We Are IT | Andy Zimmerman
Andy Zimmerman is a retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief who settled in Tallahassee after a 23-year naval career and advanced technical training; he joined FSU in 2003 and will mark 23 years with the university in January 2026. As Associate Director of IT and ITAPP Partnership Manager, Andy leads 25 teams across research, academic units, FSUPD and the Real Time Crime Center, focusing on governance, strategic planning, service management and organizational alignment. He’s most energized by bringing people and processes together and enjoys solving complex technical challenges that improve campus services. Outside of work, Andy is deeply involved in the model-railroading community and he treasures time with his wife, three children and six grandchildren.
Where are you from?
I was born in Long Beach, California, and later moved to Michigan when I was eight years old. While I started life on the West Coast, I consider myself far more of a Michigander than a Californian. I spent most of my adult life traveling around the country and the world during my 23-year career in the U.S. Navy, ultimately visiting 26 different countries. After retiring as a U.S. Navy Senior Chief, I eventually settled in Tallahassee, Florida, which has been home for more than two decades.
Where did you attend school?
Throughout my Navy career, I completed extensive advanced technical training in electronics, computer systems, and leadership development programs. Later, I continued my professional education through military technical schools, and some FSU classes.
Why did you choose to work in technology?
Technology has always been a natural fit for me. I’ve been fascinated with electronics and computing since childhood, and my time in the Navy deepened that passion—especially troubleshooting, systems integration, and solving complex technical problems under pressure. IT is one of the few fields where problem-solving, innovation, and service come together, and I’ve always enjoyed enabling others through reliable, secure, and well-designed technology.
How long have you been at FSU?
I joined FSU shortly after transferring to Fleet Reserve in January 2003. January 2026 will represent 23 years at FSU in various leadership and technical roles.
What is your role at FSU ITS
I currently serve as the Associate Director of IT, as part of the Leadership team leading and managing 25 diverse teams that range from Research to Academia and areas like the FSUPD and RTCC. My responsibilities include IT governance, strategic planning, service management, data-driven decision support, workforce development, organizational alignment, evaluation of IT processes, and working closely with leadership across campus to build a unified, collaborative IT community.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love that Leadership enables me to do my job and reinforces me throughout the process. I also genuinely enjoy bringing people and processes together. Whether it’s solving a longstanding technical challenge, helping a department understand its IT needs, or guiding teams toward shared goals, I’m most energized when collaboration leads to real improvement. Helping faculty and staff succeed, often by making complex technology feel simple and accessible, is the most satisfying part of my work.
What is the most rewarding project you have worked on at FSU?
One of the most rewarding efforts has been Leading and managing our teams, building consistent communication channels, unifying IT practices across departments, improving service transparency, and establishing clearer processes that support both IT professionals and the faculty/staff we serve. If I had to pick one, I would have to say leading the restructure of FSUPD, enabling the Officers through the use of technology (MDT’s) and standing up the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
What is your favorite app?
This may seem a bit unusual, but you will see when you get to the last question. My favorite app is Engine Driver, which is used in the model railroading world. It turns a smartphone into a fully functional wireless throttle for running trains on layouts that use JMRI (Java) and WiThrottle protocols. It allows you to control locomotives, turnout, lighting, sound functions, and consists of precision—all from your phone. It’s incredibly intuitive, highly customizable, and has become an essential tool for modern operations on everything from home layouts to large modular setups
If you were to invent one piece of technology, what would it be? Hmm well As I am a big Star Trek fan I would love to develop and an “Autonomous IT Management System” A fully self-governing platform that uses AI and machine learning to anticipate issues, remediate them instantly, and optimize performance across the enterprise, essentially an autonomic nervous system for organizational technology. One that does not become self-aware and decides that the carbon-based life forms need to go.
What is a fun fact about you? I love to create Dioramas in the form of T-TRAK Modules and N-Scale Model Railroading. That said I’m heavily involved in the model railroading world. I serve as the Standards & Conformance Manager for the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA), President of NRail, President of the Big Bend Model Railroad Association, and President of the Sunshine Region of the NMRA, overseeing statewide clubs, conventions, standards, and national initiatives. I also build custom electronics for model railroading using CircuitPython and embedded hardware.
Talk a little about your family. I’m married to the love of my life, and we have been married for 43 years now. I have 3 children who have grown into incredible adults, and I have 6 wonderful Grands that I adore. My family has supported me through multiple relocations, long deployments, career changes, and all the adventures that come with Navy life. They keep me grounded and remind me of what matters most.
What do you do in your free time?
Free time? What’s that? Seriously, most of my free time is spent volunteering and using my leadership skills, electronics background, and IT knowledge to support the model railroading community. I build custom electronics for modular railroading, develop testing equipment using CircuitPython, and help clubs and National (actually international) Organizations, improve their operations and standards. I also serve in several leadership roles across national and regional model railroad organizations, coordinating major events, supporting new hobbyists, and promoting mentorship, fellowship, and community. When I’m not immersed in trains or technology, I enjoy some good old fashioned down time, reading a good book or watching movies with my spouse.
