Johnathan Lightfoot

Information Security Officer / Director Information Technology Assessments and Services

Symbiont, Inc

As President of Symbiont, Inc., I lead with a forward-thinking approach, staying at the cutting edge of AI and automation solutions that drive transformative change for our clients. With over a decade of executive management experience, I guide cross-functional teams in delivering innovative, secure-first IT solutions that align with our clients' strategic goals.

At Symbiont, we’re not just adapting to the future—we’re creating it. My expertise in professional services metrics, combined with a strong foundation in data-driven decision-making, enables me to implement AI-driven strategies that optimize resource utilization and enhance profitability. We’re pioneering AI solutions that streamline operations, boost productivity, and empower businesses to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

I’m proud of our track record in leading successful AI and ERP implementations, where we’ve integrated advanced technologies to solve complex business challenges. My leadership extends to building strong, collaborative relationships across all organizational levels, ensuring that our AI solutions are not just technologically advanced, but also practical and impactful for our clients.

In my previous roles, I have developed and mentored teams to embrace the latest in AI and automation, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the industry. My commitment to innovation, resilience, and operational excellence continues to position Symbiont as a leader in the AI and IT services space, dedicated to driving meaningful results for our clients.

President

As Director of Professional Services, I led cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality IT implementations and projects, consistently exceeding client expectations. My expertise in professional services metrics like revenue, margin, and billable utilization enabled me to create a services capacity model that optimized resources and maintained profitability.

I drove the maturation and scaling of Symbiont, Inc., incorporating secure-first solutions into templates and processes that improved operational excellence and customer satisfaction. I collaborated with Sales, PMO, and Managed Services to ensure the success of projects from scoping to delivery, fostering a customer-centric approach that increased satisfaction, profitability, and market growth.

With strong technical acumen and people management skills, I led complex IT consulting projects, built consensus across departments, and mentored teams to consistently achieve results. My ability to influence and negotiate, combined with acute attention to detail, ensured that Symbiont delivered exceptional service and value to our clients.

kashkids

Empowering the next generation with financial literacy, Kash Kids is a beacon of innovation in educational nonprofit management. We provide comprehensive courses for K-12 students, focusing on financial basics, investing, and economic principles. Our mission is to cultivate a financially savvy future, offering the tools and knowledge necessary for economic independence. As we expand our impact, we invite investors and partners to join us in shaping financially empowered youth. Together, we can build a foundation for lifelong success. Learn more about our transformative work at kashkids.org.

Board Member

TechForce LLC

As the Founder and CEO of TechForce, I was a high-energy technology leader and business strategist, dedicated to shaping the future of innovation and driving significant revenue growth. My leadership was recognized for aligning cutting-edge technologies, such as SharePoint, Office 365, Azure, and AI systems, with the strategic goals of diverse clients—from SMEs to Fortune 100 companies.

At TechForce, I specialized in harnessing advanced technologies to deliver tailored solutions that met the unique needs of each client. My expertise spanned information solutions, natural language processing, chatbot creation, Ethereum smart contract development, and joint application development. I was particularly adept at integrating AI systems to enhance business processes, optimize performance, and deliver measurable results.

My role involved leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects with a focus on resource optimization and capacity management. I was committed to fostering a culture of innovation, ensuring that every solution not only aligned with the client's objectives but also reflected the core values and culture of their organization.

Throughout my tenure, I built a reputation for delivering high-impact, customized services that fueled client success and positioned TechForce as a trusted partner in the technology space.

Owner, SharePoint, Office 365, and Azure Expert Consultant

Tower Education Technologies

As Vice President of Application Development at Tower, I led large-scale mobile and SharePoint initiatives, driving significant improvements in efficiency and project completion times. My strategic oversight across planning, budgeting, and application support resulted in a 20% increase in efficiency and a 15% reduction in project timelines.

I managed multiple delivery teams, ensuring alignment with organizational software engineering standards and successfully implementing CI/CD pipeline automation, which increased release frequency by 25%. My focus on high-quality, secure software systems contributed to a 25% increase in project success rates and a 10% boost in customer satisfaction.

Collaborating closely with HR and other technology leaders, I enhanced team morale and retention by 15% and 10%, respectively, through targeted recruiting, retention, and continuous learning initiatives. I also partnered with product teams to build and prioritize technical roadmaps, achieving a 20% increase in project alignment with business goals.

Through my collaboration with engineering and architecture teams, I spearheaded the adoption of new technologies, driving a 15% increase in innovation and enhancing the overall quality of our applications.

Vice President, Application Development

Howard Community College

As an Associate Professor at Howard Community College, I developed and delivered educational lectures, curricula, and training sessions focused on SharePoint and Microsoft Office, ensuring students gained practical, job-ready skills. I collaborated with the department chair to create relevant, supportive materials that enhanced the learning experience.

Key strategies I implemented included:

 - Providing personalized, meaningful feedback to help students achieve competency in SharePoint and Microsoft Office, setting clear priorities and milestones for success.
 - Employing adaptive instructional methodologies to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring every student had the opportunity to excel.
 - Offering one-on-one guidance to help students develop effective strategies and utilize academic tools, fostering positive attitudes toward the IT environment.
 - Encouraging collaborative working relationships among students, which proved essential for managing assignments and resolving classroom challenges.

My approach was centered on empowering students to reach their full potential while fostering a deep understanding and appreciation of IT.

Adjunct Professor (Collaborative Technologies)

Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies (SGT)

As a key member of SGT’s innovation leadership team, I managed strategic relationships between internal IT resources, corporate business units, client programs, and external entities, including government vendors and partner organizations. My role encompassed strategic planning, fiscal accountability, acquisition strategies, governance, and leading a team of 30 software development and project management professionals.

Notable accomplishments include:

 - Building and leading the long-term strategic roadmap for the organization’s IT infrastructure, driving the development and maturity of key applications.
 - Representing SGT’s IT department at company-wide meetings, forging cooperative outsourcing partnerships to tackle complex technical challenges.
 - Overseeing the planning, forecasting, and reporting of technology strategies and roadmaps across Azure, AWS, and on-premises platforms, ensuring alignment with corporate goals.
 - Developing and managing the department’s IT budget, guiding capital planning, investment control, and resource allocation through strategic policy agendas.
 - Leading agile software development projects, establishing performance metrics, and reporting on project status and team velocity to leadership, resulting in improved project outcomes and accelerated time to market.

My leadership was pivotal in aligning IT strategies with business objectives, optimizing resources, and enhancing the company’s technological capabilities.

Director, Applications Development

GP Strategies Corporation

As the Principal SharePoint Architect at GP Strategies, I provided architectural leadership to a national team of 30 developers, project managers, and business analysts, overseeing the company’s Information Technology Infrastructure and Operations (ITIO). My leadership in the first year alone generated over $300,000 in additional revenue through strategic thought leadership and evangelism for the Practice’s solutions.

Enterprise-Level Performance Management Results:

 - Led the design, development, and testing of solutions to support business requirements, while analyzing existing systems to recommend improvements.
 - Spearheaded the development of new Azure-based environments, implementing 10 Enterprise Level applications that enhanced processes and introduced new capabilities.
 - Developed solutions to integration and interoperability challenges, ensuring seamless operation across the enterprise.
 - Monitored and optimized the performance of newly implemented solutions, driving continuous improvement.

Key Strategies:

 - Coordinated technical projects by gathering requirements, producing quality deliverables, and adhering to aggressive timelines.
 - Directed and monitored the integration of department information systems with ITIO, ensuring alignment with business objectives and strategic plans.
 - Provided authoritative guidance on complex issues, collaborating with stakeholders to deliver solutions that met business needs.

My role was critical in driving technological advancements, optimizing operations, and delivering solutions that supported the company’s strategic growth.

Principal SharePoint Architect

TechForce, Inc.

As President of TechForce, I led the company in delivering innovative IT solutions, with a focus on software development, cybersecurity, and operational management.

Software Development: Spearheaded the production of a software package for the Training Industry by collaborating with offshore development teams. Managed IT specialists and analysts, setting work schedules, deadlines, and performance standards to ensure successful service integration of IT programs.

Information Technology Security: Directed the company’s cybersecurity initiatives, balancing the benefits and risks of information sharing. Implemented secure information sharing protocols within the company and with vendor organizations, ensuring robust cybersecurity across all operations.

Operational Management: Coordinated and approved technical projects, providing oversight and technical assistance for automated systems. Directed the integration of department information systems with the company’s IT infrastructure, optimizing efficiency and program operations.

My leadership at TechForce was instrumental in driving technological innovation, enhancing cybersecurity, and ensuring operational excellence across all IT functions.

President/CEO

US Securities and Exchange Commission

As a Senior Consultant at the SEC, I played a pivotal role in the information architecture and change management for the rollout of a major SharePoint-based solution.

Technical Oversight: Ensured best practices were adhered to in the development of programs, information systems, and technology, providing critical technical oversight throughout the project.

Process Improvement: Contributed to the creation of the Commission’s SharePoint Governance Plan, offering strategic guidance to enhance the platform’s effectiveness and governance.

Database Administration: Led data integrity efforts for the division, achieving an 87% customer satisfaction rating by instilling confidence in the accuracy and reliability of the data provided by the solution.

My contributions were instrumental in ensuring the successful implementation and adoption of SharePoint, enhancing the Commission’s operational efficiency and data integrity.

Senior Consultant

The Training Associates

As a consultant with The Training Consultants, I specialized in developing and delivering IT training programs that empowered clients to excel in computer hardware and software technology.

IT Training: Designed and conducted professional training courses for customers and engineers, covering all aspects of computer hardware and software technology, ensuring participants gained practical, hands-on skills.

Curriculum Design: Created and refined course content, set clear student learning objectives, and developed comprehensive syllabi and lesson plans. Managed all aspects of the training process, including maintaining records, administering assessments, and creating detailed student manuals.

Course Evaluation: Continuously evaluated and updated training materials and procedures to ensure courses remained current with the latest software and equipment advancements, enhancing the effectiveness of the training programs.

My work ensured that training programs were not only educational but also aligned with the latest technological developments, providing clients with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.

Consultant

Transform Your Business with NEXUS AI Hub

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Entrepreneurs & Startups: Scale efficiently with automated customer engagement, data analysis, and reporting—allowing you to focus on growing your business without needing a large team.

Consultants & Strategists: Automate data analysis, report generation, and project recommendations so you can spend more time crafting strategies that deliver results for your clients.

How I Help: 
With advanced AI technology, NEXUS AI Hub automates core business functions, streamlining your operations and empowering you to drive growth. 

Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a fast-scaling startup, NEXUS AI Hub provides the tools you need to operate efficiently and effectively.

Contact me today to explore how NEXUS AI Hub can help you scale your business and optimize performance.

As a seasoned executive with over 10 years of management experience in services, professional services, consulting, and project management, I am confident in my ability to lead multiple functional teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality implementations and projects to our customers.

My strong working knowledge of key professional services metrics such as revenue, margin, and billable utilization, as well as my data and analytical skills and experience making data-driven decisions, make me well-suited to build and run a services capacity model that ensures adequate resource availability while maintaining profitable margins.

I have a successful track record of managing and leading growing teams, and am proficient in collaboration, conflict resolution, group interaction and dynamics, project management, and facilitation of significant projects. I am able to evaluate and balance team and individual workloads through effective time management, prioritization, and organizational skills.

As a change leader, I lead through vision and values, and model leadership behaviors. I have experience leading enterprise ERP and SaaS implementations and can build and maintain relationships with team members, customer stakeholders, peers, and executives across organizational boundaries. I possess a positive, resilient, and tenacious attitude with a propensity to persevere.

In my previous role, I successfully developed a team of delivery professionals with a varied set of skills to address the technical, process, and relationship management aspects of our services. I was also responsible for handling executive escalations and maintained a high level of commitment to superior customer satisfaction throughout the duration of our customer relationships.

Elevated Futures - Coaching & Consulting

Lead business development initiatives for international clients, focusing on market entry strategies and cross-border partnerships.
Design and implement customized business strategies that align client objectives with sustainable growth opportunities - small business development.
Executive-level coaching and corporate training on international business strategy and operations.

Founder Lead Consultant & Head Coach

Hochschule Heilbronn - Hochschule für Technik, Wirtschaft und Informatik

Full Professor at the Faculty International Business.

Professor - International Business & Tourism Management 

Lauren Ugur CC

Provided consultancy to corporates, government bodies, and international organizations on strategic economic and social development, urban planning, and marketing.
Notable clients include the German Convention Bureau, Royal Caribbean Cruises, KfW Development Bank, UN-Habitat, and GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit).

Independent Development Consultant and Coach

International School of Management (ISM)

Courses taught (English and German):
- Tourism Management / Event Management
- Tourism Marketing / Event Marketing
- Tourism Markets and Policy
- Pricing and Revenue Management
- Quality Management and CRM
- Business Planning and Financial Management
- Market Research
- Intercultural Management
- Scientific Research / Academic writing

Professor Tourism and Event Management

Technische Universität Darmstadt

Consortium management for the Erasmus Mundus MSc programme "Mundus Urbano" in International Cooperation in Urban Development hosted by the TU Darmstadt in collaboration with three european partner universities. 

Key tasks:
- Consortium contract drafting and management
- Co-author and data collection for Erasmus Mundus renewal grant (approved, ca. €2,5 million)
- Management of the Erasmus Mundus scholarship application process, selection and awards
- EU annual technical and financial reporting 
- Lecturing

Consortium manager - Erasmus Mundus Master of Science International Cooperation in Urban Development

Entitled "Beyond the Pilot Project, towards broad-based integrated violence prevention in South Africa" 
this research focuses on the institutionalisation of integrated planning approaches for violence prevention and explores the question of transferability so as to conceptualise how successful pilot programmes may be scaled up beyond their initial sites of implementation.

Doctoral Researcher

I have been involved with the Erasmus Mundus funded International Masters Programme in International Cooperation and Urban Development since 2007, first as a student and from 2009 to 2011 as the programme manager. Overall this position encompassed many aspects related to the day-to-day management and overall strategic development of the programme. 

Main tasks included:
- Application and scholarship award management
- EU financial and technical annual report writing 
- European consortium partner/relationship management
- Strategic development and programme marketing 
- Curriculum planning and organisation of international guest lecturers
- Guest lecturer liaison

Programme manager - Erasmus Mundus Master of Science International Cooperation and Urban Development

I don’t fit neatly into a single box: academic, consultant, strategist.

What I bring is a perspective shaped by deep academic grounding (PhD in Sociology, MBA, MSc in International Cooperation and Urban Development) and over 15 years of experience bridging research, real-world strategy, and business operations.

I don’t teach by the book. I don’t consult from theory. I work at the intersection because today’s most pressing challenges don’t fit into boxes either. They require integrated, multidimensional thinking.

I’ve worked with corporate leaders, government institutions, entrepreneurs, and students to move beyond surface-level success. 

My focus? Making complex ideas actionable and helping people build businesses and careers that actually work, not just look good on paper.

How?

By asking better questions, challenging assumptions, and co-creating strategies that align with your goals, resources, and context. Whether in a boardroom or a classroom, my work is about clarity, alignment, and measurable progress.

As a Professor of International Business, I go beyond textbook theories guiding future leaders to navigate global markets, digital shifts, and social change with confidence and purpose.

In business, my approach is the same: clear, grounded, and forward-thinking. I’ve advised corporates, supported public sector innovation, and helped entrepreneurs define their direction and grow with purpose, without sacrificing profit.

I partner with:
➠ Corporate leaders ready to cut through the noise and lead meaningful innovation.
➠ Entrepreneurs seeking smart, scalable strategies and a business that reflects their values.
➠ Public sector teams needing fresh, actionable approaches to strategy and implementation.
➠ Students and professionals ready to lead with purpose in a complex, global economy.

Challenging the status quo isn’t about being edgy. It’s about designing something better intentionally and with impact. It’s about creating progress through sharper thinking, stronger systems, and more courageous leadership.

Curious about a different way to lead and grow?
Let’s connect. I’d love to hear what you're working on.

taplio

The Battle

Johnathan Lightfoot

Dr. Lauren Uğur, PhD, MBA🧩

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