“Being part of a firm that is open to evolving and improving its technology landscape is both exciting and rewarding.”
We’re an interconnected nationwide team, but we each have our own reasons for being passionate about the work we do. This month, get to know Austyn Lee, IT Manager in our Wilmington office.
What’s your background and how did you end up at Kittelson?
I started my career in IT as a systems administrator and help desk support, and eventually transitioned into IT management with a focus on modernizing technologies. I’ve always been passionate about helping organizations move forward from outdated systems into modern, cloud-based computing. My move to Kittelson happened somewhat serendipitously. I was relocating from Pittsburgh to Wilmington, NC to be near close friends, and I came across a LinkedIn posting for a position at Kittelson. The role aligned with what I was looking for: less behind-the-scenes tech work and more systems and process thinking. It was also in the right place. I messaged Bastian Schroeder on LinkedIn persistently, and now I’ve been here a full year!
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family: my wife, our one-year-old son, and another child on the way (due August 14th). I’m an avid motorcyclist, enjoy both regular and disc golf, and take every opportunity I can to go surfing or enjoy the beach. Basically, anything outdoors and with family is my happy place.
What does a typical day look like for you as Kittelson’s IT Manager?
My typical day involves a mix of reading technical documents, especially keeping up with Microsoft’s constant updates, testing new systems, and interacting with staff to understand their IT experience. I try to stay on top of large-scale or recurring issues within the firm, like problems with ArcGIS or office-wide technical glitches, and collaborate with our DigiWest counterparts to resolve them. It’s a balance between staying informed and proactively solving problems.
What type of work are you most passionate about in the IT space?
I’m passionate about process improvement, especially when people initially don’t want to change. I love doing systems and process reviews, learning why people do things a certain way, and working with them to improve efficiency without eliminating jobs. It’s rewarding when someone says, “This is better” or “This is much easier for me.” That’s a big win in my book.
How do you stay up to date with emerging technology, AI, and other new tools?
I follow a handful of digital magazines and websites, like The Information, Wired, KnowBe4, and The Hacker News. I also stay connected to the academic world by keeping tabs on computer science and cybersecurity departments at places like Carnegie Mellon, Brown, and the University of Texas. Personally, I’ve built a secure internal Azure network for my family to manage our digital life, which keeps me engaged outside of work too. Professionally, I block out about four hours each month to deep dive into emerging tech or AI tools, always looking for solutions that might improve or consolidate the systems Kittelson uses.
What excites you most about the future of Kittelson?
Kittelson is in a great position for technological growth. The firm has a strong reputation for being a leader in technology, and I’m excited to contribute to that. I value that my ideas are heard and taken seriously. It’s the kind of environment I had been seeking. Being part of a firm that is open to evolving and improving its technology landscape is both exciting and rewarding.
Fast Lane Facts
Gadget you can’t live without (besides your phone)?
My headphones. I love music and listen to it all day.
Dream motorcycle ride destination?
I’ve already ridden the Tail of the Dragon in the Appalachian Mountains, but a bucket-list trip would be riding the Pan America route, from East Coast to West Coast.
One word your coworkers would use to describe you?
Talkative.
Biggest “tech pet peeve”?
People not locking their computers when they walk away. Lock your computer, Windows + L!