Joe Johnson

joe@sendjoeanemail.com | +1 (708) 443-3354 | Chicago, IL

SaaS & Cloud Evangelist | PE Executive | Certified M&A Forklift Operator

Work Experience

  • VP, Cloud Operations / July, 2021 – present

    As a VP, Cloud Operations at Revalize, I lead the digital transformation and optimization of cloud-based solutions for the company's customers in the manufacturing, logistics, and supply-chain sectors. With over 15 years of experience in IT operations, consulting, and project management, I have successfully delivered enterprise systems, process improvements, and strategic plans for leading organizations across various industries and markets.

  • Director, IT / November 2018 – July 2021

    Hired to manage the corporate digital transformation from three decades of wireline POTS resale to a cutting-edge UCaaS, SD-WAN, and SDN provider with a fully automated and integrated back-office platform and customer-facing systems.

  • Director, IT / January 2014 – November 2018

    Brought on to build out the first in-house IT department for ServerCentral and migrate from legacy SOC1 to new SOC2, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS compliance programs. Launched the internal help desk, IT systems team, and ITIL-based management of SCTG's information technology resources as a part of the corporate leadership team, reporting to the CEO.

  • Manager / July, 2012 – October, 2013

    Helped to combine the business operations of the legacy Information Technology Services group and the Document Management Technology group into a combined technology practice under the new Executive Director. Worked directly for the ED to help create a matrix reporting structure for field consulting teams, technology experts, and project managers worldwide.

  • Service Delivery Manager / September, 2010 – July, 2012

    Managed the final stages of the acquisition of a Midwest technology services firm into the Compushare brand, converting all customers to corporate-approved runbooks, contracts, and account management practices. Worked for the COO to operationalize the corporate vision for service delivery while increasing customer satisfaction and engagement in two regions.

  • Consultant / October, 2005 – September, 2010

    Expanded existing ERP consulting to include cloud-based delivery of Microsoft Dynamics products and infrastructure services.

Education

2022

Wharton School, People Management for Emerging Leaders

Practical training for emerging leaders on supervision, motivation, conflict resolution, and team success / Online CPE Program

2017 – 2019

Columbia College Chicago, Bachelor of Arts

Graduated Summa Cum Laude with Honors / GPA 4.0 / Major: Advanced Management / Minor: Computer Programming

1999 – 2003

Bartlett High School, High School Diploma

Granduated with Honors / GPA 4.5

Core Skills

M&A and Complex Integration

Led M&A and integration for high-tech firms, managing large, complex multinational deals. Spearheaded the migration of legacy systems to cloud-first architectures, ensuring seamless transitions, scalability, and operational efficiency. Expertise in aligning technical systems, processes, and cultures post-acquisition to drive innovation and maximize value across global teams and diverse technology stacks.

Shift-Left and Modernization

Pioneered shift-left strategies and modernization initiatives, accelerating development cycles while enhancing quality and security. Led infrastructure and application modernization efforts, transforming legacy systems into scalable, cloud-native architectures. Expertise in integrating CI/CD pipelines, automating testing, and fostering DevSecOps practices to drive efficiency, innovation, and adaptability in high-performance technology environments.

Cyber Security and Compliance

Led cybersecurity and compliance initiatives, ensuring robust protection for complex systems across high-tech firms. Implemented risk management frameworks, achieved regulatory compliance, and fortified defenses against evolving threats. Expertise in secure system design, incident response, and fostering a security-first culture to protect data, applications, and infrastructure at global scale.

Projects

As a Producer for Block 623 at the Manifest Urban Arts Festival, I managed planning, budgeting, staffing, and execution for Chicago’s top arts festival. Drawing 2,200 attendees, 9 performers, and 2 DJs, the event engaged students, alumni, and neighbors. Partnerships with the Latino Alliance and the Office of Student D&I made this the most successful year in Lot 623’s history.

For 27 years, the Suzuki-Orff School of Music (now Chciag Center for Music Education, or ChiME) has nurtured a lifelong love of music in students and families through an engaging, relaxed approach to education. The board oversees finances, delegates school management to the Executive Director, and serves as community ambassadors.

As Chairman of The Nabu Foundation, I oversaw $9.7M in donations to non-profits, schools, and research grants, advancing education nationwide. We provided free licensing to public institutions and supported underserved communities. Appointed Chairman Emeritus in 2010, I guided governance until the Foundation's closing in 2012, fostering educational access and equity.

Founded and led Action: Africa, a high school club dedicated to providing clean water, mosquito netting, and medicine to impoverished African communities. Established partnerships, organized fundraisers, and mobilized peers to raise awareness and resources. Sustained the club from freshman to senior year, demonstrating leadership, vision, and commitment to global impact.

Testimonial

Joe is funny, warm, and brilliant. I'm scared that if I elaborate, he'll get recruited elsewhere, so I'll stop while I'm ahead. - Jamie Pechak

In an IT environment where activities were more often dictated by changes in business direction than by internally driven initiatives, it was comforting to know that when I needed to provision infrastructure to achieve less visible but key internal goals Joe enabled it for me in quick-time.

When it is impossible to maintain a working day-to-day knowledge of other technology areas, it is important to be able to trust co-workers to collaborate and fill those voids. The wealth of knowledge that Joe possesses translated visibly to a sense of self confidence that I did - and would again - place my confidence in for that purpose. I always had a good sense that as long as I could communicate my software needs sufficiently well, Joe could help connect the dots into his technology area and find an appropriate solution.

In a oft-tense environment, I truly appreciated Joe's can-do attitude and relaxed manner. Joe is a grounding influence. It is with no reservations that I offer this recommendation. - Shane Cheary

Joe is a smart and detail oriented manager. He technical abilities are wide and is always knows up and coming trends. He knows how to set goals and motivate everyone to meet those goals. He can recognize when a strategy is not working and is not afraid to change course. Above all he knows how to make a team happy and work hard together. - Nick Koularmanis