic Planning, Relationship Building, Customer Service, Problem-Solving, Project Management, Time Management, Communication & Public Speaking, Cost Reduction, Quality Assurance
Training & Education: Corporate Training, Curriculum Development, Teaching, Student Needs Assessment, Special Education, Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Donor Acquisition Specialist Goodwill of Acadiana – Lafayette, LA November 2024 – Present
Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and civic groups to secure a consistent stream of donations.
Serve as a primary Donor Ambassador at community events, representing the organization to expand donor relationships and enhance public engagement.
AI Project Specialist (Freelance) Outlier – Remote 2023 – Present
Contribute to the development of advanced AI models by providing detailed data annotation and quality assurance reviews across multiple training projects.
Successfully manage concurrent projects in a fast-paced, remote environment, consistently meeting strict deadlines and adapting to evolving project requirements.
Sales Associate Walmart – Lafayette, LA September 2022 – November 2024
Delivered exceptional customer service in a high-volume retail setting, expertly addressing inquiries and utilizing conflict management techniques to resolve issues effectively.
Trained and mentored new team members on cash handling procedures, best operational practices, and customer service standards, improving overall team efficiency.
English as a Foreign Language Teacher (Part-Time) VIP KID – Remote February 2020 – Present
Deliver comprehensive ESL curriculum in one-on-one and small-group online settings, utilizing interactive games, visuals, and technology to enhance student engagement.
Applied diagnostic assessment techniques to tailor instruction, resulting in an average 35% increase in student proficiency and test scores.
Dispatcher and Logistics Software Instructor United Vision Logistics – Lafayette, LA February 2018 – February 2020
Designed and implemented instructional programs for dispatchers and drivers on proprietary logistics software, digital road logs, and technology literacy.
Assessed employee progress and adapted training strategies to support technological development, achieving 100% dispatcher certification across the nationwide fleet.
Systems and Advanced Technologies Manager Seacor Marine – Houma, LA February 2000 – February 2018
Directed the planning, implementation, and maintenance of all corporate information systems and technology infrastructure for a 20-year period.
Developed and executed long-term technology strategies to enhance system efficiency, reliability, and security, successfully reducing organizational communication costs by 75%.
Collaborated with IT, operations, and senior management to align technology initiatives with cross-functional business goals.
Special Education Teacher Morgan City Junior High School – Morgan City, LA August 1998 – August 2001
Developed and implemented Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals for students with diverse needs, including autism and other developmental disabilities.
Improved special needs students' LEAP test scores by 25% through differentiated instruction, curriculum modifications, and effective classroom management.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in History Louisiana State University – Baton Rouge, LA
August 1994 – August 1998
CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES
IBM SkillsBuild Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals Badge (Issued July 2025)
Working in a Digital World: Professional Skills (IBM SkillsBuild, Issued July 2025)
TESOL & TEFL Certifications (2019 – Present)
General Radio Operator License (GMDSS with Radar) (2005 – Present)
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)
Special Education Certification
Teaching Certification