Portrait of Dan Horning

Daniel Horning

Blending a passion for music, photography, and creative tech with over 20 years of IT leadership.

IT Management Professional

For over two decades, I’ve helped organizations in both the public and private sectors build, manage, and secure their IT infrastructure. I specialize in guiding technical teams, untangling complex compliance requirements (like NIST and CMMC), and ensuring that enterprise platforms run seamlessly. Beyond the server room, I am a strong advocate for digital accessibility (WCAG) and technical education, constantly exploring how creative technologies can solve real-world problems.

Technical Skills

Platforms & Tools

  • Microsoft 365 Administration
  • Atlassian Suite (Jira, Confluence)
  • Exchange Online & SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visual Studio
  • Windows/Linux Servers & Desktops

Cloud, Compliance & Standards

  • Microsoft Azure & AWS
  • NIST/CMMC Compliance
  • NYS/Federal Policy Compliance
  • WCAG 2.0/2.1 Accessibility
  • ISO Security Standards

Languages & Databases

  • C#, PHP, JavaScript
  • ASP.NET (Razor/Blazor/MVC)
  • PL/SQL & T-SQL
  • Oracle & MS SQL Server
  • MySQL

Professional Experience

Chief Executive Officer & Founder

American Digital Services, LLC
1998 – Present
  • Direct an IT consultancy dedicated to building secure, compliance-ready infrastructures and robust cybersecurity frameworks.
  • Architect and manage client environments, specializing in Microsoft 365 and the Atlassian suite.
  • Guide businesses through complex compliance journeys (including NIST and CMMC) and scalable cloud migrations via Azure, Google Cloud, and AWS.
  • Design and engineer custom, highly accessible (WCAG-compliant) websites and web applications.

Manager, Background Check Systems

New York State ITS – Office of Mental Health
2024 – Present
  • Drive the modernization and security of critical statewide background check systems, including FBI NICS and MHBC integrations.
  • Lead complex, multi-agency technical projects from end-to-end, navigating rigorous NYS SDLC methodologies.
  • Champion strict data security protocols and WCAG accessibility standards across all platforms to ensure safe, equitable public access.

Information Technology Specialist 3 (Programming)

New York State ITS – DMV (CSC)
2018 – 2024
  • Mentored and supervised technical teams to develop and maintain highly visible public applications, including eDMV, MyDMV, and state online payment systems.
  • Spearheaded the enforcement of WCAG 2.0 AA accessibility guidelines and maintained rigorous security standards for critical payment gateways.

Information Technology Specialist 2 (Programming)

New York State ITS – DMV (CSC)
2017 – 2018
  • Provided critical development and backend support for the TSLED ticketing system and built robust interagency data solutions.
  • Engineered secure MSI software deployments and established ISO-aligned data handling practices to protect sensitive state information.

Systems Administrator

Design & Disaster Recovery Consulting, Ltd.
2006
  • Managed and secured enterprise-scale server infrastructures for government contracts, ensuring high availability across Windows Server environments, Exchange, Cisco Unity, and physical access control systems.

Education

Associate Degree – Business Management (Cybersecurity Focus)

Eastern Gateway Community College
2021

Continuing Education

Microsoft Partner Network

Ongoing training in Microsoft enterprise applications, cloud security, and IT management practices.