ANDREW G. HARGREAVE, III

Shorewood, Illinois | linkedin.com/in/ahargreave
815-768-1270   | andrew@hargreave.net

Professional Summary

Highly experienced IT Director and Consultant with 35+ years leading technical infrastructure, data center operations, and security initiatives for diverse organizations. Proven ability to design, implement, and manage complex systems leveraging cutting-edge technologies while aligning technology solutions with business goals.

Experience

84.51° (Kroger’s retail data science, insights and media company) |Cincinnati, OH
Tech Director - Tech Foundations Team & Data Center Operations Manager | Feb 2012 to Mar 2025

·        Led the technical direction of the Tech Foundations Team & Data Center Operations, mentoring engineers and ensuring alignment with strategic goals.

·        Managed and optimized storage infrastructure utilizing Dell ECS (S3), PowerScale, Oracle ZFS, PureStorage FlashArray, and Synology solutions.

·        Oversaw procurement and maintenance contracts for storage appliances and server hardware from Dell and HP.

·        Directed Data Center Operations, ensuring high availability and disaster recovery capabilities.

·        Successfully integrated Market6 infrastructure following its acquisition by 84.51° in August 2016, maintaining service continuity for customers and development teams.

·        Led and successfully completed the certification process for NIST Special Publication 800-53, demonstrating expertise in security standards and compliance.

 

agh3 IT Services LLC | Shorewood, IL
Freelance Consulting | Aug 2006 to Current

·        Provided comprehensive technology consulting and support services to small & medium-sized businesses and non-profit organizations, resulting in improved operational efficiency and reduced IT costs for clients.

·        Managed server, desktop, laptop, and mobile device environments, ensuring security and optimal performance.

·        Designed and implemented secure network infrastructure, including firewalls, VPNs, and proactive monitoring systems.

·        Developed and maintained client websites, email services, and offsite data backup solutions.


AgileTek, LLC | Des Plaines, IL
Chief Security Officer / Network Technology Architect | Mar 2005 to Aug 2006

·        Architected secure network infrastructure, including firewall implementation and connection failover solutions.

·        Implemented centralized anti-virus/anti-spyware protection for workstations and servers.

·        Deployed hard disk encryption on all notebooks to protect sensitive data.

·        Established secure remote access connections (SSL/VPN) for clients.

·        Virtualized server environments using VMware ESX Server, reducing hardware costs and cooling requirements.

·        Implemented physical security measures including RFID door access and video surveillance systems.


TLC Networks, Inc. | Des Plaines, IL
Network Technology Architect / Senior Information Security Engineer | July 2002 to Mar 2005

·        Provided comprehensive IT consulting services to SMBs, acting as an outsourced IT staff member to assess technology needs and develop strategic plans.

·        Delivered proactive planning and support for critical IT areas, including internet connectivity, network administration, security analysis & implementation, and technology procurement.

·        Offered both onsite and remote technical support to users and management, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.

·        Designed, implemented, and managed secure hosting solutions encompassing web services, email platforms, and off-site data backups utilizing automated tools and redundant connections for high availability.

·        Established secure wireless networks at both client offices and residences, ensuring safe access to resources.

·        Implemented VPN hardware and software solutions to safeguard remote systems and maintain data security.


Geneer, Inc. | Des Plaines, IL
Director of Technical Infrastructure | Nov 1989 to July 2002

·        Established and built foundational technical infrastructure, encompassing networks, computer systems, servers, email platforms, and internet/intranet connectivity.

·        Maintained a proactive approach to technology advancements, ensuring Geneer's network remained at the forefront of industry best practices and operated with peak efficiency.

·        Managed and optimized network performance, continuously seeking improvements and upgrades to maintain high levels of service.

·        Facilitated client connectivity, implementing and maintaining reliable connections via internet or dedicated leased lines.

Skills

·        Storage Management: Dell ECS (S3), Dell PowerScale (Isilon), Oracle ZFS, PureStorage FlashArray, Synology

·        Virtualization: VMware ESX, MS Virtual Server, Proxmox VE

·        Operating Systems: Windows Server, Linux (RHEL/Ubuntu/Debian)

·        Business Systems: Microsoft 365/Office365, Google Workspace Administration, Atlassian Confluence/JIRA, ServiceNow

·        Networking: TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VPN, Firewalls (Commercial Grade)

·        Security: Network Security, Data Encryption, Anti-Virus/Anti-Spyware, RFID Access Control, Video Surveillance

·        Cloud Technologies: Microsoft 365, AWS

·        Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity, Enterprise Monitoring systems

·        Web Design & Hosting

·        Consulting & Client Management

·        Leadership & Team Mentoring

Education

Bachelor of Science Computer Information Systems - DeVRY Institute of Technology

 

Professional Affiliations

League of Professional Systems Administrators - www.lopsa.org