About Me

My first interaction with the world of computers was my older brother bringing home a IBM DOS machine and us playing any game we could get working. The time spent trying to modify game files in order to get them to work in conditions where they should not, quickly became a past time. As I got older, I discovered the greatness that is UNIX. Scratching my command line itch from my time living in DOS.

In high school, after volunteering constantly to work on the computers there, the technology teacher recruited me and another student to join a special class period. This time was centered around us working on the network and fixing any tech issues around the school. This eventually led to us getting paid by the school for our time spent upgrading the network and servers in my senior year.

In college, I met some Korean and Japanese students who I would assist in learning English. After college, I decided to travel to Pusan, South Korea and teach English As A Second Language as a result of my time teaching them. I also made some money on the side helping students and parents with tech issues, greatly helping me in describing solutions in the simplest English possible.

After returning to the United States, I spent my time getting back into computers and networks by pursuing certifications while acting as a substitute teacher. Upon being hired at Idaho Distance Education Academy / Gem Prep, I have continued to expand my skills and venturing into programming.

My time at I-DEA/GemPrep was incredibly helpful in allowing me to grow in the realm of technology. I assisted in the name change from Idaho Distance Education Academy to GemPrep while also expanding the school from an online charter school to a hybrid brick and mortar with an online component. During this, I helped designed and implement our networks at each of our new buildings in Meridian, Meridian North, Nampa, Pocatello, Deary, and Post Falls.

My latest role as a Systems Administrator has been instrumental in streamlining operations and ensuring the reliability of our IT systems. From managing Dell VxRail systems and upgrading network infrastructure to implementing robust security measures, I have consistently contributed to the technological advancement of our institution. This experience has not only deepened my technical expertise but also reinforced my commitment to driving innovation and efficiency in the ever-evolving landscape of IT.

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Education

Thomas Edison State University

Master's of Science - Cybersecurity• June 2024

Evergreen State College

Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts• June 2007

Certifications

A+

CompTIA• 2018

Security+

CompTIA• 2018

Network+

CompTIA• 2018

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)

ACTFL• 2009

Work

[redacted for security and privacy]

Systems Administrator• June 2023 - Present

Managed Dell VxRail systems running vSphere/vSAN, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Led the upgrade of network switches to Meraki, enhancing network connectivity and security. Administered Active Directory and implemented robust network and system security measures. Served as final-tier support, resolving complex technical issues promptly and effectively.

Cheney School District

Technology Specialist Tier III• August 2021 - June 2023

Set-up and maintenance of multiple types of computer systems including servers, switches, and security equipment. Analyzing system faults, troubleshooting, and running diagnostic tests on operating systems and hardware to detect problems across multiple schools. Initiate preventive maintenance and solve environment problems. Maintain Google Admin for the district's 5000+ Chromebooks. Manage Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager.

Idaho Distance Education Academy
Gem Prep: Online

Systems Engineer• February 2013 - August 2021

Coordinated the implementation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of network hardware and operating systems across six sites in Idaho. Analyzed network performance along with physical checks in order to maintain, upgrade, or replace hardware as needed. Maintained security systems and monitoring for all sites. Helped with vendor ordering and purchasing. This role provided tier three support to end users as necessary, while also supervising and delegating issues for on-site tech support roles.

Tech Skills

These skills are my current areas of expertise with my love of Linux and networking, my expanding experience with Windows Server, and my current focus of improving my programming skills in Python and Java.

    Linux Operating Systems

  • Ubuntu
  • Debian
  • CentOS
  • Red Hat

    • Windows Operating Systems

  • 10/11
  • Server 2012 R2
  • Server 2016
  • Server 2019
  • Server 2022

    • Apple Operating Systems

  • iOS
  • MacOS

    • Switch Operating Systems

  • Cisco IOS
  • Junos OS
  • ArubaOS-Switch

    • Google Services

  • Google Admin
  • ChromeOS

    • Programming

  • Python
  • Java
  • C

Leadership Skills

Leadership skills are important when leading a team of any size. The time I have spent at Gem Prep: Online, or even my experiences in teaching in both the United States and South Korea, have greatly strengthened my leadership abilities. This has lead me to feel comfortable leading a team of tier one techs at Gem Prep's multiple locations across the state.

  • Communication
  • Customer Service
  • Collaboration
  • Time Management
  • Work Ethic

Client Testimonials

  • lan served as my Assistant System Administrator for three years while I was a Teacher and Tech Director for the Easton School District. I found during that time that I could consistently rely on him for help whenever called upon to assist faculty members or students with a computer problem. He is an honest and caring person who gives one hundred percent at his work.

    Shaun Mueller

  • During my tenure as Principal of Easton School, Ian filled in many times for staff that was gone on any particular day. He was prompt, had good classroom management skills, and followed the teacher’s lesson plans as directed. I always found Ian to relate well to students and staff alike while also being open to suggestions.

    Ron Woodruff

  • Ian was integral in the research, testing, and implementation of our current support ticket system used by our school staff, parents, and students. With such a small technology staff, a listing of all Ian’s roles would be too long to list here, but include the management and training of our remote technicians at other school buildings to his implementation and continued support of our Chromebook deployment, policies, and filtering for students.

    Dallas Hartshorn

  • Ian worked tireless hours to design, implement, and maintain our networks under short timelines. He would find innovative solutions to problems we were wrestling with. When our network of schools decided to make the switch from Windows based devices to Chromebooks, Ian took the project on. It was a large project with a short timeline that he was able to deliver on without burdening myself as a manager to do so.

    Josh Femreite