Congratulations on your recent promotion to MIS (Management Information Systems) Director!  

Do you mind sharing a bit about how you started your technology career?  Did you always have an interest in technology in high school?

I’ve always been interested in technology, but I think the opportunities and programs at ISD166 have really grown and improved since I was a student. Right out of high school I worked a lot of odd jobs like bartending, masonry, and general construction, it wasn’t until just before deciding to go to college that I knew I wanted a career in the technology field. Being interested in technology and wanting to live close to home really helped guide my decision but I would say it was coming away from Lake Superior College with two Associates in Applied Science that solidified my career path.   

How do you think the pandemic has changed the future of working remotely?

I think the jury is still out this. Certainly, the pandemic enabled remote work on a scale that we’d never seen before and I think the flexibility that comes with that is a game changer. That said, recently I’ve been hearing a lot about what is being lost in the workplace as a result of widespread or even exclusively remote work environments. Things ranging from collaborative creativity to employee job satisfaction are things I’ve heard talked about as being negatively impacted by this. My best guess is we’ll see employers seeking some balance on it with remote work serving as great tool providing flexibility when needed and if you’re lucky enough to live in a place with great broadband, like Cook County, it’s an option you’ll be able to take advantage of.    

The technology field is constantly changing.  What new things do you see on the horizon that you are excited about and might further enhance the safety and connectivity for residents and visitors to Cook County?  Where is your key area of focus for 2022?

The biggest thing I see on the horizon in terms of enhancing safety and connectivity in Cook County would have to be the $18 million in FCC funds for broadband Arrowhead Cooperative stands to receive. If that process goes well, they’ll be installing both broadband and electric utilities in places that currently have access neither on a significant scale. I can’t really say enough about the great work they have and continue to do for the community.

At the County Government level in 2022 we’ll continue to focus hosted solutions, infrastructure excellence, collocation of wireless services, and the development GIS/Mapping Applications.

In 2019, you were awarded the Outstanding Leadership award at the Public Safety Communication Conference in St. Cloud for your significant role in supporting and advancing emergency communications networks and operations in Cook County.   Tell us a little bit about how that evolved over the years and what these enhancements mean to Cook County.  

When it comes to the advancement of emergency communication networks, I would say Minnesota as a whole has made really amazing strides in the last ten to fifteen years and Cook County has certainly benefited from and been a part of that. From when I first started working for Cook County in 2012 the one that stands out the most for me and is most related to the award you mentioned would be transitioning from a localized conventional public safety radio system to the Statewide ARMER public safety communications system. From the amount infrastructure installed in Cook County as result of the build out, not just towers but the miles and miles of power and fiber, to the improvements in terms of capability, reliability, and support of the system, I’d be hard-pressed to name a more significant advancement to an emergency communications network in Cook County. We have seen huge improvements in several other areas as well though. Securing redundant paths for 911 traffic up the shore to minimize the frequency and duration of countywide 911 outages. Advancements in our use of the integrated public alert and warring system through CodeRED. The expansion of wireless networks like FirstNet that facilitate the use of programs and applications like the computer aided dispatch used by our Sheriff’s Office or the IamResponding app used by our Volunteer Fire Departments and First Responders. I would say all of these represent significant improvements to emergency communications is Cook County. With all that said though I would be remiss if I didn’t say that all the advancements in technology are worth very little without the dedicated people in public safety who do the job.  

How many staff are on your MIS team and what are their roles?

The MIS Department is made up of five positions including mine as director and separated into three divisions, IT, GIS, and Radio Communications. 

We have two positions under IT, a Systems Administrator responsible for network, security, server, and database administration and an IT Analyst responsible for end user support, facilities services, email and directory services administration, and administration of our web-based communication and business platforms.

For GIS (Geographic Information Systems) we have a GIS Analyst who is responsible for the planning, organization, development, and implantation of all county GIS/mapping technology needs. This includes GIS data and application management and integration, custom map and application development, end user training, and parcel maintenance amongst other duties.

In the Radio Communications Division, we a Radio Communications Analyst who is responsible for operational support and management of county owned communications infrastructure and systems as well as local system administration of the ARMER statewide public safety communications system. 

What do you do to relax when you are not at work?  Family?  Hobbies?

Spending time with family and friends in the best way to for me to relax away from work. I also enjoy and get a lot of relaxation from just about any outdoor physical activity – hunting and fishing to hiking, biking, and skiing are all high on the list.

What is your favorite part about living and working in Cook County?

Both my wife and I are from Cook County and being close to family and friends has always been important to both of us, even more so now with our three kids. We’re very lucky to be able to live in an area that we’ve always known as “home” and offers so much. There’s a lot I could say on this, but I’d have to say the closeness to family and friends is my favorite part.     

In 2019, you were a guest speaker at Boreal Community Media’s technology camp for youth.  You shared a bit about your career.  What words of wisdom do you have for anyone (youth or adult) considering a career in IT?

Stay curious and always keep learning. Technology is an ever-changing field and investing in yourself by learning new skills is a sure way to stay relevant and advance your career in it.