CSPIR.ES

Hello! My name is Christopher Spires and I'm an Interactive Director and Web Developer based in Burlington North Carolina. I've worked on projects for a wide variety of clients, including: small and medium sized businesses, multi-national corporations and education (K-12 and higher-ed).

I have a diverse set of skills, ranging from HTML + CSS + JS, WordPress theme and plugin development, to custom PHP/MySQL application development using Laravel.

In addition to having run a successful independent web development firm, I've held multiple technical and interactive/digital roles in higher education, directed a small interactive team and provided front and back end development for marketing agencies in both Raleigh and Burlington, NC.

Skills

  • PHP
  • MySQL
  • WordPress
  • Laravel
  • OOP / MVC
  • REST & SOAP APIs
  • HTML5
  • CSS3
  • Javascript
  • jQuery
  • Responsive Development
  • Version Control / Git
  • LAMP & LEMP Administration
  • ADA / Section 508
  • Organic SEO
  • PPC / Adwords
  • Analytics
  • Social Media
  • Email Marketing
  • Adobe CS
  • MS Office / iWork
  • Website Planning
  • Content Planning
  • Content Management
  • Project Management
  • Team Leadership
  • Proposals / Quotes

Experience

Assistant Director for Online Communications

Elon University

August 2015 - Current

Lead a three-member Web team in the Office of University Communications, managing the university's web content systems, creating and maintaining the core content of the Elon Web site, and providing SEO, strategy and analytics oversight of the university's external web communications.

Owner, Senior Developer

42 Web

July 2009 - April 2016

Founder and lead developer for a small web development firm that specializes in custom WordPress theme and plugin development and SEO. Formed long term relationships with clients through hosting, ongoing website maintenance, content management, SEO and social media management.

Partner, Senior Developer, Systems Administrator

Salty Southeast Cruisers' Net, LLC

January 2015 - April 2016

Part owner of the leading news and directory information website for the Atlantic Intracostal Waterway and the Southeast waters of the United States. Provides web strategy, SEO, web application development and systems administration to a five-member team dedicated to bringing accurate, verified, and up-to-date cruising information to captains and crews of the AICW.

Senior Developer

North Star Marketing

March 2014 - August 2015

Senior back-end developer responsible for HTML/CSS/Javascript CMS integrations, custom web application development, technical support, server administration, domain and DNS management. CMS integrations performed primarily in WordPress, developing custom themes and plugins based on client needs. Web applications developed using the open source PHP framework Laravel. Also responsible for advising key-players throughout the website process for scoping, quoting, planning, design, implementation and launch.

Interactive Director

Red House Group

May 2012 - March 2014

Director for all web and mobile projects, SEO and social media services. Lead developer for client projects specializing in custom WordPress theme and plugin development. Niche in custom web applications to fill specific client needs. Responsible for new business development, managing external contractors and vendors, project management, asset management, scheduling, writing proposals, quotes, website plans and site maps and overall interactive and technical direction.

Apple Systems Engineer

Elon University

September 2009 - May 2012

Provided cross platform on-site computer and network support to all University faculty and staff. Responsible for support, deployment and systems administration on all Apple servers, personal computers and computer labs. Responsible for maintaining mobile device management and technical documentation systems.

Helpdesk Associate

Elon University

August 2003 - September 2009

Provided desktop and basic network phone support for a cross platform network of 3000+ computers and 700+ printers. Responsible for the development and implementation of campus technical documentation system.

Education

Engineering Physics

Elon University

2000 - 2003

Activities: Engineering Club (E2 - Elon Engineers), Society of Physics Students (SPS), Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps - Det. 605, Civil Air Patrol

Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering Concentration

North Carolina A&T State University

2003 - 2006

Activities: American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)