Meet Ron Weaver of Mental Health Association of Westmoreland County!

TNotes: What is your “real” job title?
RW:  Director of Operations

TNotes: Why are you considered an accidental techie?
RW: We don’t have an IT person/division/department, so I started out being the “go to guy” since I knew the most about computers at our organization.  Over the years...and I’m still not exactly sure when…it’s kind of morphed into something on my job description.

TNotes: What do you like best about dealing with your organization’s technology?
RW: The few occasions where I get to play with new toys and then teach others how to use them.  Plus, having a sufficient technology budget so I have the freedom to try out new things and grow our tech infrastructure.

TNotes: What do you least like about dealing with your organization’s technology?
RW: Hearing things like, “Well, I tried fixing it myself before I bothered you” and “I’m not sure what happened; something popped up on the screen and I clicked yes.”

TNotes: What is your big dream for technology in your organization?
RW: To have everything run flawlessly for a month straight, without intervention.  Heck, I’d take a week straight!

TNotes: How do you manage your role as an accidental techie?
RW: It can be tough, but you’re like a fireman.  When the call goes out and someone needs to be “saved,” you have to drop what you’re doing and respond.

TNotes: You are a regular attendee at one of the Bayer Center’s Bagels & Bytes groups – what do you get from going to those meetings?
RW: The early morning meeting can sometimes be problematic, but it’s a great place to commiserate with like minds, share cool ideas and help others troubleshoot issues they may be having.

TNotes: Any words of advice or encouragement for other accidental techies out there?
RW: Know when it’s over your head and you need to call in someone with more expertise.  Pre-paid tech time should be a line item in everyone’s budget!