Crews News | November 2024
November 1, 2024 | Russell Crews, President & CEO
by Russell Crews, President and Chief Executive Officer
At CC Young, we understand that providing a seamless experience for our residents and staff goes beyond just offering high-quality care and services. In today’s world, technology plays a vital role in keeping our community connected, informed, and supported. Whether it’s troubleshooting a computer issue, managing phone systems, or ensuring that our network is secure, the efforts of our Information Technology (IT) Team are essential to making our campus run smoothly.
The CC Young IT Team is our first line of support when it comes to handling technical needs—big and small. From resolving issues with phones, computers, and printers to addressing any other technology-related requests, this team works diligently to keep everything running efficiently. Stacy Hitt and I oversee the IT program from a strategic and operational standpoint. Today, I’m thrilled to spotlight the members of this hardworking department and the contributions they make to our community.
Leading this talented team is Ernest Perez, our Director of Information Technology, who joined CC Young in May 2024. Ernest comes to us with 21 years of distinguished service in the United States Air Force, where he specialized in IT operations, cybersecurity, and project management. His most recent role was as Cyber Operations Manager, where he safeguarded critical systems and data for the Department of Defense.
Not only do we thank him for his years of service to our country, but we are also excited to welcome him to the CC Young family. Ernest brings with him an impressive skill set that ensures we stay on top of emerging technologies, security threats, and operational needs.
Supporting Ernest in delivering exceptional IT services are Jerome Irikefe and Brandon Peoples, two professionals who are integral to the smooth functioning of technology across our campus.
Jerome Irikefe has been with CC Young since 2020. He originally started in Maintenance and officially transitioned to IT in February 2023. Jerome brings a unique global perspective to the team, as he hails from Nigeria, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Communication Technology from the National Open University in 2012. He also completed a Google IT certification in 2021, which enhances his technical capabilities. His journey from Maintenance to IT shows his dedication and adaptability, both of which are critical in the ever-changing tech landscape.
Brandon Peoples, who joined the IT team at the same time as Jerome, is another valued member of our tech department. Brandon has a deep background in network troubleshooting, hardware/software management, and system analysis. His ability to resolve complex IT issues, manage help desk systems, and lead multi-departmental projects has made him a crucial part of our team. Known for providing exceptional customer service and developing efficient IT policies, Brandon ensures that both residents and staff receive prompt and professional support.
Together, this talented trio handles an average of 310 service tickets per month, totaling approximately 3,600 tickets annually! This volume of requests underscores just how critical their role is in supporting the daily operations at CC Young. They are constantly troubleshooting and finding solutions to ensure that everyone on campus can stay connected and productive.
In addition to our internal IT team, we partner with GDT and Vertikal6, two trusted external vendors who provide additional network support. These partnerships were especially vital when we experienced a serious cyberattack in April 2023. Both GDT and Vertikal6 were instrumental in restoring and fortifying our systems, and they continue to help us stay on top of new developments in cybersecurity and network management.
The field of technology is always evolving, and with that comes new challenges and opportunities. The dedication, expertise, and forward-thinking of our IT team ensure that CC Young remains well-prepared to meet these changes head-on. From protecting our systems against cyber threats to helping residents and staff navigate their daily tech needs, we are incredibly fortunate to have such a capable and committed team.
In closing, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Ernest Perez, Jerome Irikefe, Brandon Peoples, and our vendor partners for the exceptional work they do every day. Together, they are the backbone of our technology infrastructure, ensuring that we not only maintain but continually improve the systems that keep CC Young operating smoothly.
Thank you for all that you do!
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