After 25 years in retail management, IT Manager Michael Dilley was ready for a change. He went back to college at age 44 to obtain a degree in networking technology.
He joined the City of Fulton team about three and a half years ago. As IT manager, Michael oversees the administrative and planning aspects of the city’s technology systems.
“When I first started, everything was about fix this, fix that, upgrade a computer, and things like that,” he said. “Now, it’s reports and planning out where the city is going with technology. I work with different departments on what they need. I like working with the people in the city. One of my favorite things about my job is getting to plan out where the city is going next.”
Those planning aspects can also be challenging, Michael said, because it means anticipating needs and also anticipating where technology is headed in the coming years.
“Cybersecurity has gotten to be a big thing for us,” he said. “You’re balancing trying to keep the city safe and then planning out budgeting for the equipment that you need to do all of it with. Where do we want to take the city? It can be very, very challenging.”
Outside of work, Michael enjoys disconnecting from technology. He spends time outside to go hunting and fishing. He has two daughters and two granddaughters.
“When I go home, I actually turn the volume off on my phone, and I keep it on my chair. In case somebody needs me, it’ll vibrate,” he said. “When you’re around tech all day, you have to turn it off when you get home because it’s just becomes too much. It’s mentally exhausting.”