Michael Harper

Athens, GA · (404) 465-1283 · [email protected]

IT Director & AI Strategist | Enterprise Architecture | Digital Transformation

  • 15+ years delivering production systems across ecommerce, DevOps, and enterprise IT
  • Building governed AI capabilities that modernize legacy platforms and drive measurable outcomes
  • Track record with Coca-Cola, Red Bull, Charbroil, and multi-brand enterprise portfolios

Experience

Director of IT

Lewis Marine Supply
July 2024 - Present

Leading enterprise technology and AI transformation, overseeing IT operations, cybersecurity, and digital platforms while serving as AI enablement and governance lead.

  • Established AI governance framework with best practices and guardrails for responsible, secure AI adoption across the organization
  • Identified and implemented high-impact AI use cases, embedding capabilities into core ecommerce, ERP, and operational systems
  • Rebuilt lost institutional knowledge using AI to modernize legacy platforms and eliminate long-standing technical debt
  • Delivered production systems improving financial visibility, operational efficiency, and system reliability
  • Onboarded cross-functional teams into practical AI workflows while ensuring compliance and scalability
July 2024 - Present

Lead Ecommerce Developer

Donovan Marine
February 2020 - July 2024

Led full-stack development for web properties using Magento 2, Python/Django, and PHP/Symfony, managing distributed infrastructure and DevOps on AWS.

  • Implemented Cloudflare CDN with Workers (edge JavaScript) to optimize response times across legacy properties
  • Built custom EDI, API, and CSV middleware enabling seamless dropship fulfillment logistics
  • Created single-cart handoff feature improving checkout UX and streamlining sales reporting
  • Enabled multi-channel fulfillment through Amazon and eBay via custom GoDataFeed integration
  • Developed Python automation and Selenium scripts for testing, SEO audits, and performance benchmarking
  • Established documentation standards reducing deployment and RCA turnaround times
February 2020 - July 2024

Ecommerce Delivery Manager

WC Bradley
Jan 2018 - Feb 2020

Managed e-commerce development and QA teams delivering web solutions for major consumer brands including Charbroil, Zebco, Oklahoma Joe's, and Lamplight (Tiki) across US, Canada, and Europe.

  • Led Agile sprint processes ensuring on-time delivery across Magento 1/2 EE, Shopify Plus, and WooCommerce platforms
  • Implemented CCPA and GDPR privacy compliance solutions across all brand properties
  • Championed ADA/WCAG web accessibility standards for inclusive shopping experiences
  • Coordinated marketing tool integrations and middleware architecture as technical liaison between dev and business teams
Jan 2018 - Feb 2020

Senior Magento Developer

FortyFour (Bounteous)
February 2016 - January 2018

Full-stack development for enterprise clients including Coca-Cola, Red Bull, SmartWater, and Powerade, focusing on PHP/MySQL applications and highly-available infrastructure.

  • Delivered production systems for high-profile clients: Coca-Cola, Red Bull, SmartWater, Powerade, Shoney's
  • Built microservices and REST APIs using Laravel/Lumen; maintained Magento 1/2, Drupal, and WordPress
  • Created and maintained highly-available DevOps infrastructure on AWS, Azure, and Magento Cloud
  • Conducted security audits (Kali Linux, PCI scanning) and automated frontend testing (Selenium, Robot Framework)
February 2016 - January 2018

Developer / Data Team Lead

Springbot
January 2015 - February 2016

Led development of Magento and Shopify integrations for marketing automation platform, ensuring compliance with Magento Extension Verification program.

  • Built and maintained core platform integrations for Magento and Shopify ecosystems
  • Developed advanced 3rd-party extension integrations to enhance data exchange capabilities
  • Provided integration support to clients and ensured extension compliance with marketplace standards
January 2015 - February 2016

Senior Web Developer

Simplified IT Products
January 2014 - January 2015

Full-stack development and administration of retail/wholesale ecommerce sites and redemption platforms using Magento CE, with DevOps support for mobile and desktop applications.

  • Developed and maintained responsive ecommerce sites supporting all browsers including IE7-IE11
  • Created and maintained 3 custom APIs and multiple Magento extensions for Picture Keeper product line
  • Provided DevOps support to mobile app and desktop developers
  • Managed full-stack responsibilities including A/B testing, security auditing, and database administration
January 2014 - January 2015

Full-Stack Web Developer

Gauge Interactive
July 2011 - December 2013

Full-stack web development focused on Magento ecommerce and WordPress CMS, with extensive server administration and front-end development expertise.

  • Built ecommerce solutions on Magento with WordPress CMS integration
  • Managed Git version control and deployment via Beanstalk, BitBucket, and GitHub
  • Administered application and database servers on SmartOS and CentOS with performance optimization
  • Delivered responsive designs with focus on UI/UX, A/B testing, and modern frontend frameworks
July 2011 - December 2013

Independent IT Consultant

Self-Employed
2007 - October 2013

IT consulting spanning desktop support, security auditing, full-stack web development, and infrastructure deployment for small businesses.

  • Delivered end-to-end IT solutions including networking, server implementation, and POS integration
  • Performed security auditing, data recovery, and database administration
  • Built full-stack web applications and provided remote support for desktop and mobile devices
  • Managed infrastructure projects from planning through purchasing to deployment
2007 - October 2013

Education

Savannah Technical College

Computer Information Systems - Networking & Cisco Track
January 2000 - May 2004

Providence Christian School

High School Diploma - Technology Magnet Program
August 2000 - May 2003

Skills

Core Technologies
Python JavaScript PHP SQL AWS Azure Docker Linux REST APIs Magento

Additional: React, Node.js, Django, Laravel, Cloudflare Workers, Terraform, CI/CD, Selenium, MongoDB

Areas of Impact
Enterprise AI Strategy AI Governance Cloud Architecture Digital Transformation DevOps & Automation
Certifications

Magento Certified Developer

Interests

I enjoy 3D printing, flying drones, continuous learning and attempting to keep life balanced. I'm a Linux enthusiast and have at least one Raspberry Pi running at any given time. I spent much of my life creating things within a web browser so my recent creative outlets generally include 3D modeling and recreational programming. When not in front of my computer I can be found spending time with my family, making poorly timed jokes, getting outdoors and practicing boxing.