Network Engineering / Operations / Business Systems

High-performance, experienced IT Executive accustomed to supporting large LAN/WAN networks, computer hardware and software to meet changing business needs. Combine strong analytical, troubleshooting, and technical acumen with solid leadership, project management, and team-building skills to deliver consistent cost-effective technology solutions. Achieve goals and objectives through passion, commitment, and expertise in:

• Capacity Management
• Configuration Management
• Change Management
• Budgets & Contracts
• Cost Reduction / Containment
• Strategic Planning
• Applied Research
• Consolidations / Relocations
• Logistics Support
• Troubleshooting
• Staff Development / Training
• IT Management

SKILLS SUMMARY

• Network Hardware: Cisco Routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless, Alcatel LAN and MAN products, BAY switches, JUNIPER Firewalls and SSL appliances, Checkpoint Firewalls, Watchguard Firewalls, Guantlet Firewalls, IBM Proventia (ISS) IDS/IPS, F5 Load-balancers and Foundry (now Broacade) Load-balancers, Aruba Networks (Wireless)
• Telephony Hardware: Avaya PBX (G3 and Higher latest 8800 series), Cisco (Early versions of call manager and Unified Communications Manager), Nortel (option 21 and 61), Mitel (various versions), Compunetix Audio Conferencing Bridges, Madge (Telios) ISDN bridges/H320 MCU, EON Call Center Switch, 5ESS (training only)
• Video Hardware: Polycom, Tandberg, Codian, Life Size
• Server Hardware: IBM, HP, Dell, Fujitsu
• SAN Hardware: EMC, Hitachi
• Telephony/Video Protocols/Services: SIP, H323, H320, ISDN, DS1, DS3, WATTS, NFAS, Various Codecs (for audio and Video Compression)
• WAN Technologies: Point to point private line, Frame Relay, Fractal T1, T1, E1, Multilink PPP, MPLS/Layer 3 (PNT, AVPN, EVPN), STUN, Metro LAN or Layer 2 MPLS, X25/XOT, TDM, DS3, OC3-192, ISDN (BRI and PRI), Packet over Sonet (POS), HDLC, PPP, ATM (IMA up to OC12), and Cellular GSM (Digi and Cisco Routers)
• WAN Optimization: Class of Service (COS) for MPLS, Quality of Service (QOS) input/output queing, policy based packet shaping, Cisco Wide Area Application Services (WAAS).
• Routing Protocols: RIP, IGRP, EIGRP, OSPF, BGP
• LAN Technologies: LAYER2 MPLS, Metro LAN, Standard and Private VLANs, New developments in Virtual Switching with Cisco Nexus, VM/Vswitch (with Nexus 1000 soft switch), 802.11x, WIFI (A, G, N)
• Network Management: Solarwinds (ORION), HP OpenView (NNM and OVO), Nagios, Open NMS, network Observer, and others.
• Network Diagnostic and Testing Tools: Wireshark, Packet Storm, IXIA, Smart Bits, Net Scout, Net Flow, IP SLA, Mercury Interactive Load Runner and Site Scope
• Operating Systems: Various types of UNIX and LINUX, Solaris, Zos, Windows (3.51-2008), Novell (NOS 3.11-6.5), AIX, and AS400.
• Database Types: DB2, Oracle, Sybase, MySql, MSSQL (2000-2005), and Postgre SQL
• Office Automation: MS Office (2000-2007) Visio, AutoCad, SharePoint, MS Project, and others.
• Ticketing and Change Management Systems: Remedy, Heat, FootPrints, Service Desk, and others.
• IT Service/Project Methodology: ITIL, CMMI, Agile, PMBOK
• Regulatory and Compliance: PCI-DSS, SOX, National Indian Gaming Commission Minimum Internal Controls.
• Telecom Service Provider Relations: AT&T, Verizon Business (Formerly MCI), Bell South, SouthWestern Bell, Level3, IUSACELL, TeleMex, Allestra, Sprint, and Qwest

Career Progression

Confidential. Killeen, Texas 2010-Present
In support of Confidential

Senior Vice President Network Services
Manage 31 member team providing wide area and local area network services support. Network Engineering and Operations support of over 230 Branch Locations, voice systems, and network security.

• Leader in supporting infrastructure strategies while creating an effective network management platform for operational management, capacity management and configuration management
• Manage Infrastructure Support Group responsible for local and wide area network support, wireless network support, network security, remote access, phone systems support, desktop support, field services and video conferencing of company offices.
• Responsible for the development and support of a MPLS network of over 230 connected bank branches in Texas. (Multiple DS3 Hubs to T1 based remotes)
• Responsibilities include staff development by facilitating training programs and budgeting for off-site training programs. Responsible for writing job requirements, performance reviews, counseling, interviewing and hiring new associates
• Manage all software, hardware and telecommunications service contracts with various vendors to include new service agreements, invoice reviews, service element additions and cancellations.
• Responsible for Expense and Capital budget of $15M.
• Infrastructure Managed:
• WAN – Cisco Routers (1841, 2911, 3800 series, 7206 VXR\'s)
• TSM and Backup Exec Backup Systems
• McAfee Disk Encryption, Anti-Virus, and Anti-Malware, EPO System
• Altiris Desktop Management Platform
• IBM and Dell Equallogic SAN Systems
• Dell and IBM Intel based Servers
• WAN/GSM – Cisco GSM Wireless Routers (880 series) and Digi GSM Wireless Routers
• LAN – Cisco Switches (Nexus 7000, 3750 series, 2960 series, 6500 series, 3020 blade switches)
• Office and Warehouse Wireless – Cisco 3750 Series Integrated Wireless Controllers with 1140 AP\'s at 9 different offices
• Network Management – Solarwinds Orion Network Performance Monitor and Network Configuration Management
• Network Security – Juniper SSL-VPN, Cisco ASA, Watchguard (various modes), ISS IDS/IPS
• Centralized Log Management – Loglogic, Cisco MARS
• Phone Systems - ESI PBX VOIP Systems, Avaya VOIP, Cisco VOIP (SIP and H323)
• Video Systems – Polycom endpoints, Codian Bridges and Gateways, Tandberg Management System (SIP and H323)

Confidential, Ruckersville, Virginia 2008 – 2010
One of the leading manufacturers of games for class II and emerging gaming markets

Director of Network Services
Managed 20 member team providing wide area and local area network engineering support. Network Engineering and Operations support of over 120 connected sites in the U.S. and Mexico, voice systems, video systems, network security, and regulatory compliance of game networks.

• Leader in supporting network strategies that support wide area game play features while creating and effective network management platform for operational management, capacity management and configuration management
• Managed a group of network engineers responsible for local and wide area network support, wireless network support, network security, remote access, phone systems support, and video conferencing of 9 company offices in the U.S. and Mexico.
• Responsible for the development and support of a MPLS network of over 120 connected gaming properties in the U.S and Mexico. (Multiple DS3 Hubs to T1 based remotes)
• Responsibilities included staff development by facilitating training programs and budgeting for off-site training programs. Responsible for writing job requirements, performance reviews, counseling, interviewing and hiring new associates
• Managed all telecommunications contracts with service providers to include new service agreements, invoice reviews, service element additions and cancellations.
• Responsible for Expense and Capital budget of $15M
• Infrastructure Managed:
• WAN – Cisco Routers (1841, 2811, 3800 series, 7206 VXR\'s)
• WAN/GSM – Cisco GSM Wireless Routers (880 series) and Digi GSM Wireless Routers (Mexico)
• LAN – Cisco Switches (Nexus 7000, 3750 series, 2960 series, 6500 series, 3020 blade switches)
• Office and Warehouse Wireless – Cisco 3750 Series Integrated Wireless Controllers with 1140 AP\'s at 9 different offices (Migrating to Aruba)
• Network Management – Solarwinds Orion Network Performance Monitor and Network Configuration Management
• Network Security – Juniper SSL-VPN, Cisco ASA, Watchguard (various modes), ISS IDS/IPS
• Centralized Log Management – Loglogic
• Phone Systems - ESI PBX VOIP Systems, Avaya VOIP, Cisco VOIP (SIP and H323)
• Video Systems – Polycom endpoints, Codian Bridges and Gateways, Tandberg Management System (SIP and H323)

Confidential, Virginia Beach, Virginia 2004 - 2008
Parent company of catalog retailer Lillian Vernon Corporation and Time Life, the direct marketer of music and videos from Time Warner with almost $500M in annual sales.

Director of Network Services
Managed 15-member team providing desktop support, network engineering, network administration, voice systems engineering, and storage management. Supported infrastructure of 600-seat call center, seven domestic and international remote sites, locally hosted web sites, and order entry and warehouse management servers.

• Definitive leader in effectuating network operational strategies that supported business objectives while integrating and coordinating efforts for organization\'s function. Partnered with divisional leaders, driving corporate initiatives and enhancing department services.
• Managed multiple groups such as desktop support, server administration (Microsoft 2000, 2003, Exchange 2003, Novell 3.12 and Novell 6.5), AS400 and mainframe administration, storage management (EMC Symetrics and Claiirion), back-up management (Veritas NetBackup, Spectrologic and Storage Tek tape libraries), network engineering and operations (Cisco, Foundry, ISS, Checkpoint, HP OpenView), ACD call center systems support (EON ACD system), email, VPN, office phone systems (Avaya Definity), voicemail (Audix), and blackberry server.
• Responsibilities also included staff development by facilitating training programs and budgeting for off-site training programs. Responsible for writing job requirements, performance reviews, counseling, interviewing and hiring new associates.
• Responsible for an expense and capital budget of $12M.
• Reviewed all bills and contracts for discrepancies. Directed official disconnect request for unused services and migration from outsourced services to in-house. Informed vendors of billing errors, and renegotiated teleconferencing contract, ISP services contract, and multiple network and server equipment support contracts.
• Credited with reducing annual operational and support costs $1M after personal due diligence revealed unused, unneeded, and discontinued services, and vendor billing errors.
• Recognized for saving $50K in annual operating costs by upgrading and integrating systems with the data center during the office relocation for Lillian Vernon. Produced an additional $75K annual operational expense saving by integrating the voice (Avaya Definity System) and data networks (Cisco routers and switches) with assets in New York and the distribution facility in Virginia Beach during the relocation of the executive offices for Time Life.
• Increased web site availability to 99.9% by directing the upgrade of e-Commerce site hardware (Cisco routers, Foundry Network\'s application load balancing switches, and Cisco PIX firewalls) for both Lillian Vernon and Time Life to provide fault tolerance, redundancy and to avoid a single point of failure. Primary ecommerce connection on OC-3 POS, back up on Fast Ethernet over SONET.
• Completed deployment project of a uniform desktop management system (utilizing Novell\'s Zenworks Desktop management) to over 400 PCs two weeks ahead of schedule and 15% under budget. Replaced legacy AS 400 terminals, resulting in improved performance and efficiencies in the Lillian Vernon Call Center and warehouse.
• Project manager and subject matter expert for PCI (MasterCard and Visa) credit card security compliance. Imparted technical and strategic leadership in driving business systems security initiatives for credit card compliance. Collaborated with multiple teams for e-commerce, applications, hardware, and network security items (Checkpoint Firewalls and VPN devices, ISS Proventia IDS/IPS systems). Provided project management for two major business divisions under same guidelines (Time Life and Lillian Vernon).
• Established help desk using ITIL process and utilizing help desk software such as HEAT. Focused on pro-active management of systems by integrating trouble ticketing system with network monitoring system (HEAT and HP OpenView also Mercury Site Scope)

Confidential, Norfolk, Virginia 1999 - 2004
Provides global, full life cycle management software support and engineering for fleet standard automated information systems, afloat and ashore. Builds, integrates, delivers, and supports the information technology needed in the field.

Lab Manager
Directed seven-member engineering team providing network support for the Advanced Testing Facility. Collaborated with the ADNS lab and the Charleston NOC lab to resolve hardware and software issues.

• Recruited to design, build, and manage Applications Testing facility for the U.S. Navy. Leveraged extensive IT background to build a lab configured to fleet equipment. Developed testing methodology, procedures, documentation, and executive summary. Generated $500K during first year of operation. Multiple hardware platforms support with such vendors as HP, Compaq, Cisco, Alcatel, and Dell. Software platforms supported were Microsoft NT, 2000, 2003, Exchange 5.5, 2000, 2003, MS SQL, HP Unix, and Solaris.
• Supported multiple network configuration scenarios with Cisco, Xylan, Acatel, and Bay networking equipment. Also assisted in the design of IP based networks for MRSAT and COMSAT ship to shore communications.
• Established a process to insure proper integration testing and approval review and reduced the amount of time the fleet had to wait for products to be approved.
• Established job requirements to support lab and hired personnel. Responsible for on the job training as well as off site vendor training.
• Managed all capital and expense budgets to include hardware, software, contractor support, service contracts, and facilities maintenance.
• Leader of a larger team to develop process and metrics to make the lab CMM level 3 certified. Established procedures for configuration management, change management and capacity management.
• Championed approval of $200K network upgrade project after performance testing revealed the legacy network equipment to be unacceptable for current connectivity needs. Upgraded Xylan Alcatel routers and switches to Cisco routers and switches.
• Orchestrated relocation of 1,100 personnel from Chesapeake, Virginia to Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia, including five server rooms and one lab facility. Maintained 97.8% system availability during 90-day move and zero business disruptions.
• Reviewed building plans and dimensions, and conducted meetings with contractor support executives about space available. Collaborated with base engineers regarding network cabling, fiber, power, HVAC, and raised computer room floor design. Directed design of testing lab spaces and three other computer rooms. Inventoried all existing assets and collected data for all power and space requirement of all existing systems. Developed the layout and design of all systems in five computer rooms and testing lab. Developed statement of work (SOW) so that RFPs could be made to acquire local contract support to perform the move.
• As part of the activity begin relocated to Naval Station Norfolk migrated command phone system from centrex services to a Cisco VOIP solution.
• Managed network testing to bridge existing network over to new facilities in four locations, because move was going to be done in phases over three months. Led the design, SOW and RFP for interoffice phone system for all locations, and installation and layout for fiber and network connections. Managed installation and connection of all external data and voice services. Led move of all server room equipment to new facilities and move of all network equipment to new facilities.

Confidential, Durham, North Carolina 1998 - 1999
Major outsourcing branch providing network management and support for large data and voice networks.

Wide Area Network Engineer, Team Lead
Team Lead for nine-member Citigroup team providing level two and level three support on IP management, routing, frame relay, ISDN, and LAN/WAN issues.

• Honored with promotion to Team Lead from WAN Engineer after only five-weeks on the job.
• In charge of network operations, monitoring, fault isolation and maintenance dispatch to all Citigroup locations.
• Praised for the design and implementation of a specialized training program to quickly familiarize temporary hires with the Citigroup network system.
• Assisted in development of a test script and summary report to automatically validate backup connectivity of over 5,000 nodes (Cisco routers, switches, and ATM equipment) in the Citigroup network. Manual hours saved greatly improved team\'s SLA response time to customer issues, resulting in a significant bonus for the entire Citigroup team.
• Established a capacity management system leveraging HP Openview to monitor network utilization and alert personnel when utilization was approaching maximum capacity. Used as a forcasting tool to allow proper time to have larger circuits order to prevent bottlenecks in major applications.
• Provided training to all team members on the Remedy trouble ticketing system and HP OpenView network monitoring system to improve SLA\'s.

Confidential, Montgomery, Alabama 1997 - 1998
Worldwide provider of telephone and video conferencing and broadcast fax, fax-on-demand, and interactive web services.

Director of Telecommunications, Network Engineer
Led four-member team in the design, implementation, installation, and repair of teleconferencing equipment and administration of a Windows NT 4.0 network. Conducted product research for new value-added services and extensive testing of VoIP solutions with Cisco AVVID products.

• Successfully relocated the business offices and data center equipment under budget and ahead of schedule, maintaining 99.99% network availability and zero business disruptions in a 24x7x365 operation.
• Inventoried all assets to be moved in all locations. Reviewed CAD drawings of building for space requirements. Installed cable management system prior to building completion, installed data and voice cabling prior to building completion. Assisted electricians with the design and layout of power systems and backup power systems. Directed telecom providers in the installation of data and voice services to the building, and pre move testing of all power, data, and voice cabling. Designed temporary bridge services for data and voice between old and new facilities. Relocated all desktops, servers and networking equipment. Relocated all telephone and call center equipment and business-critical systems and support systems.
• Facilitated increased profitability by successfully launching a broadcast fax and fax-on-demand system that created a new revenue stream for the company.
• Systems administrator, engineer and designer on various hardware and software types such as Cisco routers and switches, Mitel PBX system, Compunetix conferencing bridges, PictureTel video conferencing bridges, Madge switches, Newbridge channel banks, DDM2000 fiber muxes, Microsoft NT server, Exchange 5.5, and MS SQL.
• Current involvement in the implementation of ISDN standard video conferencing equipment as well as full scale integration with the LAN based standard. Extensive testing of Voice over IP (VOIP) with Cisco AVVID products.
• Involved in product research and procurement of Data collaboration, Broadcast Fax and value added services such as WEB-X and ASP development.

Confidential, Montgomery, Alabama 1996 - 1997
Maintains the daily operations of all connected nodes on the Air Force\'s unclassified network.

Network Engineer
Managed day-to-day operations to ensure the integrity and stability of the network. Conducted fault isolation and analysis of 137 Air Force concentrators and 2,000 directly connected subscriber circuits. Troubleshot and resolved routing problems and trouble calls. Authored monthly report and recommended future network upgrades.

• Spearheaded creation of a testing and training lab to improve staff training and test software releases in a controlled environment. Located unused parts and assets at NOC, called other AF bases for spare parts not in use, personally installed and configured all equipment, and wrote the basic instruction manual for use and access. Experienced fewer failures by expanding technical knowledge of staff members and providing updates.
• Carry out the operational policies of the Air Force Defense Data Network Program Management Office by staffing the Air Force Internet Control Center help desk. Manage day to day operation and fault isolation of 137 Air Force concentrators and 2000 directly connected subscriber circuits. Analyze and resolve routing problems, perform configuration management and ensure maintenance is performed when necessary. Provide IP management and network services such as Domain Network Service, and the Air Force Defense Data Bulletin Board System, as well as provide electronic mail service in operational support of the Air Force mission. Maintain relational database tracking system of trouble calls, POC\'s, site configurations, and directly connected users. Comply and format statistical data in the form of a monthly Network Analysis Report, and provide input into future network upgrades. Network consists of Cisco Routers 7000 series, 4000 series, 2500 series and AGS+. Management development through the use of HP OpenView.

Confidential, Colorado Springs, Colorado 1989 - 1996
The aerospace branch of the United States armed forces.

Secure Communications Journeyman
Managed up to five-member teams in the installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and monitoring of electronic communications, computers, and switching systems in support of mission-critical mobile air support operations. Supervised the design and implementation of security systems for communications, computers, data, and secure telephones. Engineered, tested, and implemented alternative communications systems to ensure continuity of services.

• Credited with configuring and implementing the first secure video conferencing system for a Division in Korea to provide staff with reliable communications during field maneuvers.
• Performed preventive, special, and unscheduled maintenance on secure communications assets valued over $11M in support of USAF missions and other intelligence gathering organizations.
• Identified all equipment assets and located all technical manuals, reference numbers, points of contact, addresses, and phone numbers. Verified information with military depots and commercial providers. Processed, formatted, and displayed information in a useable format for processing supply issues.
• Developed comprehensive database of all secure data and voice equipment at the Cheyenne Mountain Air Station including technical manuals, reference numbers, addresses, phone numbers, and commercial providers. Created easily accessible information tool and reduced wasted time during upgrades.

Education

Currently enrolled in the MBA program at Confidential

Bachelor of Science Business, Information Technology.
A.A.S., Electronic System Technology.

High Performance Organizations.

Professional Licensure

CCNA, Cisco Certified Network Associate
MCSE, Microsoft Certified System Engineer