Brian Jones is the System Administrator in Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems.

He received nominations from several different constituencies -- students, faculty and staff.

A graduate student referred to his "exceptional skills" and "his dedication to provide excellent support to the students". He is always happy to share information about the best way to get IT services such as software installs and remote access. He helped the students set up a website for a conference, and ensured the audio/visual equipment was set up and working properly.

A manager described him as the most "dedicated, competent, cooperative and friendly IT administer" that he had ever worked with.

Although he has been in the department only a couple of years, Brian quickly gained the trust faculty and researchers -- members of the community who are very reluctant to allow anyone besides themselves to work on their desktops. Brian was able to articulate how certain updates would benefit the user (not come in with a 'mandate'), and described how he would insure the precious research materials would be protected. He never forced a change, but proceeded only when the individual was ready.

He has an outstanding technical reputation addressing obscure IT problems (which are common, given the HW & SW LIDS has purchased recently) -- as well as helping with more basic items, such as an office move. He has been credited with the fact that LIDS has had hardly any service or network interruptions since he became administrator.

He is known for his very upbeat demeanor, and he very rarely complains. He is always helpful, and keeps a very friendly atmosphere around him. He will go to great lengths to find an answer -- working with MIT colleagues, and manufacturers.

He regularly practices one-on-one coaching -- as one nominator put it, “He knows how to explain technical situations in layman's terms without making you feel as though he is talking down to you."

Brian is described as quick thinking, organized, knowledgeable, patient and friendly. He is a hard worker, with a strong commitment to making sure any job gets done. He is also "wonderfully responsive", "a joy to work with", affable, providing a consistent, competent service to all.

Like Steve Neiterman, Brian's interests are more than just MIT/IT. He has an interest in languages and travel, and loves movies and music.

One nominator summed it up this way, “If Brian Jones were no longer around, it would be more than the loss of another System Administrator, there would be a large gap in the LIDS community where Brian Jones, the unique person, had been.”