Summary
With over two decades of experience spanning infrastructure, application development, and enterprise architecture, I bring a systems-level mindset to modern software challenges. My specialty is designing scalable, maintainable, and secure platforms that serve business goals — whether that’s a customer portal, a CRM, or a company-wide integration layer.
I’ve led projects from startup-scale websites to enterprise CRM migrations, and I thrive at the intersection of technical precision and business clarity. As a remote contributor since 2020, I collaborate fluidly across time zones and partner with vendors, in-house teams, and stakeholders to deliver architecture that lasts.
I specialize in event-based design, serverless infrastructure, and API-first systems — and I enjoy working through the technical and human factors that make systems succeed.
Technical Strengths
- Architecture: Event-Based Systems, Serverless Infrastructure, Solution & Enterprise Design
- Cloud Platforms: AWS (Lambda, SNS/SQS, ECS, CloudFront, API Gateway), Dynamics 365, WordPress VIP
- Dev Languages & Tools: Node.js, Angular, PHP, SQL, Git
- Patterns: API Design, Messaging Systems, Systems Integration, CI/CD Pipelines
- Collaboration: Cross-Functional Leadership, Remote Team Management, Stakeholder Engagement
Work History
Solution Architect (10/2017 - Present) @ Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield
At Wellmark, I’ve led the design and implementation of enterprise systems across multiple business units, including Sales and Customer Service. These systems were built primarily on Microsoft Dynamics 365 and extended with custom development and near real-time AWS-based data integrations.
My architecture work has focused on enabling flexibility and performance at scale: I introduced message-based integration using AWS SNS/SQS, which eliminated legacy batch jobs and unlocked asynchronous, fault-tolerant communication. I guided our internal developers and consulting partners (Accenture, Cognizant) through complex implementations while ensuring architectural integrity. In parallel, I drove the full rebuild of Wellmark’s customer portal (MyWellmark), re- architecting it into a modern, cloud-based application with an Angular front end, Node APIs, and AWS infrastructure (Lambda, API Gateway, ECS, DynamoDB, RDS). I’m also deeply involved in architecture governance, reusable pattern documentation, and mentorship across the engineering org.
Lead Application Developer (1/2016 - 6/2017) @ Voce Platforms
At Voce Platforms, I led web development for digital campaigns by brands like Disney Parks, Madison Square Garden, and Xbox. I architected high-performance WordPress VIP websites tailored for large traffic volumes and interactive design requirements. I also worked directly on technical responses to RFPs and helped scope new engagements, functioning as both lead developer and technical strategist.
Lead Developer (5/2010 - 1/2016) @ Mittera
Mittera was where I wore many hats. I built custom CMS platforms, mobile apps, campaign tools, and media experiences for clients like SNHU, Scheels, and the Jeb! 2016 campaign. I architected and deployed projects using PHP, WordPress, custom APIs, and mobile frameworks. I also coached developers, led client discovery sessions, and integrated social APIs (Facebook, Twitter, Parse) to create user-driven, interactive platforms.
IT Director (7/2002 - 4/2010) @ J.W. Hutton, St. Charles, IA (purchased by United Healthcare)
As the sole IT lead, I managed infrastructure, purchasing, application development, and database administration for a 50-person insurance services company. I introduced workflow automation, overhauled reporting systems and work intake systems, and migrated legacy Excel and Access systems to more efficient web applications with MSSQL backends — cutting processing times by 90% in key areas.
Projects Highlights
July 2022 - December 2024 - Frontier Sales CRM
Designed and led the full implementation of a Sales CRM built on Dynamics 365.
Worked with internal and external teams to define data models, customize workflows, and integrate with enterprise systems. Ensured performance, reusability, and maintainability of architecture.
January 2022 - December 2022 - Enterprise Message Based Integration Pattern Design
Established and documented a new org-wide message-based integration pattern using AWS SNS/SQS. Replaced brittle batch processes with scalable, asynchronous pipelines. The pattern was adopted across multiple teams.
March 2019 - December 2020 - Frontier Customer Service CRM
Collaborated with Accenture and Cognizant to implement Dynamics 365 Customer Service functionality, embedded custom data viewers, and built AWS pipelines for data sync and analytics. Resulted in faster issue resolution and stronger data visibility.
February 2018 - February 2019 - MyWellmark Portal Migration
Rebuilt a legacy .NET member portal using Angular, Node.js APIs, and AWS services (Lambda, API Gateway, ECS, DynamoDB). The modernized architecture improved reliability, security, and user experience.
June 2014 - Feb 2016 - Jeb!2016 Presidential Campaign Site
Joined the digital team to overhaul the campaign site. Integrated a donation API, built a WooCommerce store, and enabled real-time reporting to meet compliance requirements. Served as technical lead working alongside the campaign’s digital staff.
March 2013 - May 2013 - Principal Charity Classic - Mobile Application
Built a CMS and XML API to serve both iOS and Android apps. Implemented a check-in system and Facebook API integration. Developed delta-feed logic for app refresh efficiency.
March 2012 - September 2012 - ScheelsSocial - Fish Tales
Architected a WordPress + iPad app integration for in-store photo sharing. Created custom post types, image hosting, social sharing, and slideshow functionality.
Education & Certifications
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (2018–2021)
- B.S., Computer Information Systems – Simpson College (1999)