# Derak Kilgo
**Sr. Web Developer | PHP & Backend Systems | Legacy Modernization Expert**  
Austin, TX • hello@derakkilgo.com • (512) 961-6448 • [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/derak-k-182aa24/)  

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## Summary
Creative and dependable technical professional with 22+ years of experience designing, modernizing, and sustaining complex web and backend systems. Proven ability to bridge technical and non-technical teams, lead integrations between diverse platforms, and deliver stable, maintainable solutions. Adept at troubleshooting, mentoring, and translating customer needs into actionable solutions.
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## Core Competencies
- **Integration & API Development** – REST, SOAP, XML-RPC, LMS, eCommerce
- **Programming & Backend Systems** – PHP (19 years), MySQL, JavaScript, Linux Admin
- **Legacy System Modernization** – Migrating, refactoring, and sustaining large codebases
- **Customer Support & Enablement** – Troubleshooting, onboarding, accessibility remediation
- **Technical Leadership** – Mentoring, best practices, DevOps workflows, version control
- **Infrastructure** – Apache admin, Docker Compose, Vagrant, VirtualBox, Lando

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## Professional Experience

### **Education Service Center Region 13 – Austin, TX**  
**Project Coordinator – Web Application Development**  
*Jul 2020 – Present*  
- Lead development and support of ESC13’s flagship product.  
- Manage database, application, and server infrastructure for backend systems.  
- Assist IT staff with incident management and resolution.  
- Build development environments using Vagrant, VirtualBox, Docker Compose, and Lando.  
- Mentor and onboard development team members; guide adoption of emerging tech.  
- Modernize legacy applications and ensure accessibility compliance.

### **Education Service Center Region 13 – Austin, TX**
**Web Developer II**  
*Sep 2009 – Jul 2020*  
- Led development for 17 of 26 major projects, including reporting systems, payment platforms, and system integrations.  
- Designed and implemented custom APIs for LMS, Magento, Shopify, and third-party services.  
- Created integrations to sync accounts, enrollment, and grades between proprietary LMS and Canvas LMS.  
- Developed Magento and Texas.gov payment gateway modules.  
- Established web and database server configuration best practices still in use today.  
- Employee of the Quarter, March 2020.

### **Education Service Center Region 13 – Austin, TX**
**Website Engineer**  
*Sep 2006 – Sep 2009*  
- Developed data-driven PHP web applications for internal and external stakeholders.  
- Maintained and supported web infrastructure including servers and repositories.  
- Built CRUD generator using Yahoo UI Library; implemented Magento-based store.  
- Employee of the Quarter, 2007.

### **Precision Micrographics – Austin, TX**  
**Product Development & Support**  
*2001 – 2006*  
- Provided technical support for industrial imaging hardware and software.  
- Administered servers, maintained security, and developed client/server applications.  
- Built web applications and installers; created user documentation.

## Education
**Associate of Applied Science – Computer Programming**  
Austin Community College, Austin, TX 1998-2002  

## Technical Skills
**Languages:** PHP, JavaScript, SQL, HTML5, CSS, jQuery, .NET, XML  
**Frameworks:** Laravel, CodeIgniter, Zend Framework, Slim  
**Databases:** MySQL (Admin & Dev)  
**Tools:** Git, Docker Compose, Vagrant, VirtualBox, Lando  
**Servers:** Apache (Admin), Linux (RHEL, Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS)  
**Other:** API Development, Payment Gateway Integration, LMS Integration, Accessibility Remediation

## Community & Leadership
- **Assistant Organizer**, Austin PHP Meetup (2004 - Present)  
- **Volunteer**, Longhorn PHP Conference (2018 - Present)  
- **Volunteer**, SMLC School Board Member (2025 - Present)

## Strengths
Learner • Harmony • Restorative • Responsibility • Deliberative