Distributed Computer Systems Consultant

MELVIN “MEL” JONES

**** **** ****** **** *********, FL 34209

941-***-**** *****.***@*******.*** • https://www.linkedin.com/in/melvinalanjones

Database & IT Administrator

Talented and dynamic IT professional with extensive experience developing and navigating multiyear IT roadmaps, negotiating software licensing agreements, and identifying technologically advanced solutions to complex problems. Natural leader able to mentor and motivate highly efficient and productive cross-functional teams. Proficient in the installation, maintenance, and support of Windows and Applebased software platforms. Experienced project manager and technical support engineer skilled at all aspects of project lifecycle from initiation to budget monitoring to roll-out.

Areas of Strength and Expertise

Contract Negotiation

Team Leadership

Training Development

Software Licensing

Project Lifecycle Management

IT Roadmaps

Vendor Management

Technical Support

Process Improvements

Professional Experience

Florida Department of Health

Bradenton, FL

June 2025 to Present

Distributed Computer Systems Consultant

Responsibilities include setup, onboard, train new hires on the proper use of computing devices and the issuance of cellular phones. Offloading of exiting staff and property retrieval. Account deletion and inventory of issued equipment and software return. Delegate for all state owned IT property that includes receiving, surplus, and disposition of assets in accordance with state and federal rules, regulations and statutes. Technical writer for IT operational manuals, both internal IT departmental and end user. PDF designer and creator with advanced capabilities including active JavaScript customization and computational functionality. EOC ESF 8 & 6 FEMA certified. CJIS certified until January 2026.

Florida Department of Children and Families, Sarasota, FL

February2023 to June 2025

Distributed Computer System Analyst II

Network analyst and computer specialist for the Manatee, Sarasota and Desoto counties offices.

Responsibilities include setup and train staff on the proper use of computing devices and the setup, appropriation of cellular phones to staff. Network maintenance and upgrade. Network analyst for the entire Suncoast region, inclusive of all circuits within the region across the entire landscape.

Advantage Business Partners, Lakewood Ranch, FL

July 2022 to January 2023

Sales Consultant

Responsibilities included acquiring new customers and maintaining constant growth thru increased service offerings and new clients.

Staples Consortium Corporate, Maitland, FL

March 2020 to July 2022

Sales Consultant

Responsibilities included continued growth thru frequent customer engagement.

Starr Digital Advertising, LLC, Tampa, FL

January 2019 to March 2020

Founder/CEO/Microsoft and Google Advertising Professional

Chief Executive Officer and lead certified Google and Microsoft Advertising Professional responsible for assisting Microsoft and Google Advertising clients to optimize their ad campaigns, ad groups, and ads. Using advanced techniques and settings to increase ad ranking and increasing CTR, CVR, and mainline placement bid strategies. Responsible for SMB and large client recruitment.

Key Accomplishments:

Designed and implemented the business model to not compete with traditional marketing agencies

Developed and implemented a plan to acquire U.S. federal and State of Florida agency advertising contracting through an additional LLC.

Alorica, Tampa, FL

May 2018 to January 2019

Microsoft Advertising Professional

Certified Microsoft Advertising Professional responsible for assisting Microsoft Advertising clients to optimize their ad campaigns, ad groups, and ads. Using advanced techniques and settings to increase ad ranking and increasing CTR, CVR, and mainline placement bid strategies.

Key Accomplishments:

Designed and created compelling ad campaign settings that were adopted by Microsoft.

Was one of very few to attend an extensive nine-week training program not offered to other staff as a means to train existing ads professionals through peer sharing.

Mel Jones Custom Electronics, Ltd, Bradenton, FL

June 2016 to April 2018

Sole Proprietor/Lead Consultant

Consulting and design of advanced concept equipment for first responders and national infrastructure security requests per Department of Homeland Security call for bid. Provide area specific consultation for national and international clients requesting concept in design utilizing the latest hazard sensor electronic devices. Drafter of recommended standard as a starting point for adoption committees.

In addition, I served as a Database and Network Administrator under contract for several local and remote clients during the entire four years as an additional service of my business.

Key Accomplishments:

Designed an innovative bank sensor array to meet the latest NBC (Nuclear, biological and chemical) of 23 identified terrorist hazard detection for shipping containers used on highway and ocean-going transportation.

Maintained and provided Database and Network Administrator services and consultation to both local and remote clients. Services included adding new and deactivating employee accounts and assigning users to appropriate user groups within Active Directory. Provided helpdesk services to those clients. Provided support with core protocols, TCP/IP, FTP, SFTP, FTPS, DNS, 802.11 a-h, WiMAX, VPN and updates and support for Microsoft Server 2012R2 and Microsoft Server 2016+ plus service pack updates. RDP troubleshooting routers/switches and DMZ port security.

Initiated, drafted, and executed technical data sheets and training materials for innovative technology component circuit design for mass production.

Frequent contributor to technical trade publications for private and public audiences.

Offered subject matter expertise and marked determinations on product suitability to meet commercial and national security needs.

School District of Manatee County, Bradenton, FL

January 2000 to June 2015

Coordinator, Information Applications

Navigated and negotiated productive and efficient business relationships between the School District of Manatee County and third-party suppliers of online educational software. Generated performance reports and presented findings to district leadership. Offered high caliber technical support and troubleshooting to classrooms districtwide. Supported mobile devices including Palm Pilots, iPods, iPads, and various Android tablets used by administrators, educators and students.

Key Accomplishments:

Saved district over $200K annually through performing all server maintenance, and installations and updates for PC and Apple server systems using innovative techniques.

Initiated, drafted, and executed strategic training materials for application-specific technology including programs designed to train-the-trainer.

Directed project lifecycle for the adoption of software applications including AIG, PerformanceMatters, SharePoint, Xerox DocuShare and Scholastic roll outs.

Lend subject matter expertise and made determinations on software adoption decisions.

Limited recovery time through advanced server maintenance and switch/router design and setup for wired and Wi-Fi network design and troubleshooting, Active Directory, DHCP, IPv.6, PS6, VMWare, Virtual Ware configuration.

Computer Information Specialist

Implemented and provided ongoing technical support for accounting software, DocuShare software, Adobe Creative Suite and Acrobat Professional, and LiquidOffice software. Created pdf interactive electronic forms.

Key Accomplishments:

Prepared and delivered training materials designed to update staff on all MS Office products.

Supported Microsoft, Adobe, and Apple applications and responded promptly and efficiently to inquiries.

School District of Sarasota County, Sarasota, FL

March 1998 to January 2000

MIS

Administered data integration and managed interconnectivity between Windows and Macintosh server platforms. Developed and implemented Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test and Florida Writes practice test environments and provided ongoing technical support to school administration, teachers, and students.

Key Accomplishments:

Saved district thousands of dollars through identifying innovative applications of existing software to meet new data requirements.

State College of Florida, Bradenton, FL

March 1997 to March 1998

Educational Specialist

Produced content and directed the development of digital audiovisual media material for use by college students. Cut thousands of dollars from budget through customizing existing hardware and software to meet the needs of students and administration. Trained students and faculty and offered technological solutions to audiovisual equipment needs.

Sam’s Club, Sarasota, Florida

October 1995 to March 1998

Marketing Representative

Responsible for outside sales for specific SIC / NIACS related to all business members and potential business members. Performed in-depth analysis of current purchases to determine maximum buying power for business members. Performed both scheduled appointments and cold calling for new memberships. Facilitated membership in the Manatee Economic Development Council to drive outside sales. Licensed fork lift operator while employed. Maintained an inventory of over one hundred thousand special order SKUs. During my tour of duty was responsible for the single largest new membership sales in one week for the entire region.

University of South Florida, Sarasota, FL

April 1990 to October 1995

Audiovisual Specialist

Supervised a 17-member team in the maintenance and installation of classroom-based audiovisual equipment. Produced on-air material for campus television network.

Education and Training

Associate of Arts in Computer Information Systems

STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA Bradenton, FL

Associate of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology

STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA Bradenton, FL

National Incident Management System Certification, ICS-700, 701, 702, 800, FEMA among many others

Professional Memberships

Member, IEEE

Member, IEEE Telecommunications Society

Member, IEEE Computer Society

Member, American Numismatic Society

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