Steven Laux

Director of IT | Technology Strategist

Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area

About

Leveraging 20+ years of IT knowledge and experience to define strategies that reduce cost, create efficiencies, and increase the business value of IT while leading teams to operational excellence. Specialties: IT Management, Process Improvement, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Virtualization, Server Infrastructure, Data Visualization, Capacity Planning, Active Directory, DNS, Hyper-V, VMware, Windows Server, SharePoint, ITOM, Monitoring and Observability, SharePoint, MS Power Platform

Experience

  • MetLife (15 yrs 1 mo)
    • Director, IT Capacity and Performance
      Oct 2015 - Present · 10 yrs 9 mos

      In my current role, I orchestrate IT strategy and implementation to streamline operations in alignment with continuous improvement principles. I lead nine onshore and three offshore resources in the tactical execution of capacity management and performance optimization solutions. • Transformed the capacity and performance practice from being ticket-driven into a proactive, value-add service focused on risk reduction and optimization • Modernized reporting capabilities by driving transition from server-focused spreadsheet data to visually compelling dashboard reports encompassing server, storage, and virtualization infrastructure • Achieved $890K cost savings in performance software expenses by replacing on-premise hardware solution with competitor SaaS offering • Retired legacy tools and processes to embrace leading-edge solutions that adapt to a rapidly changing IT environment • Instituted processes that capture and estimate future capacity demand to forecast hardware growth and time purchases correctly • Stewarded seamless operations and engaged employees during organizational restructuring and COVID pandemic

    • Lead, Capacity and Performance Engineer
      Jun 2011 - Jan 2016 · 4 yrs 8 mos

      In this position, I designed the architecture for servers and applications in accordance with business needs to achieve high performance and capacity utilization goals. I leveraged analytics to assess server utilization rates, pinpoint bottlenecks, and forecast future capacity needs. • Introduced capacity management policies for VMware environment to provide stability and consistent performance across hosted applications • Standardized work intake and task tracking processes to streamline requests and eliminate effort duplication among team members • Recommended capacity optimization solution to save company $1M+ in Oracle licensing costs via server consolidation onto VMware platform • Improved customer experience, reduced delays, and eliminated large emails with process improvements

  • Fpweb.net (2 yrs 2 mos)
    • Director Of Information Technology
      Dec 2008 - Jan 2011 · 2 yrs 2 mos

      In this role, I directed all IT department operations, including service desk, engineering, and networking. In addition, I devised technical strategy and identified promising technology investments. • Reduced server hardware costs nearly 70% through introduction of server virtualization strategy and service offering redefinition • Streamlined processes and leveraged server automation to reduce project delivery time 49% - from 11.5 days to 5.7 days • Achieved 40% reduction in hardware-related downtime through process and workflow design in alignment with ITOM best practices • Delivered 50% improvement in server deployment efficiency through virtualization and server build process automation

    • System Engineering Manager
      Dec 2008 - Jul 2009 · 8 mos

      Managed a four person team responsible for designing, building, and delivering IT solutions for B2B customers. Represented company at marketing events and conferences.

  • MIS Specialist, Server Planning & Integration at Anheuser-Busch
    Jul 2004 - Dec 2008 · 4 yrs 6 mos

    Designed Active Directory, DNS and Windows Server infrastructures. Managed patching and updates for remote branches. Assisted in the development of server monitoring and alerting strategies based on business needs. Create and maintain technical documentation as well and standard operating procedure documents Provide guidance and direction to junior level system administrators and support staff and server as Tier 3 escalation point Assist in the development of Disaster Recover procedures for critical servers and participate in off-site DR testing

  • Technology Consultant at Solution Consultants, Inc.
    Jul 2004 - Dec 2008 · 4 yrs 6 mos

    Employed at Anheuser-Busch through Solution Consultants Inc.

  • Systems Engineer at MetLife
    2000 - 2004 · 4 yrs

    Provided systems engineering support for enterprise projects including server hardware solutions, desired configuration management for Windows, Linux, and AIX, clustering options, backup infrastructure, and disaster recovery strategies.