Professional Experience
20+ years of technology leadership and business transformation
Zilli Hospitality Group
Full-time · 20 yrs 8 mos
Director of Technology
Mar 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 10 mos · Greater Milwaukee Area · Hybrid
Leading enterprise technology strategy, cybersecurity posture, and digital transformation efforts—translating complex systems into practical tools that empower every department.
Key Achievements:
- Built zero-trust cybersecurity culture where staff instinctively recognize and report phishing. Regular simulations 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
- Guided accounting from 100% paper workflows to integrated digital systems, reducing manual processing
- Host 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
- 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
IT Manager
Jan 2004 - May 2010 · 6 yrs 5 mos · Waukesha, WI
Established foundational IT operations, support systems, and security protocols during formative company growth.
Coast Restaurant
Part-time · 1 yr 5 mos · Milwaukee, WI
Bar Manager
Mar 2005 - Mar 2006 · 1 yr 1 mo
Promoted within six months. Oversaw all beverage operations for premier Milwaukee waterfront restaurant.
- Implemented perpetual inventory system achieving accurate weekly beverage tracking
- Created award-nominated cocktails including Lemongrass Citrus Martini (CaterSource Mixology Award)
- Launched creative happy hour program pairing craft cocktails with small-plate tapas
Houlihan's Restaurants, Inc.
Full-time · 4 yrs 1 mo · Brookfield, WI
Restaurant Manager
May 2002 - May 2003 · 1 yr 1 mo
Full-operations management role overseeing front- and back-of-house teams.
- Completed extensive Chicago management training program
- Managed vendor relationships and invoice processing through E-Tech system
Beverage Manager
May 2000 - May 2003 · 3 yrs 1 mo
Managed full bar operations, staff scheduling, and beverage cost controls.
- Developed Excel perpetual inventory system achieving lowest cost of goods in regional district for 4 consecutive years
- Designed seasonal beverage menus aligned with company brand standards
CompUSA
Full-time · 5 yrs 4 mos · Brookfield, WI
Corporate Operations Manager
Aug 1997 - Aug 1999 · 2 yrs 1 mo
Corporate-level operations supporting sales, vendor relations, and inventory for enterprise/education clients.
- Primary liaison between sales teams, warehouse, and vendor partners
- Managed Microsoft licensing and volume agreements
- Coordinated large institutional purchases for schools and universities
Assistant Front-End Manager
May 1994 - Aug 1997 · 3 yrs 4 mos
Supported front-end operations in high-volume retail technology store. Supervised staff, managed returns, handled closing procedures.