Information Technology

The IT Department assures the management, development, and integrity of effective and efficient technology and provides technical support to internal users and approximately 800 external Pinellas users. The department is responsible for the assessment of needs, evaluation, installation and maintenance of all hardware and software provided to JWB employees and provides Help Desk support to internal users on the software and hardware, and external users on SAMIS - a custom web based client information system - and SharePoint (branded as KnowledgeShare) collaboration sites.

The IT Department’s goals are to maintain at least a 99% up time for the internet connection as measured by the number of work hours as compared to unscheduled down time; maintain a 98% uptime for all internal systems; provide technical support to JWB staff to improve productivity and create work efficiencies; provide orientation training to all new employees and annual training to all employees on the Technology Policies and Procedures to include quarterly security training; and to maintain a secure and monitored network that is not adversely affected by viruses or other threats.

The IT Department has embraced the concept of “green computing,” using strategies and technologies that result in cost saving measures to both JWB and the environment. IT has been able to save on the overall cost of operation through the virtualization of servers and Citrix technology, extending the desktop refresh from three to every five years and reduce the number of servers ( and energy costs) required to support the infrastructure. The de-duplication technology deployed in 2009 allows for reduction in the equipment and storage required to maintain information in accordance with public records law.

Information Technology Staff

Patricia K. Gehant, Director

Jose Chinchilla, Database Administrator/Network Support Technician

Shannon Cohen-Phillips, Information Technology Associate

Jennie Edwards, SAMIS Help Desk/Trainer

Joanna Maniscalco, Operational Analyst

Richard Sleem, System Administrator

JWB uses links to other web sites in an effort to assist visitors in locating information on topics that might be of interest to them, and cannot attest to the accuracy of information provided by linked sites. Linking to a web site does not constitute an endorsement of the sponsors of that site or the information and products presented on that site.

Please note that all electronic communications made or received by JWB members or staff are considered public records and are retained and, upon request, made available to the public and media in accordance with Chapter 119, Florida Statues.

For problems or questions regarding this web, contact the Communications Department