Technology Consulting Combined with Bold Ideas

Twenty years ago, I founded CITIG to help people and businesses better utilize technology to improve their personal and professional lives. I have over 25 years of experience in the IT Services industry. I am the technology leader behind CITIG. I make it my business to stay up on the latest technology and obtain certifications to prove it. You’ll find me working behind the scenes, keeping CITIG running smoothly and steering you towards the most cost-effective and functional IT solutions.

I’ve always believed that investing in people is what makes life and work meaningful. During my 30-year history in Santa Barbara, I’ve enjoyed getting to learn from, influence, coach, and mentor staff, managers, leaders, and executives. From General Manager to Chief of Staff to Executive Vice President to CEO to Business Owner, I’ve carried the mantle of leadership in several different settings. I’ve managed operations, staff teams, ownership dynamics, financial review, business reporting, staff retreats, strategic planning, staff development & training, client relationships, and human resources. It’s an honor to serve as CEO Ryan Newell’s right hand as CITIG’s Fractional Chief of Staff. And to recharge, you can find me on the trail, cuddling with my cat, spoiling my nieces and nephews, or reading a good book.

Growing up, I always had an interest in technology, and as soon as I was able to get my hands on my first computer, I fell in love. Since then, I have accumulated over 20 years of experience in the field of Information Technology. As a Technology Support Specialist for my hometown school district, I streamlined the IT at my assigned schools, resulting in increased course offerings for the Science Technology Electronics and Mathematics (STEM) program. With over 9 years at CITIG, I have continued to increase my skill set and broaden my technical expertise as a security, virtual, network, system administrator, and virtual CIO for my clients. As a Gaucho Alumnus, I have always loved this area and am proud to be a member of the CITIG Team.

I’ve spent 30 years building and supporting IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and operations that keep people connected. Working in both small private companies and large public institutions has taught me that good technology leadership requires clear communication and trust just as much as solid technical architecture. As CIO, I focus on operational excellence that enables CITIG to deliver reliable, elegant solutions to our clients. I enjoy helping people succeed, whether that’s developing our team or partnering with clients to solve their challenges. I’m also a musician and published comic book writer. Both my creative and technical work allow me to do what I love most: collaborating and connecting with people in meaningful ways.

One of my earliest memories was getting picked up by my grandma from elementary school and going to hang out at the flower shop where she worked and messing around on the computer they had when I was 5 or 6 years old. After a few years of begging my parents for a computer at home, they reluctantly agreed. Thus started my love for computers. In my mid-20s, not knowing what I wanted to pursue as a career, I found a Craigslist ad for CITIG & figured I might apply even though I had never considered IT/Technology as a career for some odd reason. The rest is history. With over eight years at CITIG, I have found a home where I have continued to grow and thrive with a great team of people. Now, as the IT Operations Manager, I strive to help build and support a cohesive team, strong technical stack, and best practices to support our ever-growing list of amazing clients.

I built my first computer when I was 12 years old and another shortly before college. I was the only college student I knew of with a computer, and my dorm room became the de facto “pull an all-nighter” computer lab for my wing of the dorm. I studied computer science at UCSB, worked for the Micro-Computer Lab on campus, engineering research, and accounting firms in a systems administration capacity. In 1996, I partnered and founded Synergy Computing, and in 2000, I became Certified Consulting; the one-stop outsourced IT department for small businesses in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, providing quality solutions and services at reasonable prices. Somewhere in the middle, life happened. I have two glorious daughters and a lovely and tolerant wife. Thirty-five years of IT services later, I am on the cusp of retirement, having merged with CITIG, a like-minded IT company with many brilliant engineers and supportive staff.

Ever since moving to the USA from England in 1989, I have worked as a software consultant supporting clients throughout the South Coast. Prior to joining CITIG, I worked in programming, analysis, customer service, and end-user training, and I was a consultant with Van Buren Consulting for 25 years. I am a Sage Timeslips Certified Consultant qualified to handle all your billing needs. From installation to a conclusion, I will customize the time and billing system best for you, whether it be mailing bills, PDF bills to email to clients or electronic billing. I also offer customization of Microsoft Office and training in both Word and Outlook.

As a Santa Barbara native and proud UCSB alum, I feel right at home at CITIG’s downtown Santa Barbara office. As the Administrative Manager, I take pride in overseeing a wide range of responsibilities to keep our day-to-day operations running smoothly and our client relationships strong. I thrive on the variety each day brings, focusing on contributing to the success of our team and our clients. When I’m not managing the many moving pieces at CITIG, you can find me at the Pilates studio, out on the water, or spending time with my family, friends, and two energetic labs.

From a young age, I had an affinity for computers and all things tech. In middle school, I started a business jailbreaking peers’ iPhones and iPods and required them to sign an exclusion of liability contract. After moving to Southern California to study Computer Science, I became a founding member of the computer science club at SDSU. Having been involved in these various communities from a young age, I built a solid foundation allowing me to turn my hobbies into a career. I now reside in Santa Barbara, where I plan to stay for many years as a proud member of the CITIG team.

Born and raised in Oxnard, CA, I moved to Santa Barbara in 2009 to attend UCSB, where I studied Mathematical Sciences. Following graduation, I decided to stay here and began looking for work. On discovering a Craigslist job ad asking, “Interested in getting your CCNA?” and no additional info., I web searched what a CCNA was and responded back to the ad. Since then, I have become completely engulfed in the IT world and love constantly learning about it. That ad opened the door to work at a local IT Hardware Reselling company as a Network Presales Engineer with additional experience in Professional Services and Third-Party Maintenance for 5 years. As a Certified Cisco Network Associate, I enjoy helping customers and look forward to delivering rock-star service to all CITIG clients.

As a young man growing up in Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley, my life changed the day my dad brought home Lisa (Apple, Macintosh), who ignited my passion, some say obsession with computers. My parents were not thrilled with the daily struggle prying me away from this enthralling new addition to the household. The symptoms progressed over the years to where I was constantly pulled from coursework to assist with IT support for my High School. I continued to develop and expand my IT knowledge at SBCC, studying Computer Networking / Engineering and Multimedia Arts / Technologies while working full-time as a Technician and On-Site Manager for MacMechanic for 6 years before moving on to Santa Barbara IT Group as the Project Manager and Senior Technician for 11 years prior to joining the CITIG team. Outside the office, you’ll find me: performing alchemy in my kitchen, ocean kayaking with my significant other. at the gym, fiddling inside an old arcade cabinet, or collecting vintage video games at the local swap meet.

I have had an interest in technology since my freshman year at Foothill Technology High School, where I was introduced to digital media arts and communications. After high school, I found a love of cooking, the brewing process, and craft cocktails. I attended culinary school at SBCC and worked as a bartender in several Santa Barbara bars. I ended up in various roles at the Figueroa Mountain Brew Company for 9 years, ending as the General Manager. I decided to change directions and dive back into technology when CITIG offered me an opportunity to learn on the job and join the incredible team that truly cares about customer service and client relationships. When I’m not working, you will find me surfing, kayaking, hiking, and enjoying the social hours downtown with friends.

At CITIG we place great emphasis on the quality of our work environment. We want our employees to love working at CITIG and to love supporting you. My job is to make this happen! You’ll find me floating around the CITIG offices doing things like coordinating birthday lunches, writing encouraging notes, planning holiday celebrations, setting up monthly activities and festively decorating the offices. I bring Joy to CITIG! My hope is that this Joy extends beyond our employees to you, the customer, in your daily interactions with our team.

Navy works hard establishing connected networks of carbon neutral transportation systems, and dismantling them in the most dramatic scenarios. While typically working remotely, he brings high energy and a quick laugh to the office on special occasions.

Oliva may seem quiet, but she has the ear of the CEO when advising and making big decisions. She is a natural born leader, who enjoys performing daring aerial maneuvers and all extramural, seasonal activities, when not attending to the educational requirements for further advancement.