Derek T. Clifton joined Dabbs, Hickman, Hill & Cannon, LLP in 2009 as the Network IT Administrator. Mr. Clifton’s work at the firm ensures each unique user is securely connected to the networks, software, data and applications.
Users at the firm connect across many servers and multiple locations; often unaware of the technology required to enable them to do so. They may also be unaware of the security measures required to protect their networks and all the information traveling across them. Mr. Clifton maintains an ongoing shield of protection for the firm and its IT clients with ever- evolving security measures against viruses, malware, and spyware. Mr. Clifton and his team maintain firewalls, ensure backup, failover, and maintain all the licensing for the software.
Mr. Clifton also manages ongoing projects required at each location of the firm, upgrading as required among the networks, phones, switches and routers, as well as maintaining the firm’s website.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Clifton’s work spanned all information systems functions in a variety of business environments including the medical and hospitality industries. These types of engagements call for a variety of targeted solutions with regard to servers, internal networks, VPNs, databases, and websites.
Mr. Clifton brings a wealth of expertise to the firms IT consulting team and is able to assess each client’s technology requirements against the context of his multi-industry experience and the evolution of his continued education in this dynamic field.
Mr. Clifton’s hardware and software expertise is as follows:
- Hardware
- Network Installation
- Network Design and Implementation
- Router and Switch Installation and Configuration
- TCP/IP
- Hardware Break/Fix
- Hardware Maintenance
- Blackberry, PDA, and iPhone Setup and Integration
- Audio Visual Production
- Software
- Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, 2007
- Microsoft Windows Server 2000, 2003, 2003 Small Business
- Microsoft SQL 7, SQL 2000, 2005
- Microsoft Exchange Server 2003, 2007
- Microsoft Active Directory
- Microsoft Office XP, 2007, 2010
- Blackberry Enterprise Server
- Symantec Backup Exec
- HTML
- Norton Ghost
- Citrx
- Cisco VPN
- Linux Installation
Derek Clifton is a graduate of Georgia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology. In his studies, he focused on network administration and telecommunications. To round out his education, he also pursued an emphasis in sales and sales management.
Mr. Clifton lives in Pooler, GA with his wife and enjoys fishing and hiking while he is away from the office.
Christina E. Larson
Dabbs, Hickman, Hill, & Cannon, LLP noticed Christina Larson’s exceptional academic performance while completing her degree at Georgia Southern University. Originally hired as an intern, the firm quickly engaged her full time as a staff accountant upon graduation.
In her role as a staff accountant, Ms. Larson provides a variety of critical functions for the firm. She supports clients with corporate and personal tax return preparation, bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, tax research and tax related correspondence.
As a double major in accounting and information systems, Ms. Larson also adds strength and depth to the firms IT consulting team. Her expertise with accounting-specific information systems is an asset in helping clients implement and master the software that helps them manage their businesses.
Ms. Larson is a summa cum laude graduate of Georgia Southern University with bachelor of business administration degrees in accounting and information systems. While at Georgia Southern, she was involved with Beta Alpha Psi and Alpha Iota Mu.
In her distinguished performance at Georgia Southern, she received the following awards:
- Georgia Southern University 1906 Scholar, University Honors Program
- Albert J. Roesel Award, Outstanding Graduate in Information Systems
Ms. Larson was involved with various civic and charitable organizations in the Statesboro community during her years at Georgia Southern University, including the Boys and Girls Club of Bulloch County and Habitat for Humanity. She is a member of the Exchange Club of Statesboro and Southeast Georgia Chapter of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants. She also served as the Campaign Auditor for the United Way in 2011. Interestingly, Ms. Larson is also proficient in German.
When not hard at work at Dabbs, Hickman, Hill, & Cannon, LLP, Ms. Larson enjoys reading, taking her darling schnauzer on long walks, and cooking for family and friends
Brandon McNeal, MBA joined the firm in 2007 as the Information Technology Administrator for Dabbs, Hickman, Hill & Cannon, LLP. In this position, McNeal supports the functioning of the organization by ensuring that the firm has secure, real-time access to information, such as data, reports, and applications.
By keeping all systems networked, backed up, secure, regularly updated, and providing users with role-specific access, Mr. McNeal assists the firm in performing its mission critical services without interruption or breach.
The ongoing service DHHC provides its clients is made possible by the behind-the-scene functions that Mr. McNeal, and his team, performs. These include managing network equipment and servers, purchasing, installing and configuring software and hardware, and providing technical support to the staff.
Recognizing that many of our clients require the same technical infrastructure, Mr. McNeal was tapped to lead the firm’s IT consulting practice. By offering our clients the ability to select, install, and maintain a “right size” and business specific IT solution, we have find that we are providing our valued clients a critical service that saves money, increases productivity, and secures their most vital information. Our clients like being able to obtain these services from their most trusted partner – their Accounting firm.
As the IT consulting lead, Mr. McNeal and his team deliver to each client customized solutions to meet their unique needs and provide ongoing support once the system is implemented.
Mr. McNeal’s broad base of experience includes the following:
- Languages
- Experience with: JAVA, HTML, SQL, PHP, Actionscript
- Hardware
- Workstations, Servers
- Tape drives, NAS devices
- Routers, Switches, Bridges, Wireless Access Points, Firewalls
- Telecom Equipment, Mobile Phones
- Software
- Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows ‘98, XP, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2003
- Programs: Microsoft Office, Microsoft Exchange 2007, Adobe Acrobat, Blackberry Enterprise Server
- Database Software: Microsoft Access, Oracle, SQL Server
- Security Software: Symantec Antivirus, Symantec Endpoint Security
- Creative Solutions Professional Suite, QuickBooks, Lacerte, Prosystem Practice
Brandon D. McNeal graduated magna cum laude from Georgia Southern University with a bachelor of business administration degree in information systems. He went on to earn his masters degree in business administration from Georgia Southern University. His academic years were characterized by recognition including the HOPE Scholarship, the Rotary Club Scholarship, and regularly appearing on the Dean’s list. He remains active in a variety of professional and civic organizations including the Association of Information Technology Professionals, Beta Gamma Sigma, Golden Key, Phi Eta Sigma, and the Georgia Society of CPA’s.
Mr. McNeal lives in Register, GA and enjoys reading and playing video games in his leisure time.