Nicholas Ratcliffe

IT Leader | Technology Strategy, Cybersecurity (CISSP, SSCP) | Multi-Cloud Transformation | Aligning IT with Organizational Strategy

Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States

About

Technology leader with experience guiding enterprise IT strategy, cybersecurity programs, and digital transformation initiatives. Currently serving as Director of IT at Civic News Company, where I report to the COO and serve on the Leadership Council, shaping company-wide technology and security priorities. I bring a strong record of aligning IT with business goals, optimizing multimillion-dollar budgets, and managing multi-cloud environments (Azure, AWS, GCP). My expertise includes cybersecurity governance (CISSP, SSCP), vendor risk management, and building high-performing IT teams that support fully remote operations. Throughout my career, I’ve partnered with C-suite leaders and cross-functional teams to implement enterprise systems, modernize infrastructure, and deliver secure, scalable solutions that improve efficiency and resilience. Passionate about using technology as a business enabler, I focus on solutions that reduce risk, drive innovation, and support long-term organizational success.

Experience

  • Director, Information Technology & Security at Civic News Company
    Apr 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 3 mos

    • Report directly to the COO and serve on the Leadership Council, shaping enterprise IT and security strategy. • Led enterprise IT strategy and operations in direct alignment with organizational objectives and C-suite priorities. • Managed and optimized a $1M+ IT budget, reducing vendor spend by 20% while improving service delivery. • Partnered with leaders across Finance, HR, and Editorial to guide digital transformation, including rollout of a new CMS. • Negotiated contracts for enterprise platforms (Jira, Google Workspace, Zoom, Arc XP, Azure, Cloudflare). • Strengthened cybersecurity posture with vendor risk reviews, training programs, and continuous monitoring. • Implemented an enterprise ITSM process, increasing cross-functional efficiency and satisfaction. • Designed and implemented IAM policies and systems to secure our technology environment. • Oversaw multi-cloud strategy (Azure, AWS, GCP), enabling scalability, redundancy, and cost optimization. • Directed endpoint and remote infrastructure management for a 100% remote workforce.

  • IT System Engineer at Wesley House Family Services
    Apr 2015 - Apr 2022 · 7 yrs 1 mo

    • Managed IT operations and security for eight locations throughout the Florida Keys. • Directed HRIS system migration, from discovery through implementation. • Spearheaded migration to Microsoft Azure and Office 365, reducing overhead and improving efficiency. • Developed and enforced disaster recovery and cybersecurity policies. • Negotiated technology purchasing contracts, reducing annual IT spend.

  • Information Technology Network Administrator at Jackson County Public Schools
    Dec 2019 - Sep 2020 · 10 mos

    Managed server infrastructure and networks. • Implemented security protocols and provided training. • Developed and implemented IT security policies. • Established a security awareness program for 600+ employees. • Supported the rapid shift to remote learning and instruction during COVID-19.

  • Sr. Technical Advisor at Apple
    Mar 2014 - May 2015 · 1 yr 3 mos

    In my role as Sr. Technical Advisor at Apple, I delivered exceptional technical support, surpassing company metrics. I trained and coached junior team members to enhance their skills in issue analysis and solution implementation.

  • IT Manager at Aeroflow Healthcare
    Sep 2012 - Dec 2013 · 1 yr 4 mos