CHRISTOPHER OWENS

Experience

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  US Army

  Jan 2004 - Oct 2019

  Section Sergeant | Platoon Sergeant | Motor Sergeant

  As a section sergeant, platoon sergeant, and motor sergeant for the US Army with service spanning Texas, Europe, Asia, and India, I contributed to numerous army initiatives, directing 35 personnel while leading training programs for up to 200+ new employees in specific job requirements. One of my most significant accomplishments came as being selected as a critical retention officer, persuading individuals to remain in the military, an effort that increased retention by 30%. I also educated key personnel in required production methods to achieve expectations and meet quality control standards and reviewed significant processes, pinpointing areas for team member improvement to optimize efficiencies by 10%+. Also, I developed documentation and technical policies, including diagrams and specifications, to meet project requirements and regulatory standards. My efforts involved advising senior-level management on needs and strategies as well as procurement of new products and demonstrating new products, procedures, communication strategies, and techniques to employees to meet business needs in an ever-shifting environment. Other Key Contributions: ☑ Collaborating with project members to research, identify, and troubleshoot IT issues ☑ Researching resources to meet deadlines and policy compliance in a complex environment☑ Installing and configuring software/hardware using multiple systems for peers and management ☑ Evaluating data and feedback to identify issues, develop effective solutions, perform advanced troubleshooting, and maintain top-flight service.One of my proudest accomplishments includes being chosen among 500 service people for a highly select role as the Equal Opportunity Representative. Show less

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  The University of Texas at San Antonio

  Nov 2018 - Oct 2020

  Automotive Tech | IT Support

  Working in a dynamic, shifting environment, I've taken on many complex tasks at UTSA, researching, evaluating and resolving technical problems for 25+ end-users to minimize downtime and inefficiencies while testing new operating systems, yielding $312K in savings and recovering 271 hours of production loss. I've raised the bar for software installations, networking modifications, and troubleshooting—identifying and solving 25+ technical issues weekly using robust diagnostic tools. I've also assessed hardware/software systems to suggest repairs or modifications to networks to reduce lag time. One of my accomplishments includes overhauling the inventory system, automating it to align people with resources while reducing labor time by 120+ hours. Key Contributions: ☑ Configuring hardware, desktop devices, and software systems to set up workstations for 8 staff ☑ Removing and replacing malfunctioning components to correct equipment problems and extend long-term maintenance by leveraging advanced information technology troubleshooting skills ☑ Engaging end users through email, phone, website live chat, virtual help desk, and in forums ☑ Training and supporting end users on network systems, software, hardware, and use processes to optimize operations and equip users with required skills for issue identification and resolution☑ Performing tests of functionality, security, and performance of information systems, workstations and devices, working under minimal supervision while exhibiting management, flexibility, customer support, and follow-up skills Show less

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  USAA

  Oct 2020 - Jul 2021

  IT Support Specialist
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  Alterman, Inc.

  Jul 2021 - Dec 2023

  Shaping the IT operations and strategic vision for a company with 2.1K employees, I oversee major IT implementations while administering a MM$ IT budget and directing and mentoring 9-15 employees to achieve aggressive business goals. Key Contributions: ☑ Building a culture of inclusivity and performance excellence, retaining 80% of the team YOY ☑ Replacing outdated legacy equipment and systems within 8 months to lift productivity by 50% ☑ Streamlining systems and processes to save millions through system consolidations, policy changes, and implementations ☑ Implementing routine system checks on network and data security on servers in San Antonio, Austin, DFW, and New Mexico to safeguard data and usability across 1.3K+ users☑ Heading a major migration from an on-premises system to a shared cloud system in 4 months ☑ Creating IT policies and best practice guides for the entire company, impacting 2.1K employees ☑ Identifying opportunities to continually evolve software, systems, and tools ☑ Designing training programs for cross-functional teams, delivering training for 15+ regular and another 1.4K+ employees on system utilization, changes, and implementations ☑ Generating high-quality system operation reports and presenting to senior-level staff ☑ Defining and rolling out timeframes and workflows for critical IT projects including system updates, upgrades, migrations, installations, integrations, and outages ☑ Reporting regularly on the allocation of the IT budget, staying 100% in budget ☑ Establishing the IT team from the ground up, igniting a new culture to achieve peak performance ☑ Migrating the company from Zoom to Teams, retraining all staff on utilizing Teams and Windows; upgraded systems to the newest version of Windows 11, SharePoint, OneDrive, and MS Office ☑ Earning a fast-track promotion from Level II IT Support Technician in 6 months Show less

  • Information Technology Manager

    Feb 2022 - Dec 2023

  • Information Technology Technician

    Jul 2021 - Feb 2022
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  SAMMinistries

  Nov 2023 - Apr 2024

  Information Technology Manager
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  Floresville Electric Light and Power System

  Apr 2024 - now

  Director of Technology