Office 365
Kedrick Jones
Technology Management
Pine Bluff
Summary
Insightful Information Technology Manager with ten years of IT leadership experience including oversight of infrastructure, application support and security services. Dedicated to customer satisfaction with focused delivery of technical solutions. Proven leader in directing operations, maintenance and support of complex systems. Develops creative business solutions, leveraging diverse methodologies and delivering engineering solutions for leading organizations. Highly adept in request for proposal development, technology needs assessments and staff training.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
IT Manager
Area Agency On Aging - SEAT
01.2022 - Current
- Facilitated seamless transitions during system upgrades or migrations by coordinating between stakeholders and mitigating potential disruptions to business operations.
- Championed employee training initiatives focused on enhancing technical skills and promoting best practices across the organization.
- Delivered strategic guidance on technology investments by conducting thorough market research and presenting recommendations to senior leadership.
- Promoted collaboration between cross-functional teams by integrating disparate systems into unified platforms for improved communication and workflow efficiency.
- Reduced downtime by promptly addressing hardware and software issues, ensuring minimal impact on business operations.
- Led a skilled IT team in providing exceptional technical support, fostering a collaborative environment that promoted professional growth.
- Streamlined processes through the automation of routine tasks, increasing team productivity and reducing manual effort.
- Managed vendor relationships for hardware, software, and services procurement, ensuring quality products at competitive prices.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and develop targeted action plans for continuous enhancement of IT services.
- Oversaw technology budget planning and allocation to optimize resource utilization while meeting organizational objectives.
- Developed custom IT solutions to address specific business needs, driving operational improvements and cost savings.
- Oversaw IT department operations and training.
- Conferred with executives to advise and plan for short-term and long-term IT system upgrade needs.
- Coordinated IT operations activities to deliver smooth flow of daily business needs.
- Created and terminated user's accounts from start to finish in business applications.
Chief Executive Officer
SEAR Tech Services
08.2020 - Current
- Developed and executed comprehensive marketing campaigns, driving significant growth in customer base.
- Streamlined operations for improved efficiency, reducing overall costs and increasing profitability.
- Increased company revenue by implementing innovative business strategies and expanding product offerings.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.
- Oversaw divisional marketing, advertising and new product development.
IT Director
Metropolitan Housing Alliance
04.2021 - 05.2022
- Enhanced IT infrastructure by implementing strategic technology upgrades and streamlining system processes.
- Established IT policies and procedures, fostering a secure and efficient work environment for all employees.
- Championed employee training programs on new technologies, empowering staff members to adapt quickly to changes in the industry landscape.
- Managed a team of IT professionals, providing mentorship and guidance to boost productivity and ensure project success.
- Spearheaded the development and implementation of innovative software solutions, resulting in increased operational efficiency.
- Identified computer hardware and network system issues, performing troubleshooting techniques for remediation.
- Managed life cycle replacement of hardware and software.
- Wrote strategic business plans outlining need for departmental information technology resources.
- Managed the procurement process for IT hardware and software, ensuring timely delivery of necessary equipment to support ongoing projects.
- Implemented and maintained technology and software budget.
IT Network Specialist
Area Agency On Aging - SEAT
02.2017 - 04.2021
- Collaborated with IT team members to develop comprehensive strategies for network upgrades and expansions.
- Managed vendor relationships, resulting in cost-effective solutions for hardware and software purchases.
- Educated end-users on best practices for maintaining secure connections, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.
- Established robust remote access capabilities, enabling employees to work efficiently while offsite without compromising security measures in place at headquarters.
- Developed detailed documentation, providing a valuable resource for the entire IT department when addressing network-related tasks or projects.
- Assisted in budget planning process by estimating costs associated with future networking projects.
- Created inventory, report and invoicing databases.
- Incorporated feedback and recommendations from other staff members when modifying software.
- Investigated and corrected problems with printers, copiers and other peripheral devices.
- Monitored network hardware operations to evaluate proper configuration.
HIM Software Operations Specialist
Arkansas Hospice
09.2014 - 02.2017
- Served as a liaison between technical teams and key stakeholders, ensuring clear communication of project goals while managing expectations effectively.
- Collaborated with upper management to drive strategy and implement new processes.
- Troubleshot incidents reported by end-users to schedule system changes and identify permanent solutions.
- Oversaw document development across project workstreams to create internal control statements per compliance and regulatory standards.
- Established and maintained a strong working knowledge of internal systems to provide comprehensive support for end-users, identifying potential areas for enhancement.
- Trained end-users on new applications and features, facilitating a smooth transition during software rollouts.
- Provided exceptional end-user support, resolving technical issues quickly and efficiently.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and adherence to established guidelines.
- Engaged in continuous professional development opportunities to stay current on industry trends and best practices for application development.
Unit Coordinator
Jefferson Regional Medical Center
01.2008 - 02.2015
- Streamlined unit operations by implementing efficient organization systems for medical records and supplies.
- Provided exceptional support to families during the admission process, addressing concerns and providing necessary information.
- Assisted in the onboarding process for new nursing staff members, facilitating smooth integration into the team.
- Ensured timely delivery of patient care by effectively prioritizing tasks and delegating responsibilities to nursing staff.
- Coordinated seamless discharge planning processes for patients transitioning from hospital care to home or rehabilitation facilities.
- Contributed to cost-saving measures within the unit by carefully monitoring supply inventory levels and minimizing waste where possible.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
- Fostered a supportive environment for patients and their families by acting as an empathetic liaison between healthcare providers and loved ones.
Admin Asst. to the Vice President & Webmaster
Southeast Arkansas College
11.2012 - 08.2014
- Increased user engagement with eye-catching visuals and user-friendly navigation systems.
- Trained staff members on website maintenance procedures, ensuring consistent quality across all updates.
- Coordinated closely with graphic designers to ensure a cohesive visual identity across all digital assets.
- Streamlined content management processes for efficient uploading and updating of web pages.
- Resolved technical issues promptly, minimizing downtime and maintaining a seamless user experience.
- Oversaw technical issues and troubleshooting requests to resolve user problems.
- Assisted in student recruitment efforts by representing the college at open houses, fairs, and other events.
- Aided in the evaluation process of academic courses based on student feedback data; made recommendations for improvement when necessary.
- Supported event planning logistics such as room reservations, catering arrangements and promotional materials creation; contributed to successful execution of conferences and seminars.
- Served as an intermediary between faculty members and administration, resolving conflicts or concerns efficiently.
- Monitored budget expenditures for departmental activities, ensuring responsible use of resources while maximizing program offerings for students.
- Facilitated meetings among professors from different departments to encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration.
- Conducted research and compiled data for various college initiatives, aiding in informed decision-making processes.
- Compiled and analyzed data to produce reports.
- Coordinated travel arrangements for staff members.
- Purchased and maintained office supplies.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion while maintaining high-quality results.
- Edited and proofread documents for accuracy and completeness.
- Informed and supported business leaders through consistent communication and administrative support duties.
- Launched successful recruitment campaigns targeting top-tier talent, resulting in improved workforce quality.
Patient Account Specialist
UAMS Family Medical Center
06.2011 - 11.2012
- Reduced outstanding balances by diligently following up on overdue payments and negotiating payment plans.
- Supported a positive patient experience with empathetic communication during financial discussions, addressing concerns with professionalism and understanding.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies governing medical billing practices, and patient privacy by staying current on industry changes.
- Safeguarded patient confidentiality while handling sensitive financial information by adhering to strict HIPAA regulations and organizational privacy policies.
- Proactively identified potential issues in patient accounts, communicating with other departments as necessary to resolve discrepancies that could impact billing accuracy or timely reimbursements from insurance carriers.
- Researched billing errors and discrepancies to initiate corrective action.
- Expedited claim resolutions by skillfully navigating complex insurance policies, regulations, and guidelines.
- Assisted patients in understanding their financial responsibilities by explaining healthcare benefits, coverage limitations, and out-of-pocket costs clearly and concisely.
- Collaborated closely with the Medical Records Department to obtain required documentation for claim submissions or appeals promptly as requested by insurance carriers.
- Performed patient scheduling and registration functions to serve as initial contact point for medical office visits.
Administrative Assistant to the Director
University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff
02.2010 - 04.2011
- Demonstrated adaptability during peak application periods by managing heavy workloads and prioritizing tasks effectively.
- Generated detailed reports on student loan trends that informed institutional decision-making regarding future funding allocations and program offerings.
- Assisted in budget planning for the Financial Aid Office, ensuring adequate resources were allocated to support student needs.
- Assisted in preparing annual reports highlighting achievements within the Financial Aid Office for submission to senior leadership.
- Advised students on responsible borrowing strategies, helping them understand long-term implications of their choices while encouraging fiscal responsibility.
- Enhanced student engagement in financial aid programs by distributing timely updates on deadlines, application requirements, and funding opportunities.
- Guided students through financial aid processes, by completing necessary forms and updating account records.
- Counseled students and parents about financial aid options and program details.
- Led social media outreach programs, informing prospective students of available financial aid programs.
- Facilitated timely delivery of special projects to meet organizational and departmental objectives.
Education
Master of Science - Information Technology Management
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - General Studies
University of Arkansas At Fort Smith
Fort Smith, AR 05.2001 -
Associate of Science - General Technology
Southeast Arkansas College
Pine Bluff, AR 05.2001 -
Skills
Risk mitigation planning
Team Collaboration
Information confidentiality
Cybersecurity best practices
Technical Troubleshooting
Application support
Mobile Technologies
IT Procurement
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving
Decision-Making
Continuous Improvement
Operating system management
Business Analysis
Disaster Recovery
IT risk management
IT Compliance
IT Budgeting
Project Leadership
Staff hiring
Accomplishments
- 2023 NEA Certified Entrepreneur
- 2022 Arkansas Business Executive Leadership Graduate
- 2021 Arkansas Business 40 Under 40 Honoree
- 2020 New Leaders Council Alumni – Arkansas Chapter
- 2019 Young Professional of the Year Award – Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce • Given in recognition of being a Jefferson County Young Professional Network member in good standing with active involvement in the organization and community. Someone who demonstrated leadership in the business field and held a leadership role within a community, civic, church or charitable organization. • 2018 Leadership Pine Bluff Graduate – Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce • The Leadership Pine Bluff program is for individuals who want to make a difference in the community. This issues-oriented program broadens participants’ perspectives, examines community issues, expands opportunities to develop friendships from all segments of the community and strengthens leadership skills.
Software
Leadership & Volunteerism
Pine Bluff Alumni Chapter, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., - Foundation Board Member
Pine Bluff Alumni Chapter, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., - Community Engagement Chair
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Guide Right Program - Mentor & Community Service Chair
AR Kids Read – Board Member (Marketing Chair), August 2022 - Present
New Leaders Council, Arkansas Chapter – Mentorship Chair, July 2022 - Present
New Leaders Council, Arkansas Chapter – Co-Director, July 2021 – June 2022
New Leaders Council, Arkansas Chapter – Selection Chair, July 2020 – June 2021
Jefferson County Young Professionals Network – President, September 2019 - Present
Jefferson County Young Professionals Network – Secretary/Treasurer, August 2016 – September 2019
Jefferson County Young Professionals Network – Media Manager, August 2014 – December 2021
LINQ for Life – Founding Board Member, February 2015 - Present
Timeline
IT Manager
Area Agency On Aging - SEAT
01.2022 - Current
IT Director
Metropolitan Housing Alliance
04.2021 - 05.2022
Chief Executive Officer
SEAR Tech Services
08.2020 - Current
IT Network Specialist
Area Agency On Aging - SEAT
02.2017 - 04.2021
HIM Software Operations Specialist
Arkansas Hospice
09.2014 - 02.2017
Admin Asst. to the Vice President & Webmaster
Southeast Arkansas College
11.2012 - 08.2014
Patient Account Specialist
UAMS Family Medical Center
06.2011 - 11.2012
Administrative Assistant to the Director
University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff
02.2010 - 04.2011
Unit Coordinator
Jefferson Regional Medical Center
01.2008 - 02.2015
Master of Science - Information Technology Management
Western Governors University
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - General Studies
University of Arkansas At Fort Smith
05.2001 -
Associate of Science - General Technology
Southeast Arkansas College
05.2001 -