[TriLUG] SC elections - Chris Hedemark bio

[Chris Hedemark]

I've been a Linux user since about 1997 or 1998.  I really jumped into
it out of necessity since I was working at IBM at the time, and I was
expected to provide level 2 and level 3 product support for some of
their UNIX applications yet there was no room in the support budget to
provide my department with any actual UNIX workstations.  I found a
thriving Linux enthusiast underground there, and put Linux on an old
Pentium or 486 despite the preaching from corporate lawyers and upper
management that Linux was evil incarnate.  With a couple of other
IBM'ers I helped to establish a LUG within IBM.  I left IBM before they
really embraced Linux.

Since then I've established a track record of finding effective ways to
use Linux and OpenBSD to replace Windows or Solaris wherever it made
good sense to do so.  My use of Linux at BOPS saved them at least a
quarter million dollars in R&D spending while simultaneously increasing
productivity.  Presently I am doing freelance consulting work.  One of
my long-term clients is a healthcare provider in North Carolina that is
enjoying a top to bottom infrastructure reconfiguration in which Linux
and OpenBSD figure prominently.  I also do a bit of side work in which I
put together effective Linux-based solutions for my customers.

Within the LUG I have been one of the more active volunteers, lending my
help wherever possible to assist with installfests, Linux in education
efforts, handholding with newbies, etc.  I'm also largely responsible
for maintaining the mailing list services at trilug.org.

My track record within the LUG shows that while my straight-shooting
style can be a bit abrupt for some to handle, you'll always get it
straight from me.  I have proven my intentions to provide end user
services for TriLUG members through the server farm, and if elected
would make it one of my top priorities to further enhance the perks of
membership within our server farm.  Additionally, I would like to place
more focus on our public services.  This would include facilitating more
regular installfests, better general public awareness of our group and
activities, and diversifying our membership base to include more people
from outside of IS/IT.  I'm very good about picking up the phone and
calling people to establish new connections, as evidenced by my one year
term as Vice President of the Piedmont All Terrain Vehicle Association
in which I accomplished many positive improvements in our club, and in
our relationship with the outside community.

I believe that my approach to providing member services strikes a good
balance between server security and effectiveness of services.  I think
this is largely what sets my attitude about the LUG apart from some of
the other worthy people who are running.

This is not a popularity contest tonight.  Consider what you would like
to get out of the LUG, and which five people best represent your
opinions.  Also consider their track records in actually getting work
done for the LUG and the community.  If you do not agree with me, I
really do not want your vote.  But if you agree with my vision, and you
think I've got a good track record of getting things done, I would be
happy to serve the LUG in some greater capacity this coming year.
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