February Employee Spotlight – Richard Maxam!

Our employee in the spotlight this month is our Director of Information Technology (IT), Richard Maxam! Richard has been a member of the IA team for a year and three months. During his time here he has been the backbone of IT! Most recently, Richard played an enormous role in preparing our new building at 601 Campbell Ave. for occupancy. He was responsible for all communication and technology infrastructure of the building, and he spent many early and late hours ensuring that everything was a go for the IA staff and our districts.  We could not have done it without him! Now, sit back and relax! Meet Richard…

Meet Richard!

Full Name: Richard Maxam
Birth Date: November 27, 1969 (born on Thanksgiving Day)
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Current City: Roanoke, Va
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems Security
Marital Status: “married for 15 years as of January”
Pet(s): 1 cat
Position at IA: Director of Information Technology
Books: The Dresden Files and Codex Alera series by Jim Butcher and Dragonlance series by Tracy Hickman and Margaret Weis
“I am currently reading The Fires of Heaven which is the 5th book in the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan.”
Movies: Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Monty Python and the Holy Grail
“I also love comic book and superhero movies.”
College Team(s): University of Arizona – Wildcats
Favorite Quote: “The cake is a lie.”
Favorite Color: green
Favorite Teacher/Professor: “Chris Reid from ITT Tech in Arizona; a great teacher and friend that helped me prepare for the job I am doing today.”

Richard hard at work on his compters.

Job(s) before IA: “I worked in the Water department for the City of Tucson, before that, I worked for Oro Valley Hospital in Arizona.”

Briefly describe what you do at your position with IA: “I am in charge of the Information Technology Department. I help keep everything up and running.”

On a scale of 1 – 10, how messy is your desk? 6

What is your favorite part about working at IA?“My favorite part of working for IA is working with lifetime friends where I actually have a chance to make a difference.”

What is your favorite snack at the office? Red Vines

We are all so glad that Richard knows what all of those wires are for and do!

Where is your favorite place to go out for lunch? Five Guys

Thoughts on Education? “Education is a wonderful thing and everyone should have a chance to get one. I also believe that education is always ongoing. Every day is a day to learn something new.”

What do you do outside of IA? “I am a Gamer, video games, board games, card games , etc…_Some of the games I like to play are Guild Wars, Munchkin, and Pinochle.”

Richard supplies the entire office with a variety of gum (which is always available on his desk)!

Of what should everyone own at least one? “a strong password”

What is most important to you? “friends and family”

Our enthusiastic Director of IT!

Thank you Richard for all you do for IA and our districts!