IT professional

RICHARD BANHAM

Broken Arrow, OK ● 501-***-**** ● *******.******@*****.*** ● U.S. Citizen

Enterprise AI & Technology Transformation Leader

Accomplished technology leader with over two decades of experience designing and delivering complex enterprise systems, modern data platforms, cloud environments, and applied AI capabilities across multi-million-dollar corporations. Proven track record in developing enterprise IT, data, and AI strategies that align with business priorities, optimize operational performance, and enable growth through scalable architecture and modern engineering practices. Known for a servant leadership approach that emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and empowerment, resulting in high-trust, high-performing teams aligned around shared vision and measurable outcomes.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Digital & Cloud Transformation ● Enterprise Architecture ● Cybersecurity & Compliance ● Strategic Planning & Budgeting

● Data & Analytics Enablement ● AI Strategy & Governance ● Agentic AI Systems ● RAG Architecture ● Infrastructure & Operations Leadership ● Program & Portfolio Management ● ITIL & Service Management ● CI/CD & DevOps Enablement

● Vendor & Contract Management ● Microsoft Ecosystem PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Northstar Recycling Company 04/2022 – Present

Remote

Vice President of Technology

Lead the technology strategy, execution, and operations for the company, aligning IT and digital initiatives with business objectives to support growth, operational efficiency, service excellence, and client centric innovation in the recycling/waste services industry. Essential Duties:

• Developed and executed the enterprise technology roadmap (including IT infrastructure, systems, data architecture, software platforms, digital tools) in support of business goals, client service requirements, and competitive differentiation

• Led the selection, implementation, and governance of technology solutions (ERP, CRM, data analytics, IoT/asset tracking, automation, etc.) that enabled scalable, efficient operations and client facing capabilities

• Oversaw IT operations including infrastructure, network, security, disaster recovery, cloud services, vendor management, and system support, ensured high availability, performance, and risk mitigation (reducing overall exposure by 15%)

• Architected and deployed an agentic AI solution using RAG, Azure OpenAI, and indexed corporate knowledge bases to automate internal workflows and augment employee decision-making

• Directed a portfolio of concurrent technology initiatives, ensuring prioritization, resource allocation, risk mitigation, and on-time delivery across the program landscape

• Drove CI/CD automation and DevOps practices that streamlined deployments, reduced release friction, and accelerated time- to-value

• Developed AI-driven automation and cognitive workflows leveraging Azure OpenAI, embeddings, and vector search to enable contextual knowledge retrieval and operational intelligence

• Oversaw million-dollar budgeting, forecasting, vendor contracting, and resource allocation; ensured cost-efficient use of technology investments

• Established ITIL-aligned governance, risk, and compliance frameworks including KPI, SLA, change control, and service- management standards

• Established enterprise architecture standards using TOGAF-aligned frameworks, governed service design, data ownership models, and system integration approaches (accelerating TTM by 10%)

• Provided executive-level visibility and status reporting to senior leadership, ensuring timely escalation of risks, proactive mitigation strategies, and clarity around milestone progress and dependencies

• Supported Databricks and Snowflake adoption for cloud analytics, ETL workflows, and unified data access across business functions

R.K. Black, Inc 02/2019 – 04/2022

OKC, OK

Solutions Architecture Manager

Delivered comprehensive information technology and security services that safeguarded and optimized business operations for several million-dollar companies. Oversaw network security, data backup and recovery, managed IT services, and cloud solutions to ensure infrastructure remained secure, reliable, and efficient. Essential Duties:

• Served as a virtual CIO for multiple SMB and mid-market clients, advising on IT strategy, budgeting, vendor selection, cybersecurity posture, infrastructure modernization, and technology roadmap development

• Developed and executed enterprise solution frameworks that supported cross business transformation initiatives and reduced infrastructure cost by 16%

• Led multi-phase implementations using formal project management discipline, stakeholder communication plans, timeline control, and go-live coordination.

• Spearheaded the modernization of enterprise infrastructure and applications by leading a successful Azure cloud migration and automation initiative, resulting in increased scalability and cost savings

• Drove the adoption of service-oriented architecture (SOA), integrating CRM, ERP, and document management systems to streamline operations, enhance system performance, and delivered an improved user experience

• Led project delivery using Agile and Lean methodology to ensure predictable execution, faster release cycles, and improved stakeholder visibility

• Oversaw PMO-style intake and prioritization processes for project portfolio management, resource allocation, and strategic investment alignment

Helmerich & Payne Inc 01/2011 – 02/2019

Tulsa, OK

Senior IT Manager, Solutions Architecture

Designed and delivered technology solutions to assist the world’s largest drilling and technology company. Led enterprise architecture and solution strategies that enhanced efficiency, supported safety and sustainability, and reinforced the company’s competitive advantage in a billion-dollar industry. Essential Duties:

• Translated business strategy into solution architecture using data-driven frameworks, SCADA-type telemetry, and TOGAF- aligned architecture principles.

• Spearheaded a comprehensive Office 365 migration for 10,000+ users, driving cloud transformation across global operations and enhancing collaboration and efficiency in alignment with the company’s commitment to operational excellence and innovation

• Partnered with data science teams to deploy AI/ML-driven predictive maintenance and analytics solutions, significantly improving system reliability and supporting the company’s focus on minimizing operational disruptions

• Designed and implemented robust data-resilience and incident-response plans, ensuring continuous uptime for mission- critical systems and aligning with the company’s unwavering commitment to safety and operational reliability

• Mentored engineering teams, establishing reusable frameworks and documentation standards that optimize team efficiency and knowledge sharing, reinforcing the company’s focus on fostering innovation and enhancing performance

• Established enterprise architecture standards using TOGAF-aligned practices, ensuring system interoperability, data fidelity, and maintainability across the ecosystem.

• Worked in Agile development cycles and supported SCADA-type operational telemetry, ensuring iterative improvement and real-time operational reliability.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)

University of Memphis

TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES

Cloud & Infrastructure: Azure, Microsoft 365, Windows Server, Active Directory Data & Analytics: SQL Server, Azure SQL, NoSQL, Power BI, Snowflake, Databricks AI & Automation: Azure OpenAI, Agentic AI, RAG architecture, Power Automate Enterprise Tools: NetSuite, Sage, Salesforce, HubSpot, Monday.com, Workday Delivery & DevOps: CI/CD, Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, Agile/Lean Governance & ITSM: ITIL, KPI/SLA frameworks, ServiceNow, ITSM platforms Early Technical & Practitioner Experience 03/1998 – 01/2011 Early Career

Crye-Leike — Internet Technologies Manager / Enterprise DBA 1998–2002

• Managed core enterprise databases and early internet-based infrastructure

• Built and optimized transactional systems and reporting pipelines Memphis Managed Care — Lead DBA / Systems Analyst 2002–2004

• Designed, managed, and secured healthcare data systems

• Created SQL-driven analytics for eligibility, claims, and regulatory reporting

• Operated with HIPAA-compliant access and data governance controls Acxiom — Senior Developer 2004–2006

• Developed data-intensive applications and ETL processes

• Built APIs and custom data-handling logic

• Reinforced foundation in enterprise-scale data engineering Arkansas State Police — Enterprise DBA / Senior Project Leader 2007–2008

• Maintained mission-critical public safety data environments

• Led secure database operations for high-sensitivity law enforcement systems

• Ensured continuous availability and reliability of real-time data systems RBT Solutions — Owner & Director of Technology Operations 2006–2009

• Built and led a technology consulting & TSP/MSP operation

• Hands-on delivery: network buildouts, server deployments, data management

• Deep technical work including storage, security, and infrastructure design Cognitive Data — Technical Lead 2009–2011

• Led development and data engineering teams

• Architected data flows and analytical models

• Balanced technical execution with solution-driven delivery

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