This month’s spotlight features APM Principal Enterprise Architect, Kevin Fitzgerald! Kevin was introduced to this industry when he was hired to support systems for GE in Schenectady, NY and then moved to IT support for their Field Engineers. He also did timekeeping on a Nuclear outage and so was involved with sending in time for payroll and worked with EH Hinds, APM's regional office at that time, and APM folks in setting up the weekly time transmissions. Kevin kept in touch with their APM Systems Coordinator and was contacted when a position opened, leading him to join APM in October of 1997 where has remained for 25 years! In Kevin's role as the Principal Enterprise Architect, he provides support to APM Servers and Network, the Viewpoint application, and end users for any and all IT related issues. Outside of work, he is a father of two teens, a school PTA member, school band supporter, school Soccer Booster club member, and part time soccer coach for school summer league. We are so excited to spotlight Kevin! Read more to get to know his surprising fact, personal motto, and interesting perspectives on success and leadership.

What’s one thing that surprised you about working with APM?  

 

How long I have been with APM – I was thinking I would stay for 3-5 years, gain some new server and network knowledge, and move on.

 

What is a typical workday for you? 

 

There really is not one – it is often very varied in what I might work on or be contacted with for assistance. I like the variety – nothing gets boring, systems keep changing and evolving.

 

What energizes you at work?   

 

Helping people, solving problems/issues, and trying to ensure that our field and office people are able to concentrate on their roles without having ‘IT’ issues.

 

What do you find the most challenging in your role?  

 

Trying to correct issues as quickly as possible since many people who contact the IT team may be at a stopping point for something critical. I want to resolve those issues with as little downtime as possible.

 

What do you like most about working with APM?  

 

I like that APM has a critical role in keeping power flowing to the community. There is a lot involved with that. Being able to help keep our field people and office people working on their critical tasks to ensure that whole process runs smoothly is very satisfying.

 

How has APM helped you in your career development?  

 

There have been may ways – I have moved to a few different roles, gaining new systems expertise. I have been able to attend many classes and seminars – for server/software/network learning and also for things like Project Management and software conferences. I am able to take online learning courses as well.

 

What courses, certifications, or programs did you complete? 

 

There have been several over the years. I have an MCP from a while back. I have taken some Cisco networking courses and Unix courses. Lately I have been concentrating on courses for Microsoft SQL Server, Windows Server, and PowerShell. 

 

What is your proudest moment with APM?  

 

One moment that stands out for me is when we first moved our Viewpoint application from old servers in Pasadena to new servers in GE Datacenters. New servers had to be built for Viewpoint & Citrix that had to be tested. Citrix was a new way for users to connect to Viewpoint so that had to be understood.  Several hours of downtime had to be planned. We also needed to backup the Viewpoint database, get it to the new GE severs and restore that.

 

Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?   

 

There have been many, but especially my parents who helped teach me the value of hard work. They were very involved in unions, and they stressed putting in a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay.

 

How do you prefer to spend your days off?  

 

With family and friends – attending sporting, band, and (occasionally) dance events. I enjoy traveling, being outdoors, seeing new places, and bike riding. I also don’t mind too much getting tasks done around the house – such as yardwork.

 

How do you balance your career at APM and family?  

 

I try to plan in advance – my wife is great at looking at the calendar and letting me know where to be and when. APM is very flexible and accommodating on allowing me to be able to take time for activities, appointments, etc. I work at home 3 days a week which helps scheduling flexibility. But I have a set work area at home which helps when it’s time to end my workday.

 

What advice do you have for prospective APM candidates?  

 

Be confident, work hard, ask questions, expand your knowledge, and understand the type of work APM is involved with in the field. We all have a lot to give. APM hired you because they believe in you, and I think they welcome new perspectives and ideas.

 

What is a non-work-related accomplishment that you’re proud of?   

 

I have been able to complete a few triathlons – not the Iron Man – but the Olympic distance.

Kevin's Perspective on Success:

Having a family and being a part of an organization means that success is not just individual, it involves many others. I think success is defined by achieving the goal(s) you have set for yourself as well achieving the goals for others you are trying to help/guide/lead – your family members and people you work with.

Kevin's Surprising Fact:

I used to drive a Zamboni at the ice rink in college.

Kevin's Top Life Highlights:

Getting married, having children, seeing my children succeed in school and their activities.

Kevin's Personal Motto:

I don’t have a motto I commonly use, but I try to have a mindset where I strive be optimistic – each day can bring so many good things but you have to be conscious of that and work toward that. I have been fortunate and blessed in so many ways – thinking on that helps keep me in a really good frame of mind.

Kevin's Perspective on Leadership:

A leader inspires those to follow by demonstrating unyielding integrity, and working toward common goals where all have an understanding of what those goals are and why. A true leader wants success for their employees because it allows them to grow and that allows the organization to grow and succeed.