David Koch

About David Koch

PMP certified IT project manager with 19 years of experience managing critical IT infrastructure/software applications implementations and operations. • Recognized for excellence in project leadership, planning, budgeting, risk management, and communication skills.• Successfully led multi-million-dollar business transformation and digital manufacturing projects. • Designed and managed the IT infrastructure, security, and facility system implementations for Hershey’s first fully digital distribution/fulfillment center in Annville PA, and Hershey’s first fully digital manufacturing plant in Hershey PA.• Executed Godiva’s data center migration from the US to the UK, ensuring zero data loss and uninterrupted ERP system operation.• Awarded the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal for managing IT and communication support for the United States Marine Corp (USMC) Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

Experience

1. Project Manager, Digital Manufacturing

   The Hershey Company

   Jul 2025 — Present · Hershey, PA, US

   Rolled out the Augmentir Connected Worker platform across Hershey\'s manufacturing plants while delivering key tools like digital CL/CIL forms, DDS workflows, performance dashboards, and BDE capabilities on time and within budget. This first deployment improved consistency across plants, strengthened visibility for frontline teams, and proved the platform can scale effectively-Helped shape the vision for future enhancements, including expanding digital skills matrices, improving quality and deviation workflows, strengthening daily management integrations, and building deeper system connectivity. These efforts created a long-term roadmap that supports business goals and digital transformation-Coordinated the integration planning between SAP S/4HANA and HiveMQ to ensure secure, reliable data flow between enterprise systems and plant operations. This involved aligning IS and OT teams, defining interfaces, and designing a scalable architecture that can handle high data volumes across pilot and future sites-Led cross-functional teams from IS, OT, engineering, and plant operations to meet requirements, stay aligned on goals, and manage change effectively across all pilot plants. Set up structured collaboration, oversaw testing and validation, and resolved issues to keep the project moving forward-Managed a multi-year $22M capital budget, ensuring prioritization, forecasting, and execution supported Connected Worker, MES, and automation modernization efforts. This included overseeing nearly $2M in 2025 technology investments to ensure they aligned with enterprise strategy and delivered meaningful value-Positioned Augmentir as a core part of the company’s digital transformation by showing how it supports MES modernization, quality digitization, and frontline productivity. Demonstrated how the platform enhances data consistency, strengthens workforce readiness, and bridges plant operations with enterprise systems

Education

• Syracuse University

  Project Manager Professional (PMP), Information Technology Project Management

  2014 — 2015

• Wabash College

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), History (major), Psychology (minor)

  2002 — 2007

• United States Marine Corps Basic School

  Military and Strategic Leadership

  2007 — 2008

• United States Marine Corps Communication Officer School

  Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management

  2008 — 2009

Skills

• Aruba Wireless
• Public Speaking
• Social Media
• Video Conferencing
• Project Management
• Sap Hana
• Afghanistan
• Information Technology
• Security Clearance
• Training
• Public Relations
• Data Center
• Microsoft Office
• Internet Services
• Military Experience
• Process Improvement
• Dod
• Strategic Communications
• Military Operations
• IT Infrastructure Management
• Editing
• Microsoft Project
• Team Leadership
• Government
• Pmp
• Leadership
• Sharepoint Designer
• Management
• Application Architecture
• Program Management