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Stepping into IT Infrastructure Manager Role

Photo of Tony Hammond

At Yazoo Mills, growth is driven by people who consistently deliver, innovate, and lead by example. Since joining the company in 2021 as a Senior Network Engineer, Tony has done exactly that—building a strong foundation in our IT environment and now stepping into a new leadership role as IT Infrastructure Manager as of July 2025.

Tony’s promotion reflects not only his technical expertise but also his ability to think strategically about how technology supports the broader goals of the business.

Building a Foundation for the Future

Over the past six months, one of Tony’s most impactful achievements has been leading the ground-up planning and implementation of the network infrastructure for our new Plant 3 facility.

With a brand-new building, Tony and the team had a rare opportunity—to design a gold-standard environment from scratch. Months of detailed planning went into every element, from mapping fiber runs and designing MDF and IDF layouts to simulating wireless heatmaps for optimal coverage.

The goal was clear: when Plant 3 opened, the technology would be seamless, reliable, and virtually invisible. Today, that vision is a reality, with a high-performance infrastructure that supports operations without interruption. This project stands as a defining milestone in Tony’s transition from engineer to leader.

Aligning IT with Business Strategy

Since earning his CGEIT certification, Tony has strengthened his ability to align IT initiatives with Yazoo Mills’ operational and financial goals. His approach ensures that infrastructure, connectivity, and cybersecurity are not just functional—but intentional and strategic.

In his new role as IT Infrastructure Manager, Tony is focused on positioning IT as a driver of efficiency and long-term growth. By viewing technology through a business-first lens, he is helping Yazoo Mills continue to scale while maintaining the reliability and performance our customers depend on.

Looking Ahead

As technology continues to evolve, Tony is particularly excited about the potential of quantum computing. This emerging field offers new ways to solve complex problems—from advanced materials to optimization and cryptography—and represents the kind of forward-thinking innovation that aligns with Yazoo Mills’ future.

Outside the Office

Outside of work, Tony enjoys recharging through music. He’s been growing his record collection with artists like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smash Mouth, The Offspring, Kanye West, and Fat Freddy’s Drop, and he also spends time playing piano and guitar.

He stays active with hobbies like hiking, weightlifting, snowboarding, and working on home improvement projects.

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