Allen Lanning

Certifications

Results-driven IT leader with 20+ years of experience transforming enterprise desktop and infrastructure operations across private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Currently serving as Associate Manager of Desktop Engineering at Yum! Brands, where I oversee global Apple and Windows 365 workstation management, and hardware quality assurance.

Known for leading impactful, cross-functional initiatives, my approach balances technical depth with operational strategy, ensuring projects stay aligned with business goals and user needs.

I bring experience from the ground up — from help desk to infrastructure architect — and am driven by a long-term vision to lead high-performing IT organizations into future-ready, secure, and efficient environments.

Work History

2015 - Present: Yum! Brands Inc.

Associate Manager - Desktop Engineering

Lead team responsible for:

  • Global (Above Store) Apple Workstation Management (JAMF)

  • Global (Above Store) VDI Workstation Management (Windows 365)

  • Hardware QA

Major Project(s)

VDI Retirement Automation:
Engaged with DevOps and ServiceNow engineers to automate a manual retirement process upon client termination creating ongoing savings.

Global Workstation Management:
Led team importing all above store Apple workstations into JAMF management. We minimized client impact and improved systems and cybersecurity management.

Lenovo Cloud Deploy SSO Integration:
Oversaw internal teams integrating SSO to simplify and improve technician access to Lenovo Cloud Deploy platform.

Analyst III - Unified Communications

I supported Unified Communications (Voice, Video, & Messaging) globally.

Major Project(s):

Physically migrated ~3000 handset and conference phones from Cisco to Microsoft.

2006 - 2015: Dismas Charities Inc.

Senior Infrastructure Engineer

Responsibilities:

  • Infrastructure Architect

  • National Network Administrator

  • Firewall Management

  • Desktop Engineering

  • Endpoint Security & Policy

  • Tier 2 Technical Support

  • National Identity Access Management

  • Procurement / Asset Management

  • Project Management

  • Operations Vendor Management

  • Mobile Device Management

  • Social Media Management

  • Executive Support

Education

McKendree University

Bachelors - Business Administration

Associates - Business Administration

Eastern High School

Honors Graduate, Technology Focus

Senior Infrastructure Engineer - Desktop Engineering

Design, deploy, and maintain all above store user PCs & VDI globally.

Major Project(s):
Collaborating across teams, helped design and implement in-house designed CloudPC solution in Azure. Migrated >200 users from Windows 7 VMWare Horizon to above Windows 10 Azure solution, minimizing impact to clients.

Again collaborating across teams, helped design, implement, integrate Windows 365 CloudPC solution to replace above in-house solution (created >30% cost savings). Migrated >300 clients from above in-house solution to new platform minimizing client impact.

Infrastructure Engineer III - Desktop Engineering

Design, deploy, and maintain all above store user PCs & VDI in the US market.

Major Project(s):
Major revision upgrades of VMWare Horizon while maintaining client uptime.

Analyst III - Executive IT Support

Supported Yum! and Brand executives with any and all personal technical issues including hardware, software, and mobile devices.

Major Project(s):
Migrated executives and admins from Windows 7 to Windows 10 with minimal downtime.

Major Project(s):

PPoE aDSL to Business Cable Transition - Procured, configured, performed or managed ISP, Firewall, and Static IP swaps with near 0 downtime to operations and VPN infrastructure. This was cheaper, improved reliability, and increased our bandwidth in some cases by a factor of 10.

Content Filtered Internet – Researched, tested multiple alternatives, implemented, and maintained filtered internet requirement for facility residents as requested by federal customer. As best understood, first to accomplish this in our industry at the time.

DVR to NVR Transition – Researched, and managed migration of analog coax cameras attached to DVR to IP Cameras on NVR. Picture quality improved from 480i to 1080p or greater in most situations.

Windows XP to Windows 10 Upgrade – After implementing WDS (Windows Deployment Services), performed or remotely managed transition of client PCs from Windows XP to Windows 10 with minimal impact to operations. Not only keeping in compliance, WDS greatly improved downtime of PC issues being able to reimage in the field instead of only at Corporate.

Mobile MDM Rollout – Researched, tested, created policy, assisted with implementation, and managed launch of nearly 100 iPhone 4s to nationwide leaders using Apple Business Manager and Airwatch. As best understood, first to accomplish this in our industry at the time.

2004 - 2007: United Parcel Service

Part-Time Supervisor (Package Operations)

Supervised a team of 6 package handlers in a fast-paced warehouse environment, ensuring efficient package flow, safety compliance, and shift productivity.

  • Coordinated start-up and wrap-up of daily operations, including workforce planning, employee briefings, and equipment readiness.

  • Trained and coached staff on proper package handling techniques, company procedures, and OSHA safety standards.

  • Monitored KPIs such as package throughput, accuracy, and on-time processing to meet operational goals.

  • Communicated with higher management and cross-functional teams to address volume surges, staffing needs, and performance issues.

  • Enforced company policies and led corrective action plans when necessary, fostering a culture of accountability and performance.

  • Utilized UPS systems for package tracking, staffing reports, and incident documentation.

Package Handler

  • Sorted, scanned, and loaded/unloaded packages with speed and accuracy in a high-volume, time-sensitive environment.

  • Lifted and moved packages up to 70 lbs consistently, adhering to OSHA safety standards and proper lifting techniques.

  • Operated conveyor belts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment to support warehouse logistics.

  • Collaborated with team members and supervisors to maintain a smooth and efficient package flow during shifts.

  • Ensured timely processing and dispatch of parcels, contributing to UPS's delivery performance and customer satisfaction.

  • Maintained clean and organized workspaces while adhering to strict operational protocols and safety guidelines.

2001 - 2004: InterSpace Computers

Computer Technician (Part-Time)

  • Troubleshot and resolved hardware and software issues on Windows-based desktops and laptops.

  • Built and configured new computer systems, including installation of motherboards, CPUs, RAM, storage devices, GPUs, and power supplies.

  • Installed and configured Windows operating systems, drivers, and essential software to ensure optimal performance and security.

  • Performed routine maintenance, system upgrades, and virus/malware removal using tools such as Windows Defender and third-party utilities.

  • Provided in-person and remote technical support to end users, ensuring timely resolution of issues and high customer satisfaction.

  • Maintained accurate records of repairs, builds, and customer interactions using basic ticketing or tracking systems.

  • Assisted with inventory management and ordering of replacement parts and components.

1997 - 2003: Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS)
Eastern High School & Carrithers Middle School

Help Desk Technician (Student Volunteer)

  • Provided first-level technical support to students, faculty, and staff for hardware, software, and network-related issues across campus.

    Assisted with troubleshooting Windows-based systems, printers and account access problems.

    Logged and tracked support requests using help desk ticketing systems, escalating unresolved issues as needed.

    Guided users through basic IT procedures, software installations, and peripheral setups.

    Supported the setup and maintenance of computer labs, classroom AV equipment, and administrative workstations.

    Delivered professional, courteous service while maintaining confidentiality and data security protocols.

    Gained hands-on experience in IT support within a collaborative, educational environment.