Team member: John Totzke

John Totzke
IT Support System Administrator Specialist
John Totzke serves as the IT support system administrator specialist, supporting both the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) and Drug Free Sport International (DFSI). Since joining in February 2023, he has split his time between the two organizations, managing day-to-day IT operations, providing user support, and deploying tools and applications to improve system performance, productivity, and cybersecurity.
Prior to HIWU, Totzke worked as a level 3 helpdesk technician and IT team lead for Kyndryl, where he was contracted to support VML. In this role, he supported more than 300 employees across five offices, managing an average of 1,700+ tickets annually and overseeing IT asset inventory and system setups. He also led a team of eight technicians, providing mentorship, performance oversight, and guidance on escalated tickets.
Totzke’s background includes over a decade of service in the United States Marine Corps, where he served as an intelligence specialist and recruiter. He earned the rank of Gunnery Sergeant (E7) and completed five deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, receiving multiple personal and unit commendations. Following his military service, he held a leadership and technical support role with Best Buy’s Geek Squad.
Totzke completed the IT Support Administration course at Centriq Kansas City. He also studied at Metropolitan Community College of Kansas City - Longview, further strengthening his IT foundation.