Executive Bios |
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Our executive team brings leadership and experience to clients. Kenneth J. Kucera, President and Chief Executive Officer
Ken has been featured in numerous publications such as Business Week, ComputerWorld and Forbes. Kucera was a pioneer of Virtualization and OnDemand Computing in the early 2000’s.
Kim Whittaker, Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Whittaker is a graduate of University of Nebraska – Lincoln with a degree in Marketing and Finance. She has her MBA from the University of Nebraska – Omaha.
Chad Zealand, Chief Security Officer and Group Manager
Joe Leykam, Group Manager of Command Center Operations
In addition to his experience and tenure in the IT industry, Joe has obtained multiple degrees including a BS in Chemistry from Southeast Missouri State, a MS in Systems Management from University of Southern California and a BS in Computer Science from University of Nebraska-Omaha. Curtis Lee, Group Manager of Unix, Linux, Storage and Backup teams
Curtis has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, with a minor in Marketing and an emphasis in Agri-Business from Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa and he also maintains a Certified Flight Instructor rating for single and multi-engine airplanes. In his spare time, Curtis serves on the local school technology board, is involved in coaching and a board member the local youth programs including football, basketball, and baseball in the community youth programs. Curtis is active in his local church, enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, working on his small farm operation and flying airplanes.
Thao Tran, Group Manager of Windows and Database teams
A graduate of Creighton University, Thao received her Masters of Computer Science. She is an active member of the Lincoln community by performing interpretive services for people in need and is very involved in church activities.
Jackie Harris, Business Process Manager
Jackie has a Bachelor of Science in Internet Systems and Software Support from Bellevue University and maintains Project Management Professional certification. Jackie currently serves as Vice President of Finance for The Project Management Institute of the Heartland and is an active member in PMI. As an active memeber of the Omaha community she is also involved in various volunteer groups and has served as President for the International Baccalaureate Parent Group at Millard North High School.
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Ken holds a Degree in Computer Science, which he received in 1976. Since that time he has worked for a number of major corporations, including Mutual of Omaha, Citicorp, First Data Corporation and Cap Gemini America, where he provided information technology strategy and direction. Ken has served as a Director for many local and national non-profit boards, including the American Lung Association, Madonna School, AIM Institute and The Peter Kiewit Institute of Science, Technology and Engineering (IST&E). Ken was also a member of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Leadership Omaha Class 24.
Kim Whittaker is responsible for attracting, developing, and retaining client relationships nationwide. Whittaker has been with First National Technology Solutions since 1996. In her role, she helps identify solutions to meet the technical challenges facing mid-size businesses today. Prior to that, she worked at First National Bank of Omaha and Principal Financial Group.
Chad Zealand joined FNTS in March 2009 and currently serves as Chief Security Officer (CSO) and Group Manager of Network Engineering. As CSO, Chad is involved in reviewing and implementing security policies and procedures for First National Technology Solutions as well as reviewing audit activities related to security topics. In addition to security related items, Chad is also responsible for managing the network architecture, security and operations. Prior to joining First National Technology Solutions, Chad spent 15 years supporting various infrastructures including large international telecommunications and securities trading environments. 
Managing the Command Center Operations at First National Technology Solutions (FNTS) Joe is responsible for one of the most important services, operations and support of FNTS customers. For what “seemed like a good idea” to enter the IT and technology industry, Joe has over 19 years of experience and joined FNTS in 2004. 
Curtis Lee joined the company in 1996 and currently manages the Unix, Linux, Storage and Backup teams at First National Technology Solutions ensuring customer operating systems are up and running and customer data is ready and available when and if they need it. Curtis brings over 20 years of experience in the Information Technology field, including responsibility for production control and support of information systems for a company manufacturing non-nuclear components for nuclear weapons for the Department of Energy. 
With over 13 years in the Information Technology industry and an extensive background in databases and distributed systems, Thao Tran joined First National Technology Solutions in the fall of 2010 as the Database Manager. Today in addition to the database team Thao is also managing the windows team overseeing the ongoing management and service offering for Window operating systems. 
Joining First National Technology Solutions in 2007, Jackie is the newest member of the management team. As manager of the Service Account Management team and Project Managers she oversees the business processes surrounding the customers of First National Technology Solutions. With over 15 years of experience in the Information Technology industry, 10 years of accounting experience and extensive background project management, she ensures customers are provided with the highest quality of personal service in the industry.