Since joining GDT in December, Michael Montoya has led a high-performing team focused on cloud and network services. With a strong customer-first mindset, he blends technical leadership with strategic vision to drive innovation, collaboration, and service excellence.
How long have you been with GDT, and what does your role entail?
Michael: I’ve been with GDT for the past 8 months. I serve as the Senior Director of Managed Services, where I oversee pod-based resources that support our customer base across multiple service areas. My primary responsibilities include ensuring customer success, leading our service delivery teams, and driving the execution of high-quality, infrastructure-focused support for our clients. It’s a strategic role that blends leadership, technical expertise, and a strong customer focus.
Can you describe your team, their role, and their dynamics?
Michael: Leading the Managed Services organization, my team is focused on cloud and network-based customers. My team is composed of highly skilled engineers in these disciplines, whether it be cloud, network, or security engineering. We work collaboratively and are technically sound.
What stands out most about the team is its ability to work together as one true unit. The team works very well together, shares knowledge, rallies around issues, and focuses on our customers’ best interests. Overall, it’s a very high–performing and agile team.
What goals or initiatives has your team focused on in 2025?
Michael: In 2025, we’re focused on maturing our operations through automation, workflow optimization, and strengthening business and operational processes. A key initiative has been building more robust performance metrics—enabling better insights into team workflows, capacity planning, and service delivery. With that foundation, we’re investing in upskilling our teams to stay ahead of evolving customer and technology demands, particularly in the cloud space.
What’s a recent win—big or small—that made you proud?
Michael: I am big on change, so the ability to scale and embrace change has been a major win. We significantly enhanced our monitoring platforms and processes while expanding our customer portfolio. We have gotten a few key wins in that area. I’m especially proud of how quickly we’ve grown our cloud services capabilities—delivering better outcomes and positioning ourselves as true partners to our clients.
Who or what inspires you in your career?
Michael: Continual growth. One of my favorite quotes is from Tony Robbins: “Like a plant, you’re either growing or dying—so which one are you?” I believe we need to constantly “water ourselves” to grow, both personally and professionally. I’m always looking to expand my technical expertise while sharpening my leadership skills, so I can continue to grow and be the kind of leader my team deserves.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Michael: I hope to see myself in an executive leadership role and continue to shape the delivery of Managed Services. I also would like to continually grow robust operations at scale while at the cutting edge of technology. The sky is the limit!
What’s one professional goal you’re currently working toward?
Michael: One of my key professional goals is upskilling, particularly through cloud certifications and expanding into AI. I’m actively pursuing certifications in the AI space and exploring how those capabilities can be integrated with automation. I want to apply those combined skills to improve our toolsets, standardization efforts, and process automation within Managed Services. It’s all about using emerging technology to drive efficiency, consistency, and smarter service delivery across the organization.
What’s your favorite GDT core value, and how do you see it in action?
Michael: For me, it’s Diversity. Being born and raised in the New York City area and spending years in the D.C. area, I’ve always valued diversity as a life principle. At GDT, I see that same value reflected in the workplace—it’s not just something we say, it’s something we live. Working in a company that genuinely respects and embraces people from all walks of life is incredibly meaningful to me, and it strengthens our culture and collaboration.
If you weren’t in your current role, what would you be doing?
Michael: I’d still be in a leadership capacity—probably building high-performing teams in another industry or possibly in a consulting role. I’ve always enjoyed bridging business needs with technology solutions. Helping organizations solve complex problems while scaling their operations is something I’m passionate about, regardless of the vertical.
Tell us more about yourself outside of work. What are your hobbies and interests?
Michael: I’m 100% a family man. I love spending time with my wife and our three kids. We’re big on road trips and discovering new places together. We love getting a little lost on purpose—finding hidden gems across the U.S. and overseas. For us, it’s not just about the destination; it’s about the journey and the memories we create along the way. At the end of it all, home is where the heart is!
Thank you, Michael, for sharing a little about yourself and for the role you play in making GDT a great place to work. Learn more about GDT’s vibrant culture and explore our career options by visiting Life at GDT.
