Omar Burton
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Summary
Systems Administrator and IT leader with extensive experience supporting enterprise infrastructure, cybersecurity, SaaS platforms, and data protection in compliance-driven environments. Proven ability to lead complex projects, manage vendors, strengthen security posture, and deliver reliable, scalable systems while bringing a human-centered approach to IT operations.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Advancement Technology
Pomona College
Claremont, CA
05.2022 - 12.2025
- Lead strategy, governance, and operations for Advancement Technology systems.
- Direct integrations with Salesforce (Ascend), OnBase, and VanillaSoft with institutional systems.
- Manage large-scale digital transformation of physical records, including Iron Mountain scanning and metadata ingestion.
- Oversee Salesforce administration, security, automation, QA, and cross-system integrations.
- Manage Gearset DevOps pipelines, deployment workflows, and rollback processes.
- Supervise Azure Data Factory pipelines powering Advancement ETL and integrations.
- Administer OwnBackup for daily backups, sandbox seeding, and DR testing.
- Manage SharePoint structure, permissions, and document governance.
- Develop SOPs, documentation, workflows, system roadmaps, and cross-functional trainings.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to align advancement initiatives with institutional goals and priorities.
- Implemented data-driven approaches using CRM systems for tracking donor interactions and improving outreach efforts.
- Oversaw the successful execution of fundraising events such as galas and auctions, generating significant revenue while raising the organization''s profile within the community.
- Worked with users to determine areas of technology in need of improved usability.
- Established effective communication channels between IT support staff and end-users, leading to improved issue resolution times overall.
- Enhanced system performance by optimizing server configurations and implementing regular updates.
- Improved security measures by conducting vulnerability assessments and applying necessary patches.
System Administrator II
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
11.2017 - 04.2022
- Managed Exchange servers for on-prem and Microsoft365, ensuring smooth operation and timely updates.
- Oversaw security updates and vulnerabilities for Exchange servers, enhancing system security.
- Developed and maintained disaster recovery plans to ensure business continuity in case of emergencies.
- Conducted diagnostics, maintenance, and IT asset tracking to optimize system performance.
- Provided technical support through ServiceNow, resolving user issues efficiently.
- Updated and managed Laserfiche repositories and workflows, improving document management processes.
- Developed the automated process for document ingestions to reduce physical scanning.
- Administered user accounts and permissions in Active Directory to maintain secure access controls.
- Developed documentation for system configurations and procedures, enhancing team knowledge sharing.
- Provisioned new software and hardware for use, following established security policies.
- Managed user access rights to maintain a high level of information security while ensuring appropriate levels of accessibility for authorized personnel.
- Supported the implementation of new technologies by providing technical expertise and training to colleagues as needed.
Help Desk Analyst III
University of Southern
CA
02.2011 - 11.2017
- Managed and performed routine maintenance on SQL servers and VMware.
- Implemented and optimized IT documentation processes.
- Identified and addressed network workstation and mobile device challenges to maintain optimal performance.
- Oversaw and maintained Laserfiche environment and workflows.
- Upgraded and repaired hardware/software as needed.
- Collaborated with team members to administer AD Users and Groups.
- Provided technical support for software and hardware issues, ensuring timely resolutions for faculty and students.
- Developed troubleshooting guides and documentation, streamlining support processes for common issues.
- Facilitated communication between users and technical teams, ensuring clear understanding of needs and expectations.
- Provided Tier 1 IT support to non-technical internal users through desk side support services.
- Used ticketing systems to manage and process support actions and requests.
Network Analyst II
ArentFox, LLP
Los Angeles, CA
02.2008 - 12.2010
- Updated servers, applied patches, and configured switches.
- Built Windows 2003/2008 servers and imaged desktops.
- Managed PBX systems, voicemail, and AV systems.
- Led deployment of 100+ Windows 7 desktops.
- Implemented network security measures to protect data and systems.
- Conducted troubleshooting and resolved network issues to ensure smooth operations.
Network Analyst / Phone Analyst
ARENTFOX LLP
New York, NY
10.2005 - 02.2008
- Updated servers, applied patches, and configured switches.
- Built Windows 2003/2008 servers and imaged desktops.
- Managed PBX systems, voicemail, and AV systems.
- Led deployment of 100+ Windows 7 desktops.
Audio Visual Specialist / Technical Analyst
Allen & Overy LLP
New York, NY
01.2001 - 10.2005
- Upgraded and maintained phone switch, SAN/NAS storage, and voicemail environments.
- Redesigned and optimized AV and conference room systems for improved functionality.
- Managed OS testing and workstation upgrades to enhance overall system performance.
- Migrated over 300 voicemail boxes to CallPilot 4.0 for streamlined communication processes.
- Provided support for AV systems and help desk operations to ensure the smooth functioning of technology.
- Led major OS upgrade from Windows 98 to XP for 200+ staff to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Education
High School Diploma - Computer And Information Sciences
Martin Luther King Jr High School
New York06-1994
Skills
Infrastructure & Systems Administration
Windows Server, Active Directory, VMware, Linux, macOS, Azure, Hardware Upgrades, NAS Storage, SCCM, BigFix, Desktop Central
Networking & Monitoring
Network Support, DNS, DHCP, TCP/IP, Network Monitoring, Monitoring & Alerting, Troubleshooting
Security, Compliance & Data Protection
SentinelOne, Check Point, Forcepoint, Rubrik, Cybersecurity Tools, PCI & HIPAA Compliance, Disaster Recovery, DevOps & Data Protection
Enterprise Applications & SaaS
Salesforce, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, SharePoint, SaaS Platforms, Document Management Systems, Laserfiche
Databases & Automation
Microsoft SQL Server, SQL Server Administration, Python
IT Operations, Leadership & Process
Project Management, Vendor Management, Case Management, Problem Management, SOP Development, Documentation Review, Cross-Functional Training, New Hire Onboarding
Accomplishments
- Led a department-wide project to select and implement a new document management system, including overseeing the scanning and digitization of all physical files for import into the new platform.
- Documented and resolved manual Gift impute which led to automating 90% of the process and greatly increased the efficiency.
- Collaborated with team of Advancement department in the development of the new Sharepoint site for the debarment. intranet
- Achieved reliable event data by introducing Cvent for tent pole events.
- Ensured accurate event information in the CRM through structured data imports and validation. I created an import path using another tool we already used. .
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
Languages
English
Timeline
Director of Advancement Technology
Pomona College
05.2022 - 12.2025
System Administrator II
University of Southern California
11.2017 - 04.2022
Help Desk Analyst III
University of Southern
02.2011 - 11.2017
Network Analyst II
ArentFox, LLP
02.2008 - 12.2010
Network Analyst / Phone Analyst
ARENTFOX LLP
10.2005 - 02.2008
Audio Visual Specialist / Technical Analyst
Allen & Overy LLP
01.2001 - 10.2005
High School Diploma - Computer And Information Sciences
Martin Luther King Jr High School