Our goal is your office's success

Jennifer Altman

Associate Director, Transformation and IT Strategy

Jennifer Altman graduated from Radford University with a B.S. degree in Computer Science with a concentration in Computer Science and Software Engineering as well as an M.S. degree in Education with a concentration in Information Technology. She spent 10 years with Montgomery County IT and has been working for the University since 2014.  Since that time she has served in multiple roles, including Public Safety Information Systems Manager and the Associate Director of IT Support for Operations IT.

| altmanjl@vt.edu

Brock Burroughs

Director, End User Support

Brock Burroughs graduated from the Virginia Tech College of Business with a degree in Management Science and Information Technology. He has been working with BAMS for 13 years, almost since the inception of the department. Brock provides computer and server technology support to our users. He strives to deliver a secure, efficient desktop and server environment within all of our supported offices, integrating new technologies that assist users in optimal performance of their job functions. His interests extend into the benefits that virtual applications can provide to the end user.

Burruss Hall, Room 128 | bburroug@vt.edu

Nathan Chamberlin

Database Administrator

Nathan has been with Virginia Tech Operations team for over 15yrs. He is a second generation IT Professional and has a diverse IT background spanning 30 plus years. His IT career started in the US Air Force, maintaining computerized weapon systems. After serving in the Air Force, he worked in computer software and service and manufacturing industries. He has significant experience in network infrastructure and security, server administration and configuration, data backups, data storage and management, relational database administration and design, and troubleshooting application and database issues. He enjoys collaborating with his team and providing customers with secure and reliable solutions.

280 Sterrett Drive | chmbrgng@vt.edu

Leah Clemens

End User Support Specialist

Leah Clemens graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a B.A. in General Studies, concentrating on Computer Science and UX Design. She is a Blacksburg native who has worked in several technical fields, including audio-visual technology, content development, and now IT. Her background with technology spans multiple disciplines, from software development to website design and digital illustration. With a passion for creative media and improving technical literacy, Leah hopes to encourage a positive view of technology for each end user that she assists.

201 Southgate | lclemens@vt.edu

Al Cooper

Executive Director, Business and Management Systems

Al Cooper graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Information Technology and a Master's Degree in Information Technology. He has been with the university for over 20 years, leading BAMS since 2005. Al has significant experience in programming, relational database design, reporting against the warehouse, and banner using various tools. His other interests include business process improvements, integrating new technologies, and identifying risks and determining corrective plans to secure our computing infrastructure.

Burruss Hall, Room 405 | gecooper@vt.edu

Austin Crockett

Business Support Systems Analyst

Austin Crockett graduated from Radford University in May 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. He also earned a Master of Science degree in Information Technology from Virginia Tech in May 2022. He started working for BAMS as a Computer & Server Support Technician in 2019 before transitioning to the development team in May of 2021. His technical background includes expertise in relational database design, object-oriented programming, and web development. Austin is passionate about developing high-quality applications to improve the workflows and business processes of the departments he supports. He is committed to delivering effective solutions that meet the needs of his clients and is always eager to learn and adapt to new technologies and challenges.

Burruss Hall, Room 329E | acrockett6@vt.edu

Corey Earles

Deputy Executive Director, Business and Management Systems

Corey has a B.S. in Business Information Technology from Virginia Tech and has been with BAMS since 2005. His primary areas of responsibility are project management, office administration, assisting offices with securely migrating business operations into an electronic process, providing strategic and technical support for special events, and special projects for supported offices. He regularly coordinates projects with team leaders and stakeholders through open communications and keeps a wide view of all BAMS activities. Additionally, Corey assists with eDiscovery management through procedure development and technological guidance.

Burruss Hall, Room 400 | cearles@vt.edu

Kat Farney

Senior End User Support and Safety Systems Specialist

Kat Farney graduated from Capella Univeristy in 2015 with a degree in Computer Information Sciences. She joined VT in May 2022 as an Information System Specialist, supporting the VTPD, VT Rescue and Emergency Management. She focuses on providing excellent customer service and quality technology support to these customers and is eager to continue learning new skills and technology to meet the needs of the department.

| kfarney@vt.edu

Peter Franchi

Computer and Server Technologies Specialist

Peter Franchi currently serves as the Computer and Server Technologies Specialist. Joining the Business and Management Systems Team in 2017, Peter brings a vast array of experience to the BAMS Department with over 30 years experience in Computer repair & technical support for desktops, laptops and servers, patch management systems and software. Prior to joining Virginia Tech in 2003, Peter studied in Birmingham, England as a Medical Physics and Computer Hardware and Software Technician. During his tenure with Virginia Tech, Peter has served a variety of roles where he served as the Helpdesk Technical Support Specialist in University's 4-Help Department and in University Development, Advancement as the Computer and Server Technical support technician.

Burruss Hall, Room 128 | pfranchi@vt.edu

Cliff Gaines

Manager of Audio-Visual Services

Cliff is a Richmond native and an audio-visual professional with nearly 3 decades of experience in hotel event technology management and support. He has previously managed audio-visual operations at various hotel & conference center locations throughout Hampton Roads, Richmond and Roanoke. He holds a BM in Music with an emphasis in Broadcast and Performance Media from Norfolk State University, and still enjoys creating and recording various genres of music in his spare time. Just prior to coming to Virginia Tech, Cliff served as Audio-Visual Supervisor and Lead Technician at Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center for 8 years. Cliff is committed to providing users with comfortable, courteous, and professional technical support.

Burruss Hall, Room 405A | cdgainesjr11@vt.edu

Larry Gray

Computing Support Systems Manager

Larry graduated from New River Community College with a degree in General Studies. He spent 3 years at Radford University before coming to Virginia Tech in 2019. He has served in multiple roles, including the Lead Computer Support Technician for Operations IT. In his current role Larry is responsible for managing multiple internal support systems in use by the End User Support team.

| lgray1@vt.edu

Jesse Hall

Public Safety Technology Manager

Jesse Hall graduated from the University of Massachusetts with an undergraduate degree in Sports Management and from Eastern Kentucky University with a Master’s degree in Safety, Security, & Emergency Management. He began managing Public Safety Systems here at Virginia Tech in 2022, after many years of doing the same at different institutions in the Northeast. His interests include integrating new safety technologies that support campus safety.

| jessehall3@vt.edu

Dustin Johnson

Systems Engineer

Dustin is a seasoned IT professional with over 18 years of experience providing a wide range of IT services to various industries. He joined Virginia Tech in 2017 as a system engineer and started with Operations IT in 2020. Throughout his career, Dustin has gained expertise in network engineering, systems engineering and server virtualization which enables him to design and support resilient, secure, and compliant solutions for his users. His skillset and experience enable him to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to ever-changing technological landscapes.

280 Sterrett Drive | dustinsj@vt.edu

Eden Keith

Computer & Server Technology Specialist

Eden Keith graduated from Radford University College of Education and Human Development in 2015. He is joining BAMS after a handful of years working with users in the mobile technology industry. He has worked for several companies through the years focusing on customer service and mobile device management. Eden brings a wealth of experience in end point troubleshooting and product services to the team. As a Computer & Server Technology Specialist with the BAMS team, he is excited to help both individuals and offices become more comfortable with the technology they use daily.

Burruss Hall, Room 128 | erkeith@vt.edu

Milton Moore

Senior End User Support Specialist

I graduated from Radford University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Science and Systems (2018). Previously, I’ve provided support for private industry and federal customers. I joined the VT team in September 2021 providing tier 1.5 and tier 2 support and love the team and customer base we support. My main focus is providing the best support the end user can experience and developing strong relationships between IT and the business. My skillset is very broad, ranging from configuration of iOS and Android mobile devices to software testing for future deployments. I currently have an interest in Security, specifically personal computer security in an enterprise environment.

| moorems@vt.edu

Sophie Newell

User Experience/Interface Developer

Sophie Newell is an alumnus of Edinburgh College of Art in Scotland, with a passion for creating engaging and accessible UX for web and software applications. In 2022 she graduated from Code Academy at Midland University, expanding her skills in full stack web development. Sophie has worked with software companies, arts nonprofits and as a freelance illustrator and designer, contributing to projects that build community, enhance the visual identity of organizations, and strengthen user satisfaction. She is excited to join the BAMS team to collaborate with others on delivering digital products that provide a seamless and intuitive user experience.

Remote | sophien@vt.edu

Jason Price

Senior IT Security and Compliance Manager

Jason is a graduate of Radford University with a degree in Political Science and International Relations. He holds the CISSP, Network+, and AWS Cloud Practitioner certifications. With experience in many facets of Information Technology and Risk Management across a range of industries, he seeks to continuously improve the cybersecurity and compliance posture of all systems within the BAMS technology portfolio while maintaining alignment with organizational goals and objectives.

Burruss Hall, Room 401 | rpjason@vt.edu

Chris Rahmes

Director, Business Support Systems

Chris Rahmes is a Hokie alum with a degree in Computer Science and minor in Math. He has over 30 years of IT experience and has been working with BAMS since 2007. Chris has significant experience in software development, database design and administration, server configuration and administration and collaborative computing. He strives to deliver and maintain a reliable, secure, and effective server environment while also assisting with user and desktop support and the introduction and integration of new technologies.

Burruss Hall, Room 401 | crahmes@vt.edu

David Riddell

End User Support Specialist

David Riddell graduated from Virginia Tech's Creative Technologies program in 2020. He began working in BAMS in October of 2023 with a focus on end user support and deploying mobile device management solutions. Developing an interest in technology from a young age, David has branched out through numerous avenues such as various creative software and their workflows, computer software and hardware troubleshooting, software testing, creative code, gameplay systems programming, and more. David is committed to providing quality end user support and is always eager to learn more through the lenses of technology.

201 Southgate | davidr9@vt.edu

Brandi Robertson

Business Support Systems Analyst

Brandi Robertson graduated in May 2019 with a B.S. in Business Information Technology and received a M.S. in Business Administration and Business Analytics in June 2020. She joined the BAMS team in the summer of 2020 with a background including work related to the following: relational databases, web development, desktop application development, business analytics, and project management. She strives to assist in the maintenance of effective server environments and supporting the integration of new technologies. She became an IAAP Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) and works to ensure our solutions are compliant with accessibility standards. 

Burruss Hall, Room 329E | brandir5@vt.edu

Ryan Saunders

Computer & Server Technology Specialist

Ryan Saunders graduated from Southern Virginia University in 2018 with a degree in computer science. He has been working with BAMS as a Computer and Server Technology Specialist since April of 2022. His technical background includes experience with Chromebook programming and support. Ryan strives to provide quality and efficient computer assistance to the departments that BAMS supports. He is eager to meet new faces within the departments and support however is needed.

Burruss Hall, Room 128 | ryansaunders@vt.edu

Sara Simpkins

Director, User Experience Design

Sara Simpkins is a Hokie alum with a degree in Industrial Design. She has been working with BAMS since 2015 as a User Experience Designer. Sara works to identify and understand the needs of those we support in order to improve the experience of our products, services, and initiatives. She designs web, print, and digital materials in order to better our communication to the university community and beyond. She leads the design team in strategic thinking, project planning and iterative problem solving while advocating for both our users and our personnel.

Burruss Hall, Room 405A | saralane@vt.edu

Hayley Stout

User Interface/User Experience Designer

Hayley Stout graduated from Virginia Tech in 2022 with a degree in Industrial Design. She has been working with BAMS as a User Experience/User Interface Designer since July of 2022. Her background working as both a graphic designer and a UX/UI designer has prepared her with experience in research and analysis, ideation and prototyping, and designing creative solutions for users. Hayley works to design user-focused experiences in order to create improved systems and develop compelling communication tools.

Remote | stouthm@vt.edu

Amanda Swindell

Senior End User Support and Project Specialist

Amanda graduated from Radford University with a BS in Media Studies in 2003 and received a Masters of Information Technology from Virginia Tech in 2020. She has worked at Virginia Tech since 2011 and joined the Operations IT team in 2021 having previously worked in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences gaining significant experience in end user support in a university environment. Prior to joining the university, she had extensive experience in collaborative solution creation and customer service. Amanda enjoys working with users to solve complex problems, researching emerging technology and trends, and learning anything she can to improve the user experience.

280 Sterrett Drive | hoffer81@vt.edu

Jon Thomas

Assistant Director of Infrastructure Support

Jon holds a BBA from Radford University and an MBA from Virginia Tech. He has a diverse background in IT, having worked in Telecom, Manufacturing, and Banking before joining Virginia Tech's Operations IT team 15 years ago. Jon and his team provide a broad range of infrastructure services that include: Servers, Storage, Applications, Security, Data Backup and Data Management. Jon's approach is to seek out solutions that not only make customers more efficient and effective but perhaps even happier.

280 Sterrett Drive | jont@vt.edu

Paul West

Information Systems Application Developer

Paul West graduated from Colorado Technical University in 2016 with a BS in Information Technology and a Security Specialization before continuing his education at Virginia Tech to receive a Masters in Information Technology and a graduate certificate in software development in May of 2019. Paul's background includes experience with web application development, database design and administration, system administration, and computer and application support. His career has been guided by a desire to ensure people have the technical tools to make their jobs easier and more productive.

Health and Safety Building, Room 102 | paul.west@vt.edu

Patrick Davis

IT Systems Specialist

Patrick is a student at Virginia Tech and joined BAMS in 2023.

Burruss Hall, Room 128 |

Henry Mellor

Student Support Technician

Henry is a student at Virginia Tech and joined us in 2022.

280 Sterrett Drive |

Kolby Schroer

IT Systems Specialist

Kolby is a student at Virginia Tech and joined BAMS in 2022.

Burruss Hall, Room 128 |