Work
Twenty years of technology leadership across cooperative retail, hospitality, and enterprise IT. Currently leading IT modernization at Outpost Natural Foods Cooperative.
Currently Leading
Outpost Natural Foods Cooperative
IT Director · Full-time · since Jan 2026
Leading enterprise IT modernization across infrastructure, retail systems, cybersecurity, and AI adoption for a multi-site mission-driven retail cooperative. Reports to the CEO. Stewarding a phased 4-year roadmap with discipline about what to build, what to vendor, and what to leave alone.
Headline initiative: 4-Year IT Modernization Roadmap
Built and stewarding a phased multi-year roadmap designed around a deliberate sequencing model — Stabilize before Harden, Harden before Adopt, Adopt before Modernize — to avoid the common mistake of treating all four as parallel work streams.
- •Stabilize: Server replacement, AD cleanup, backup audit (DATTO), MFA expansion, addressing aging infrastructure and EOL equipment
- •Harden: Security gap closure, conditional access, vulnerability management, vendor security review, PCI-DSS readiness
- •Adopt: Microsoft 365 collaboration adoption (Teams, Planner, Copilot), AI workflow integration with director buy-in
- •Modernize: Aruba wireless refresh and Aruba Central migration, POS refresh, surveillance upgrades, retail technology modernization
Key work in the first year
- Managing ~$185K CapEx planning across server replacement, POS refresh, wireless modernization, and surveillance for a multi-site retail environment
- Established operational rhythms — weekly team huddles, bi-weekly CEO check-ins, structured vendor engagement (HBS, ECRS, SonicWall, Aruba)
- Conducted store visits across all four locations; partnered with department leaders to redirect legacy IT-performed tasks back to appropriate departments with documented SOPs
- Building familiarity with cooperative capital planning cycle including board-facing technology presentations
Twenty-One Years at Zilli Hospitality Group
Zilli Hospitality Group
Full-time · 20 yrs 9 mos · 2005 - 2026
A long-tenure case study about what changes when you stay long enough to see your decisions land. (Detailed write-up coming.)
Director of Technology
Mar 2022 - Jan 2026 · 3 yrs 11 mos · Greater Milwaukee Area · Hybrid
Led enterprise technology strategy, cybersecurity posture, and digital transformation efforts—translating complex systems into practical tools that empower every department.
- Built zero-trust cybersecurity culture where staff instinctively recognized and reported phishing. Cofense simulation program with 12 named simulations across 73 staff turned security from policy into habit
- Re-engineered incident-response protocols into living documents with tabletop role-play and executive debriefs
- Led company-wide Microsoft 365 Copilot and Power Automate rollout, helping departments design digital assistants — measured rigorously using Microsoft's Viva Insights survey methodology
- Guided accounting from 100% paper workflows to integrated digital systems, reducing manual processing
- Hosted recurring cross-department sessions aligning technology, operations, and finance
IT & Marketing Director
Mar 2015 - Mar 2022 · 7 yrs 1 mo · Waukesha, WI · Hybrid
Bridged marketing, technology, and operations to modernize how Zilli connects with customers and manages data.
- Oversaw company-wide network, cloud, and security system upgrades
- Unified sales, operations, and finance data through ERP & CRM integration (Empower/Elecate)
- Implemented MFA, encryption standards, and recurring phishing simulations — laying the foundation for today's zero-trust mindset
- Transitioned from traditional to digital marketing, doubling qualified leads while reducing cost per acquisition
- Introduced EOS/Traction meeting structure for accountability and strategic rhythm
Director of IT
May 2010 - Jul 2015 · 5 yrs 3 mos · Waukesha, WI · Hybrid
Built technology infrastructure and governance model during rapid growth period.
- Standardized hardware, networking, and backup systems across all venues
- Introduced access controls, firewalls, and early compliance procedures
- Negotiated contracts and lifecycle planning for enterprise systems
- Developed internal support processes and mentored emerging team members
Marketing Manager
May 2005 - May 2010 · 5 yrs 1 mo · Waukesha, WI
The role that started everything at Zilli. Marketing on the surface, digital infrastructure underneath — the work that earned the formal IT promotion five years later.
- Steered Google AdWords optimizations, reducing acquisition costs and improving lead quality
- Launched the first OpenTable service in Milwaukee, enhancing table management and marketing outreach
- Led a website redesign focused on user experience, resulting in a 30% uptick in web traffic
- Created a customer loyalty program that lifted repeat business by 20% in its inaugural year
- Built strategic local partnerships, expanding brand reach and visibility
- Boosted holiday sales through creative incentive programs
Earlier Career
Coast Restaurant
Bar Manager · Mar 2005 - Mar 2006 · Bartender · Nov 2004 - Apr 2005
Promoted from bartender to bar manager in six months at Milwaukee's premier waterfront restaurant. Created award-nominated cocktails (CaterSource Mixology Award nomination) and implemented inventory systems adapted from earlier restaurant work.
Tula's Restaurant
Restaurant Manager · Jan 2003 - Dec 2004 · Bartender · May 2003 - Dec 2003
Advanced from bartender to restaurant management. Oversaw nightly operations, staff accountability, and financial reconciliation for a full-service restaurant with bar and patio dining.
Houlihan's Restaurants, Inc.
Restaurant Manager / Beverage Manager / Bartender · 1999 - 2003 · 4 yrs 1 mo
Multi-role progression from bartender to beverage manager to restaurant manager. Developed an Excel perpetual inventory system that achieved the lowest beverage cost of goods in the regional district for four consecutive years. Completed extensive Chicago management training.
CompUSA
Corporate Operations Manager / Asst. Front-End Manager · 1994 - 1999 · 5 yrs 4 mos
From front-end retail operations to corporate-level operations supporting sales, vendor relations, and inventory for enterprise and education clients. Managed Microsoft licensing and volume agreements; coordinated large institutional purchases for schools and universities.
The Through-line
Across hospitality, retail technology, marketing, and enterprise IT — the work has consistently been about translating strategy into execution, in the messy middle, where systems meet the people who actually have to use them.
Each project represents not just technology implementation, but organizational transformation — where systems are designed to be adopted, trusted, and sustained by the people who use them every day.