Josh SiddonInformation Technology Leader

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Years of Experience
25 years
Industries:
Retail, Distribution, Manufacturing, Public Sector, Multi-Family Home
PHONE NO
662.902.2458
EMAIL ADDRESS
[email protected]

About Me

As a tenured technology leader, I bring a wealth of experience as a strategic business collaborator and visionary leader. My proven record demonstrates a history of driving corporate expansion and profit enhancement by leveraging digital technologies, data analytics, and information technology. I have consistently led transformative initiatives, fostering the development of resilient organizations and cutting-edge services. My expertise extends to revitalizing underperforming businesses and IT departments, elevating them to premier business partners and enablers.

I attribute my success to my ability to engage and empower individuals, adopt a service-centric approach, act as a catalyst for change, prioritize outcomes, and cultivate robust networks of stakeholders.

When you were made a leader you weren’t given a crown, you were given the responsibility to bring out the best in others.

- Jack Welch -

Services

Specialties

Project Management:

EDI Management and Implementation

Process Automation

Azure Cloud Migration

Systems Design / Migration

Enterprise wide Implementations

E-Commerce

Value Added Leadership

Cross Functional Leadership

Team Building and Mentoring

Client Relations and Presentations

Business and IT Planning

Vendor Management

Information Security

Network and Systems Security

PCI & HIPPA Compliance

SOC 2, HITRUST, NIST

Data Integrity / Disaster Recovery

Policy Planning / Implementation

Information Security Program

Statistics

25years of experience
100million in career savings
200size of teams lead
2000servers migrated to the cloud

Resume

/My Career

Experience
2023 - Present

Chief Network Architect

Mid-America Apartment Communities

As Chief Network Architect, I worked closely with executive management to drive the organization’s long-term digital transformation strategy. I led the transition to Microsoft Azure as our IaaS solution and coordinated with the operations team and vendors to design and implement a company-wide Managed Wi-Fi solution, replacing legacy ancillary services across our portfolio. Additionally, I partnered with the Infrastructure Team to standardize the Meraki stack across all properties. I was responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining network architecture for over 300 multi-family properties, ensuring optimal connectivity, security, and scalability. I developed technology strategies aligned with business objectives to support our digital transformation efforts. I oversaw network infrastructure projects, ensuring timely, cost-effective delivery while meeting industry standards. In collaboration with the cybersecurity team, I helped implement security measures to protect sensitive data and ensure regulatory compliance. I managed vendor relationships for network procurement, installation, and support. Additionally, I monitored network performance, analyzed data, and implemented solutions to improve efficiency and reliability. I maintained comprehensive documentation of network architecture and configurations, ensuring transparency and accuracy while supporting cross-functional teams with technical expertise.

Vice President of Information Technology

Fogelman Management Group

As Vice President of Information Technology at Fogelman Property Group, I led the development and execution of the company’s IT strategy, aligning it with corporate and property operations. My focus was on delivering efficient IT project management and support services while maintaining high standards of security and compliance. I was responsible for creating an IT business plan, overseeing the training, support, and maintenance of IT and software infrastructure, and managing key initiatives, including:

  • Leading the Microsoft O365/Azure migration
  • Overseeing SharePoint implementation
  • Ensuring security protocols across information systems
  • Managing IT infrastructure, including networks, cloud services, and security measures
  • Conducting infrastructure performance analysis to evaluate costs, productivity, and upgrade needs
  • Establishing SLAs and KPIs to monitor system uptime and operations
These efforts supported the organization's strategic objectives, ensuring a robust IT infrastructure that maintained operational efficiency, security, and compliance across all levels.

2022 - 2023
2019 - 2022

Vice President of Information Technology

Old Time Pottery

I was appointed to lead a comprehensive transformation and modernization of the company’s IT systems and processes, managing all IT operations while integrating technology into business workflows and improving stakeholder engagement. Key achievements included extending the lifespan of our legacy ERP system by 6-7 years through strategic optimization, improving EDI onboarding from 27% to 98%, and reducing costs by $250,000. We also implemented change management, project management, and a ticketing system to enhance operational efficiency and established an IT Steering Committee to strengthen our role in business project management and budgeting. Collaborating with Marketing, we transformed a static website into a profitable e-commerce platform with curbside service and drop shipping. We also implemented a modern Data Warehouse and Business Analytics platform, replacing outdated reporting across all business units. Our partnership with Supply Chain and Distribution modernized and automated inbound and outbound processes, yielding over $250,000 in annual savings. Additionally, I worked with the Merchandising and Buying team to automate daily processes, boosting productivity and increasing margin and EBITA by over 30%. These initiatives significantly advanced the technological and operational capabilities at Old Time Pottery.

Senior Vice President of Information Technology (CIO)

Fred's Inc.

As Senior Vice President of Information Technology (CIO), I reported directly to the CEO and the Board of Directors on Information Security matters, leading a team of five direct reports and over 85 employees across the southeastern U.S., with an offshore team of 50+ members. I managed an annual budget exceeding $21 million. My role began with a comprehensive assessment of the enterprise IT infrastructure, followed by the creation of a transformative roadmap. This strategy, grounded in a bottom-up approach, reshaped IT’s role within the organization, fostering a new IT culture—referred to as "IT 2.0"—and positioning IT as a proactive business partner. I led the transformation of IT delivery, consistently improving service quality and demonstrating IT's ROI through tangible business outcomes. I oversaw key functions, including application development (onshore and offshore), management of three data centers, support for two large distribution centers, infrastructure, database administration, application support, network engineering, telephony, desktop support, pharmacy support, and security operations. This broad oversight ensured IT alignment with organizational goals and drove operational excellence.

2017 - 2019
2015 - 2017

Chief Information Security Officer

Fred's Inc.

As Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), reporting directly to the CIO, I worked closely with leadership teams across functions, divisions, and locations to lead and implement a comprehensive Corporate Information Security program. Our primary objective was to address and remediate a critical credit card data breach while ensuring the ongoing protection of the company’s information assets across all business units. My responsibilities included establishing and maintaining an organization-wide information risk management program, along with the creation of a robust framework to manage and mitigate security threats. I took a proactive role in identifying, assessing, and protecting against global information security risks, all while ensuring strict adherence to compliance and regulatory standards, including GDPR, PCI DSS, and other industry-specific mandates. I played a key role in building the organizational structure necessary for managing information security across the enterprise, including defining roles, responsibilities, and workflows that ensured effective risk mitigation and governance. My team and I worked diligently to strengthen the company's security posture by implementing advanced security protocols, conducting risk assessments, and continuously monitoring systems for vulnerabilities. In addition to risk mitigation, I was responsible for reporting on the security posture to the Board of Directors and senior management, providing transparent updates on progress, incidents, and ongoing risks. The strategic approach I led was designed to not only meet compliance standards but also to embed security best practices into the company’s culture, thereby safeguarding sensitive information and reinforcing trust with customers, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.

Executive Director of Information Technology – Interim CIO

Shelby County Schools

As Executive Director of Information Technology, I reported directly to the Superintendent and oversaw a team of over 150 professionals across 181 sites, serving 115,000 users within the district. My role included managing a $35 million budget and leading the development, design, and integration of software systems. A key accomplishment was the creation and successful implementation of the district's Education Technology Plan, which guided district-wide initiatives, including communication networks, hardware/software standards, training, instructional technology, and administrative systems. The plan also addressed human resources, technical support, funding strategies, and resource allocation. I played a critical role in procurement, integration, coordination, and support for technology initiatives across the district, focusing on enhancing the infrastructure to meet both educational and administrative needs.

2014 - 2015
2012 - 2014

Director of Information Technology

Hollywood Casino

As the head of the IT department, I reported directly to the Vice President of Finance and held full accountability for the department's day-to-day operations. My role encompassed the establishment, implementation, and management of departmental policies and procedures. In this capacity, I oversaw the comprehensive IT environment, including the data center, computer hardware and software, networks, computer peripherals, telephone hardware and software, application systems, IT security, and other essential hardware and appliances vital for our IT operations. A significant part of my responsibilities involved forward-thinking systems and component implementation to ensure our investments remained at the forefront of technological advancements. Furthermore, I successfully led a team and budget realignment effort, resulting in a marked improvement in the performance and skills of our legacy IT professionals. The outcome of this initiative was particularly rewarding, with one of our IT team members being recognized as the Employee of the Year for two consecutive years.

Director of Information Technology

Ameristar Casino Resort & Spa

In my role as the Director of Information Technology within the casino's organizational structure, I reported directly to the Chief Information Officer (CIO). My responsibilities encompassed the strategic planning, coordination, direction, and design of operational activities within the IT department. Additionally, I provided valuable guidance and support for implementing IT solutions that heightened the critical functions of our casino business. I collaborated extensively with the management team and key decision-makers in various departments to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and maintain cost-effective technology solutions that spanned every facet of our organization. Overseeing a dedicated team of 20 IT professionals, I managed an annual budget of $8 million. My principal aim was to lead the strategic and operational planning for IT, aligning it with the broader business objectives of the casino. This encompassed nurturing a culture of innovation, prioritizing IT initiatives, and effectively coordinating the assessment, deployment, and administration of both existing and future IT systems throughout our casino property.

2010 - 2012
Education
2021

B.S. Management

Colorado Technical University

Suma Cum Laude

End

testimonials

In my 18 plus years of working with Josh Siddon in various capacities, he has demonstrated strong leadership and social skills balanced with a curious, intellectual mind. His decision making skills are thoughtful and logical, and are further reinforced by tremendous team building skills. Most of all, his ability to communicate difficult concepts in a simplified manner speaks to his overall capacity for leading disparate individuals within a team.
JD. Hill, Penn National Gaming
Josh is a very talented IT leader. In addition, he has the ability to see beyond the systems issues to understand the customer and user perspectives. He is one of the rare IT professionals who has the potential to lead outside of IT. If I was building a new team, Josh would be an early round draft pick.
Greg Hinton, PMI Resource LLC.

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