Jon Eakins has been a crucial part of Quest, Inc.’s infrastructure for over 25 years. Having developed a passion for programming during high school, he has progressed from an IT specialist to a systems administrator, an IT manager, and now, an IT director.
Jon’s Passion for Helping Others
Quest’s mission is to help individuals with developmental disabilities experience a full life. Jon’s connection to the mission has fueled him to bring compassion and understanding to his role daily.
“I enjoy helping people and having a positive impact. I had a friend growing up with a developmental disability, and it was always interesting to see how people would treat him differently,” Jon recalls. “I think people lowered their expectations of him, yet he has a full-time job, lives independently and works like anyone else. That always resonates with me.”
The Evolution of IT and its Impact
During his time at Quest, Jon has seen significant changes in the IT field, from managing a small network with a few computers and servers to keeping up with rapid technological advancements.
“IT used to change every four years, but now it’s down to a year to two of significant changes,” he says. “So that’s kind of the beauty of IT. It is constantly changing and challenging you to figure things out.”
As IT director, Jon oversees the systems administrators, provides guidance and troubleshoots various technical issues. From streamlining processes to safeguarding data security, his team’s efforts directly impact the efficiency and productivity of Quest staff and the individuals we serve.
“Jon is an extremely dedicated and reliable staff member who is the department’s backbone,” says John Dogaer, Quest’s Chief Information Officer. “His commitment to long-term problem-solving and cost-efficient yet effective solutions are a huge driver for the technology used at Quest.”
Achievements, Advice and Testimonials
One of Jon’s proudest accomplishments was successfully transitioning the organization to a new data center to provide enhanced resiliency during adverse weather conditions and power outages. His continuous efforts and commitment to maintaining a robust IT infrastructure have played a vital role in supporting the organization’s operations.
We are grateful for Jon’s 25 years of service and contributions to Quest’s mission. He embodies Quest’s core values, and his dedication to excellence for our staff and clients inspires us all.
“Quest has been a good home,” Jon says. “It’s great to be able to make a direct impact.”