Monday, June 3, 2024
About Shawn: Shawn has been a key figure of the NGN project for the past five years. His extensive background in IT, particularly in setting up IT infrastructure globally, laid a solid foundation for his current role. Before Yale, Shawn ensured the successful construction and installation of IT equipment across corporate locations worldwide. This experience honed his skills in managing large-scale projects and complex technical environments, preparing him well for the dynamic challenges of NGN.
Shawn’s NGN Journey: Shawn's journey with NGN has been just as much of an evolution as the project itself. His responsibilities have grown significantly over the years alongside his changing roles. Initially tasked with overseeing the migration of individual buildings as a project manager, he then advanced to the position of program manager, and was ultimately offered the role of Project Director, overseeing all aspects of the program. Drawing on his involvement at all levels of the program and his collegial disposition, Shawn's leadership ensures that every element of the NGN project is executed smoothly and efficiently, driving the team toward success and continuous improvement.
Challenges Turned Triumphs: For Shawn, the most exciting aspect of his work is.png)
collaborating with a diverse array of colleagues across Yale University. He thrives on the positive culture that the NGN team has cultivated, where team members are always willing to support one another and strive for excellence. The team’s dedication to teamwork, improving processes, and becoming more efficient is a source of pride for Shawn.
collaborating with a diverse array of colleagues across Yale University. He thrives on the positive culture that the NGN team has cultivated, where team members are always willing to support one another and strive for excellence. The team’s dedication to teamwork, improving processes, and becoming more efficient is a source of pride for Shawn. Innovations and Achievements: One of the standout innovations of the NGN project, in Shawn's view, is the enhanced capability to monitor and respond to network issues swiftly. This improvement will continue to significantly boost the reliability and responsiveness of Yale's network. Among the numerous achievements of the NGN team, Shawn is particularly proud of the successful migration of so many buildings and the cohesive culture that unites this team. The collaboration among different teams working seamlessly together is a testament to their professionalism, skill and dedication.
Valuable Lessons: Shawn’s advice to others is to never settle for “good enough”. He advocates for learning and continuous improvement, emphasizing the importance of pushing beyond comfort zones. Shawn believes that recognizing and celebrating team achievements is also crucial, as it fosters a sense of accomplishment and purpose.
Beyond the Office: Outside of work, Shawn is passionate about maintaining a healthy work-life balance. He loves attending his three children’s athletic events and is an avid supporter of the UConn Huskies and the Dallas Cowboys (even if it’s a bit painful!).
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Favorites and Fun Facts: Shawn’s favorite food is Mexican, but he also has a "slice" of fondness for New Haven-style pizza. When it comes to music, he’s a country music fan, with Garth Brooks as a favorite artist. His top movies include the epic “Braveheart,” the hilarious “Major League,” and the nostalgic “The Sandlot.” Something his colleagues may not know about Shawn is that he interned as an Equipment Manager for the Dallas Cowboys in 2001. Yes, he got to meet legends like Emmitt Smith and Jerry Jones—talk about scoring an unforgettable early career experience! Favorite Spot on Campus: Shawn's favorite place on campus is the Whale, Yale’s ice rink. He enjoys the unique atmosphere and the excitement of watching hockey games there, not to mention the great food trucks outside the arena.