NECAC Mo, — Kevin Stumbaugh started in computers at NECAC the year the first commercial personal version was introduced.

He’s leaving at a time when systems seemingly can learn, solve dilemmas and make choices.

The 62-year-old Bowling Green man is retiring as Information Technology Operations Director after 42 years with the agency.

“I’m ready to move on to another chapter in my life,” he said. “I’m ready to kick back, do some hunting and fishing, spend more time with my family, travel a lot and enjoy cooking on my smoker. I think I can close the door and not look back.”

Early on, Stumbaugh had the foresight, attitude and boldness that can lead to success. After graduating from Bowling Green High School in 1981, he earned certification the following year in computer programming at the Control Data Institute, a technical vocational school offered by St. Louis University.

Unfortunately, no one was hiring in his field, so Stumbaugh had to take odd jobs. Then, he learned from NECAC custodian John Hollingsworth that the agency had bought a computer that no one knew how to use. The proverbial light bulb lit up.

“I went to NECAC and asked to speak to Elliott Smith, who was the director,” Stumbaugh remembers. “He interviewed me and offered me a job on the spot.”

Stumbaugh was hired as part of the Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) program as Management Information System clerk.

The Radio Shack desktop computer sat unused at NECAC’s Bowling Green administration office, then housed in a building along Main Street.

“I pretty much had to teach myself,” Stumbaugh said.

NECAC colleagues were immediately appreciative of their young cohort’s efforts. Stumbaugh designed a new intake assessment that helped coordinators work more efficiently with clients. He also developed a program that would print and post 500 housing department checks in four hours. Before he came along, the process had taken as much as three days.

Additional modifications were made over the years, including hardware and software upgrades, introduction of the Internet, providing each employee with a computer, a phone via the Internet and linking remote offices to central administration.

Another advance came around 2010, when third-party software became more affordable and fit with NECAC’s needs. The agency now uses the Cloud Services for apps and off-site data centers for storage/backups accessed through the Internet.

“My programming skills stopped and I became the IT support where we were maintaining hardware and trouble-shooting using a help desk system,” Stumbaugh said.

Not all cutting edge technology is fully welcomed. As with many, Stumbaugh has concerns about how artificial intelligence is going to be used.

“It’s going to be confusing how you tell what’s real and what’s AI,” he said. “I think it can be used for bad as well as good.”

Stumbaugh will miss his co-workers. He’s had three assistants over the years. The current one, Nathan Kohl, will take over for him.

“I was here about as much as I am with my own family,” he said. “You create a lot of friendships and relationships. It’s like having another family.”

Stumbaugh and his wife, Rhonda – who is retiring as administrator of the Pike County Health Department – have four children, six grandchildren and a great-grandchild on the way in May.

There is another baby in the family – Stumbaugh’s 1970 Dodge Charger. He bought the car at age 15 and meticulously restored it over the years. Car enthusiasts can spot it at area shows.

“The car was my passion,” he said. “I had always liked getting my hands dirty working on a car or truck.”

From time to time, job opportunities in larger communities came along. Stumbaugh is glad he turned them down.

“NECAC has been very good to me and a great agency to work for,” he said.

CUTLINE FOR PHOTO:

Kevin Stumbaugh in his NECAC office.