Andrew S Cooke
CIO | Technology Director | Author | Business Owner | Board Member | Consultant

Progressive, nationally recognized technology leader, routinely advising schools and associations, conducting training workshops (mix of virtual and in person), and working on improving educational technology through integration and adaptive technologies. Expertise in all facets of running a technology organization, including governance, planning, infrastructure, security, and budgets. Exceptional written and oral communication skills that allow me to convey technical and non-technical information to users at all levels. Passionate about leadership development, emerging technologies, sustainability, and improving education for all students.

Work History

NYSAIS

New York State Association of Independent Schools

Assistant Director for Technology & Innovative Strategies

  • Increased efficiency by creating a cloud-based database, along with desktop and mobile software versions, resulting in congruous data among staff located statewide. Facilitated new business by developing version to be sold to other state and regional associations
  • Reduced cost and increased efficiency by upgrading association software and training users (G Suite for Education, website cms, enterprise software)
  • Advocate and lobby for independent school education and educational technology
  • Present and train on the use of emerging technology, as well as technology initiatives offered by association
  • Advised national association on creation of new statistical analysis software tool
  • Enhanced association offerings by negotiating discount deals with vendors, advising schools on new technology, and creating constituent collaboration platforms
New York State Association of Independent Schools

Technology Coordinator
11/2012 - Current

Job Description

Serve as the technology leader for the association and it's 194 member schools that collectively educate over 82,000 students a year. Present informational sessions and conduct training workshops, virtually and in person, on new technologies and the association's various technology initiatives. Trial emerging technology and new software, and negotiate discounted rates for member schools. Curate a monthly newsletter and manage social media platforms. Manage all aspects of technology, including, but not limited to: LAN/WAN networks, virtual servers, databases, cloud services, software (training and licensing), enterprise mail, websites, and various online platforms.

Advise, advocate, and lobby for schools and fellow associations in areas such as:

  • Database design and integration
  • Website management and integration
  • Video conferencing software
  • Technology integration
  • Obtrusive legislation
  • Member engagement
  • Leveraging free technology
VMPD Patch

Village of Mamaroneck Police Department | A1 Computer Services

Technology Director | Systems Administrator

  • Saved department 350% over 5 years and 490% over 10 years by switching to new record management system that improved user experience and reduced errors
  • First civilian selected to serve as department liaison to the NYS Department of Criminal Justice Services and the FBI's Infragard National Members Alliance
  • Helped department secure over $100,000 in grants from the NYS Department of Criminal Justice Services, the US Department of Homeland Security, and the Westchester County District Attorney's Office
  • Increased officer safety and case reliability by introducing video surveillance systems in police cars
  • Trained and assessed officers on NYS Department of Criminal Justice Services ePortal system
  • Increased department efficiency and saved 40% of administrative budget by innovating existing processes and taking over administrative duties of 1.5 FTE
Village of Mamaroneck Police Department | A1 Computer Services

Technology Director | Systems Adminstrator
6/2011 - 11/2012

Job Description

Contracted to a police department of 60+ users where I served as the technology director and systems administrator as the sole IT staff member. Appointed to be the department liaison to the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services and the FBI's Infragard National Members Alliance. Researched and oversaw the integration of all new technology. Organized and conducted training sessions for department personnel on new hardware, software, and New York State programs and regulations. Managed police department’s secure computer network, including 8 servers, 4 digital video recorders, comprehensive surveillance system, 20 workstations, and 5 cars (computers, video cameras with wireless upload, remote access to record management system, etc). Administered over technology vendor contracts, hardware and software, 3 department databases, and two-way radio system. Overhauled server room, monitored network security, and maintained village mail server. Upgraded radio system to comply with the United States Federal Communications Commission Narrowbanding Mandate.

CHUFSD Logo

Croton Harmon Union Free School District

Technology Specialist | Television Station Coordinator

  • Saved over 50% of technology lab budget through innovative cost saving measures
  • Reduced help desk calls by 50% through user training and instruction manuals
  • Awarded three grants for new technology equipment and software for elementary school
  • Served on district's planning committee for technology integration in special education to help design technological solutions to meet the needs of our students
  • Procured grant money to upgrade district television studio and cable news channel (grant was previously awarded, but money was not given)
  • Managed project to move and upgrade district cable news channel broadcast studio
  • Advised administration on school's technology strategic plan
Croton Harmon Union Free School District

Technology Specialist | Television Station Coordinator
11/2008 - 06/2011

Job Description

Provided IT support and direction for 600 desktop and laptop users as the sole technology staff member in an elementary school. Developed lesson plans and instructional materials for all new hardware and software. Trained administrators, teachers, and students on the use of equipment and software in group training and 1-on-1 training sessions. Assisted teachers with developing better technology integration plans, including blended learning environments. Managed school’s technology budget, vendors, and software licensing agreements. Maintained obsolescence list and retired assets that were no longer viable for use. Assisted technologists at other schools in district with technology needs. Collaborated on school technology strategic plan, as part of district’s technology strategic plan.

Cooke's Flowers Logo

Cooke's Little Shoppe of Flowers

Managing Partner | Chief Financial Officer
Chief Information Officer

  • Upgraded accounting processes and software for business, resulting in a decrease in the average number of days balances were paid, reduced errors (roughly 75% reduction per month), and a decrease in past due accounts by 40%
  • Increased revenue by nearly 500% in first year managing storefront, and an additional 150% in second year
  • Opened first new storefront for business in 75 years
  • Grew staff from 2 to 6
  • Designed website and grew online sales from $0/year to $25,000/year within three years
  • Developed Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to manage company across our different locations
  • Developed point of sale software for storefront
Cooke's Little Shoppe of Flowers

Managing Partner | Chief Financial Officer
Chief Information Officer
06/2001 - 06/2011

Job Description

Managed new storefront, including employees, finances, and inventory. Developed strategic and marketing plans. Designed website, point of sale software, and computer network. Supervised 6 employees.