Michael Ragsdale
- Norfolk, VA (Open to Remote in VA)
- Schedule Interview
- GitHub
Interactive Résumé
An overview of my professional background. Use the view toggles and filters to tailor the content.
Information Technology Focus
Customer Service Focus
Professional Summary
A versatile professional with a proven background in customer-facing roles, team leadership, and operational management. Actively building on a practical foundation in web development and technical problem-solving while pursuing degrees in Information Technology and Leadership. Eager to apply a unique blend of strong communication skills and technical aptitude to an entry-level IT role.
Professional Summary
A versatile professional with a proven background in customer-facing roles, team leadership, and operational management. Actively building on a practical foundation in web development and technical problem-solving while pursuing degrees in Information Technology and Leadership. Eager to apply a unique blend of strong communication skills and technical aptitude to a customer service or entry-level IT role.
Technical Skills
Technical
- PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Bootstrap, SQL (MariaDB), REST APIs, Unix/Linux, WCAG, ARIA, Section 508, Deque axe, InstallAware, Inno Setup, NSIS.
Professional
- Team Supervision, Customer Service, Front-Desk Operations, Peer Guidance, Problem-Solving, Communication.
Core Competencies
Customer Service & Leadership
- Team Supervision, Front-Desk Operations, De-escalation & Conflict Resolution, Customer-Centric Problem Solving, Peer Guidance & Training, Cash Handling & Closing Reports.
Communication & Administration
- Interpersonal Communication, Document Creation & Management (Google Drive), Administrative Support, Database Management (ActiveNet).
Technical Acumen
- Proficient with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and knowledgeable in web accessibility standards (WCAG/Section 508) for creating user-friendly documents.
Technical Projects
Custom Portfolio Website (This Site)
A fully responsive, accessible, and themeable portfolio website built to showcase my skills in modern web development practices.
Bold Firefly
A server hosting a variety of web applications, with automated deployments and management.
Glowing Galaxy
A server that I configured and manage manually, demonstrating my server administration skills.
PowerShell DOCX to Markdown Converter
A sophisticated PowerShell script that uses Pandoc to convert structured Microsoft Word documents into a nested, multi-file Markdown project, perfect for personal wikis or static site generators.
StoreTrainer
A custom tool for creating shortcuts that launch two executables at once (e.g., a game and a trainer) and correctly sets the Working Directory.
- Visual Basic 6
- Windows API
RaggieSoft Presentation Software
Engineered to overcome a mobility impairment during a university class, this web-based software featured separate presenter and audience views, enabling seamless presentation from an iPad before mainstream mobile solutions were common.
- PHP
- HTML
- CSS
Responsive Photo Gallery
Developed a responsive, web-based photo gallery for a class project, which included an intentionally broken element to demonstrate error handling and debugging skills.
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
Professional Experience
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Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation
Virginia Beach, VA-
Clerk-Cashier
May 2023 – Present- Developed a workflow to generate accessible, Section 508 compliant, and printer-friendly documents from a legacy system not designed for such outputs.
- Trained new employees on the use of the ActiveNet customer relationship management (CRM) system, ensuring data integrity.
- Supervise front desk operations, making independent technical and policy-aligned decisions.
- Manage member check-in and secure payment processing, both in-person and telephonically.
- Independently supervise front desk operations during weekends, making policy-aligned decisions to ensure smooth service delivery and patron satisfaction.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for members and guests, providing guided tours and comprehensive information on center services.
- Provide peer guidance and training to new hires on the ActiveNet customer database.
- Proactively solve patron issues, such as fixing corrupted membership cards and offering grace periods to maintain positive community relations.
- Process new membership sales, renewals, and handle secure over-the-phone payments.
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RaggieSoft (Personal Brand & Projects)
Norfolk, VA-
Independent Developer & Lifelong Learner
July 2022 - Present- Developing personal projects to demonstrate and sharpen skills in modern web technologies.
- Built this portfolio website from scratch using a custom PHP backend, modern SCSS, and vanilla JavaScript with a focus on WCAG accessibility.
- Actively learning and implementing new technologies and best practices through self-guided study and practical application, including advanced CSS, JavaScript, and PHP libraries.
- A platform for self-driven learning and personal project management, demonstrating strong initiative and a passion for technology.
- Highlights a commitment to continuous improvement and skill acquisition outside of formal employment roles.
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ODU Online, Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA-
Section 508 Compliance Specialist
Nov 2019 – Jul 2022- Ensured WCAG 2.1 AA & Section 508 compliance for online courses; remediated pages, verified student code, used Deque axe for reporting, and migrated content to Canvas.
- Provided critical support to internal customers (university instructional designers) during a large-scale migration to the Canvas LMS.
- Designed and developed a universal, accessible template for the University Policies section of the syllabus, streamlining workflow for faculty and ensuring consistency across all online courses.
- Verified documents and web content submitted by student employees for quality and compliance.
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University Village Bookstore (Follett)
Norfolk, VA-
Retail Sales Associate
Aug 2020- Assisted with 'Welcome Back Weekend' during the COVID-19 pandemic, greeting customers and providing masks as necessary.
- Assisted with Welcome Back Weekend in a college bookstore setting.
- Greeted customers at front door and offered masks as necessary, as part of a safe reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Retail Sales Associate
Jan 2019 - Mar 2020- Performed retail sales activities in the technology department, including answering product questions and ringing up transactions.
- Assisted hundreds of customers in the technology department, answering complex product questions, performing sales transactions, and restocking shelves.
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Monarch Dining (Aramark)
Norfolk, VA-
Data Entry Clerk
Aug 2019 - Dec 2019- Inputting post-cost data into a database; printing, assembling, and distributing daily menus to stations.
- Clerical work in an office setting at a university cafeteria.
- Inputting post-cost data into a database; printing, assembling, and distributing daily menus to stations.
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Meal Plan Ambassador
Jul 2017 - Apr 2019- Pitched and sold university meal plans to students and performed customer service duties.
- Successfully pitched and sold university meal plans to students and parents, consistently providing clear information and excellent service.
- Offered directions to different locations on campus.
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Residence Hall Association, ODU
Norfolk, VA-
Director of Administration
Sep 2015 – May 2017- Managed organizational administration via Google Drive.
- Prepared official minutes, presentations, and other documents for association leadership.
- Elected by the student body to a paid leadership position responsible for all administrative functions of the association.
- Prepared and maintained official minutes and documents for the RHA President, Advisor, and student members.
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First Landing State Park (DCR)
Virginia Beach, VA-
Volunteer Contact Ranger
Apr 2015 – Aug 2015- Collected parking fees and gave general park information at an entrance booth setting.
- Collected parking fees.
- Gave general park information appropriate for an entrance booth setting.
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Dominion Enterprises
Norfolk, VA-
Mobile Applications Developer Intern
Sep 2012 – Dec 2012- Gained hands-on experience in cross-platform mobile development for Android & iOS using Titanium SDK.
- Created a dictionary of real estate terms mobile app to learn the SDK.
- Learned Android and iOS development by way of the JavaScript-based Titanium SDK.
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Target
Virginia Beach, VA-
Retail Associate
Jun 2008 – Aug 2008- Performed retail duties, including answering questions, restocking shelves, and operating a cash register.
- Performed various retail duties, including answering questions and restocking shelves.
- Performed cashier duties during busy periods as requested.
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Education & Certifications
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In Progress
Tidewater Community College
Virginia Beach, VA-
Associate of Science, Information Technology
Expected Graduation: 2026- Core coursework in software engineering principles, database management, and web application development.
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In Progress
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA-
Bachelor of Science, Customized Studies in Leadership
Continuing Studies- Focus on organizational leadership, project management, and team dynamics.
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2009-2011
Wilson Workforce & Rehabilitation Center
Fishersville, VA-
Certificate, Business & Information Technology
Completed: 2011- Completed a comprehensive program covering business fundamentals and information technology applications.
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