Databus Issue: 2006 2 05/17/2006
MEMBER PROFILE
Lisa Kopochinski DataBus EditorDana Hunt Still Finds Industry Stimulating After Three Decades
PDF
“I have worked in the information technology environment for 32 years,” says Dana Hunt, “so you would think I would know everything about technology, right? Well one of the most important lessons I have learned about technology is that you cannot do it all. Your co-workers, peers and staff are critical to your successes. I have been very fortunate to work with a lot of talented and ambitious people.”
As director of information technology for the Bakersfield City School District, the department is responsible for nearly everything that has to do with technology, including the school LANs, district WAN, hardware, student and business systems software and development, security, filtering, installations, training and support.
“I enjoy meeting with district staff to find out what we can do to help them keep up with the demands of their jobs,” Hunt explains. “People are very appreciative of services our department has provided them and that makes all the work worthwhile. New challenges keep the job interesting. I enjoy meeting with district staff and getting new projects off the ground.”
She says one of the largest challenges the industry is facing right now is the implementation of new technology while maintaining day-to-day support of existing technologies. “We have approximately 4,000 employees in our district and the increased demand for access to the network shows they need and rely on technology.”
A CETPA member since 1994, Hunt says she was motivated to join after attending the convention that same year. “This conference was obviously the place to be. Everyone was asking the same questions. We all had so much in common. The opportunity to meet and talk face-to-face with peers motivated me to join.”
She says it is attending the convention that is the main benefit she derives from being a CETPA member. “The pre-conference sessions, guest speaker topics, break-out sessions and vendor show information are always timely and pertinent to current challenges we are all facing.”
She adds: “Extending the length of the conference by one day was a good idea. This should allow a little more time to get together with individuals to discuss common problems and solutions.”
She praises CETPA by saying that the organization does a really good job of helping members keep up with the current technology issues. ”I hope we continue to keep in touch with the forces and organize the conferences and communications to address the needs of the members.”
In her very limited spare time, this busy IT professional, who is also a mother of four, loves to spend time with her grandchildren, gardening and camping. “Anything outdoors is good for me,” she smiles.
