Larry D. West
People-First Leader Modernizing IT Operations | Senior IT Director | Military Veteran | 18K+ Users | Proven: 99.9% Uptime, $4M Savings, 70% Efficiency
- Role
- Director of Technology Operations at United States Air Force
- Location
- Hampton Roads, VA, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Larry D. West
Senior IT Operations Director delivering enterprise-scale infrastructure that drives business results: 99.9% uptime,$4M in cost savings, and zero security compromises.I\'ve spent 25+ years leading mission-critical IT operations at the highest levels - managing infrastructure for users across 653 global facilities, directing teams up to 280 professionals, and overseeing budgets to $32M. From the Pentagon to cabinet-level executive support, I\'ve delivered secure, scalable technology that keeps organizations running 24/7.My operational experience extends beyond domestic borders. I\'ve deployed to multiple countries establishing secure DoD networks in challenging international environments, working with embassy personnel, foreign nationals, and coalition partners while navigating cultural protocols and diplomatic constraints - all in support of cabinet-level executive operations.My leadership approach is built on a simple truth: when you invest in people, they deliver exceptional results. I\'ve mentored 70+ IT professionals throughout my career, achieving a 28.5% promotion rate - significantly above industry standards. I develop the next generation of IT leaders who drive innovation in their own organizations.WHAT I DELIVER FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION:Enterprise IT Operations Leadership - Managed global infrastructure for users with 99.9% uptime. Led teams of 70-280 professionals delivering mission-critical services.IT Modernization & Cost Optimization - Directed $3M infrastructure refresh programs eliminating cyber vulnerabilities while delivering $4M in annual cost savings.Strategic Budget & Vendor Management - Oversaw $19M-$32M operational budgets with full P&L responsibility and vendor relationship management.Team Building & Leadership Development - Built high-performing IT teams that deliver results. Coached individual contributors into leadership roles while maintaining excellence. My teams execute, innovate, and own outcomes.Executive Stakeholder Management - Coordinated technology solutions for C-level and cabinet-level leaders, translating complex technical challenges into business language.AI & Process Automation - Currently implementing AI-driven workflows reducing manual workload by 70% and driving measurable efficiency gains.CORE TECHNICAL EXPERTISE:Enterprise IT Operations | ITSM | Cybersecurity & Compliance | Strategic Planning | Vendor Management | AI & Automation | SaaS Platforms | Data AnalyticsLooking for a senior IT leader who delivers both stability and innovation? Let\'s connect.
Experience
Director of Technology Operations
Jan 2023 — Present · Pentagon, DC, US
Led a 100+ member IT and cybersecurity team delivering secure global communications for senior U.S. defense leaders, including the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Oversaw IT operations across 90+ international sites, supporting 200+ missions annually on six executive aircraft platforms.Guided cross-functional teams in planning, deploying, and maintaining secure networks (classified/unclassified), ensuring real-time connectivity between U.S. leadership and decision-makers worldwide. Managed a $19M operations and training budget, collaborating with vendors, agencies, and international partners to deliver mission-critical communications on time and under budget.Key Leadership Highlights: Directed 17 high-level communications missions between senior DoD leaders, the President of the United States, and 38 international leaders to strengthen coalition defenses against adversaries. Led the design and rapid deployment of mobile communications suites in conflict zones, coaching SMEs and securing communications for SECDEF movements—enabling diplomacy and the distribution of $400M in humanitarian aid. Orchestrated the rapid deployment of a mobile command-and-control system, directing cross-functional IT teams to secure SECDEF communications and advance international agreements that bolstered global communications and regional defense readiness in the Indo-Pacific. Directed a $3M IT modernization program that replaced aging infrastructure, eliminated cyber vulnerabilities, and ensured secure communications for top U.S. defense leaders—delivering $4M in annual cost savings. Unified four IT sections into cross-functional teams, driving process improvements that enhanced collaboration, accountability, and operational effectiveness in support of top DoD and Air Force leaders. Developed and mentored 70+ professionals, strengthening leadership pipelines and contributing to a 28.5% senior promotion rate and 14 organizational awards.
Education
Florida Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science - BS, Computer Information Systems Management
2016 — 2019
Community College of the Air Force
Associate of Science - AS, Information Technology
2000 — 2016
Florida Institute of Technology
Master of Science - MS, Management Information Systems, General
2021 — 2023
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