ISC service(s) or programs/projects: PennFlex Phone, PennNet phone, Contact Center services, Verizon partnership, Vonage partnership, E911.
Length of time in ISC: Joined ISC and Penn in 2022
Previous work experience: IT Director, Herr Foods (Microsoft O365, Azure Cloud, communication systems, networks, security, architecture, point-of-sale technology, etc. for over 20 sites) for 26 years.
Tell us about a challenge at Penn that made you proud to be part of ISC.
Working with all ISC areas — my team, Client Care, Relationship Management, all the different areas — during a rollout in an effort to complete my first migration, in this case from PennNet Phone to PennFlex Phone. With all the constraints from COVID, it’s one of the things I’m most proud of at this point.
What’s an interesting technical or business problem you’ve faced with ISC?
With the help of my team, I secured a location at the Pennovation Center that we converted to a work area to receive product shipments and prepare devices for deployment. After we underwent some training, Transportation agreed to rent us a van to make the deliveries. We improved customer service while dramatically improving our efficiency.
What do you like best about working with clients?
Because of the size and diversity of Penn’s staff, you get many different perspectives. That gives you some really great insight — like “Hey, I never thought about it like that” — and those are good perspectives to have in a very complex environment like Penn.
What lasting effects did the pandemic have on your role and your work?
The pandemic has changed how we all work, right? A good thing about my role is being able to assist in providing Penn community members the tools to help them work from anywhere. Allowing people to communicate and collaborate effectively anywhere in the world has really benefitted most everyone. I am glad to be a part of that.
What do you appreciate most about the time you spend on campus?
Interacting with people from all walks of life! Professional staff, the custodial staff, people on the street. In my previous job we were out in the country, where we just saw the people who worked in our office. Here, you’re commingling with all kinds of people, some of whom may not have anything to do with Penn. That gives you a grand view of life in all its richness.
What are you passionate about in your free time?
My wife and I have two Old English bulldogs that we’re passionate about. We do a lot of international travel. We’re in the process of planning two weeks in Paris, Rome, Venice, and London. But ultimately, I guess, the bucket list quest is the absolute perfect beach. Currently, Eagle Beach in Turks and Caicos is the front-runner.
What would you like people at Penn to know about you?
Born and raised in Kennett Square, PA. I went to Penn State and I am a proud US Marine Corps veteran. I love the rich history of the city of Philadelphia and enjoy exploring the city. Don’t be shy, I’m friendly! Come say hello and ask me anything. I really enjoy meeting people.