In my role, I focus primarily on enhancing the organization's cybersecurity posture. This includes managing various security-related programs such as SIEM, IPS, XDR, etc. and overseeing the Distribution Automation and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) environments. My responsibilities extend to conducting comprehensive security audits, including PCI-DSS, critical controls, penetration tests, and internal/external vulnerability scans, followed by detailed remediation. I ensure adherence to the latest industry standards and best practices in cybersecurity and lead the development and maintenance of cybersecurity training programs for end users. Additionally, I manage the relationships with managed security service providers and assist in creating and updating critical security policies and procedures, such as Disaster Recovery (DR), Incident Response, acceptable use, and information security. My role also involves performing internal vulnerability scanning and overseeing remediation processes. Beyond these core cybersecurity tasks, I contribute to the organization by recommending new equipment procurement, supervising hardware and software upgrades, collaborating with department heads and IT to assess IT needs, and assisting with network installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting as needed.

I managed an integrated system that combines smart meters, communication networks, and data management systems, facilitating two-way communication between the cooperative and its members. This role is crucial for smart grid deployment and distributed generation. I am responsible for the backbone mesh network, which includes smart meters, routers, and collector sites. A significant part of my job is securing the smart grid, adhering to both physical and cybersecurity best practices. My management scope covers field network devices, encompassing DSL, CradlePoint routers, Cisco ASA and Palo Alto firewalls, and 4G LTE technology. In this capacity, I ensure operational, financial, and customer benefits. The role encompasses responsibility for multiple hardware and software components, each integral to energy consumption and the transmission of data.

In my role, I served as the primary contact for all network and security-related tasks within the organization. My responsibilities included monitoring our Security Information and Event Monitoring (SIEM) system using SecureWorks Red Cloak and implementing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) across the organization with Duo. I managed our server and storage environment using VMware technologies (vRealize, vSphere) on Dell PowerEdge hardware and provided daily management of firewalls across both Cisco ASA and Palo Alto NGFW platforms. Additionally, I inspected and enforced policies using Carbon Black for endpoint protection. I coordinated support for field networks using CradlePoint’s software-driven wireless WANs on 4G LTE and maintained PCI DSS as our security standard for credit card handling. My duties also involved overseeing daily network support and monitoring using SolarWinds Orion and Cisco CLI, along with administering the organization's Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution, IBM MaaS360, to control and secure various endpoints such as smartphones and tablets.

I successfully completed a $7 million new site buildout for Pentair’s global engineering innovation center, demonstrating my capability in managing new site buildouts and infrastructure lifecycle projects. My role involved providing global server and storage support to over 10,000 employees across more than 130 locations, utilizing VMware, Dell, and HP hardware. I was responsible for conducting wireless site surveys and designing networks to ensure optimal coverage in various environments. My experience extends to working with both internal and external audits to ensure SOX compliance and participating in IT integrations, divestitures, and acquisitions. I played a key role in security projects, including implementing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and managing physical access. During transitional periods, I acted as an interim supervisor. Additionally, I built and monitored the global infrastructure environment daily using tools like OpManager and SolarWinds, provided second and third-tier infrastructure support, resolving escalations from the Service Desk, and offered networking support to the NCSA region using Cisco hardware.

In my role, I effectively utilized Service Now to proactively monitor and manage work incidents in the NCSA region, ensuring timely and efficient resolution of issues. My responsibilities included participating in a 24x7x365 on-call rotation, which allowed me to provide both hands-on and remote technical support to users across the region. Additionally, I was involved in executing IT-related tasks for onboarding and offboarding processes, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to IT support and management.

As the supervisor of help desk operations for the College of Agriculture and Life Science, I was responsible for hiring, managing, and mentoring personnel, while also providing hardware and software support to both on-site and remote employees. My role required me to work independently with minimal supervision, and I was diligent in compiling weekly and monthly status reports for the IT Director. I utilized IT Service Management (ITSM) applications to proactively manage work incidents and applied my project management skills to effectively handle multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring smooth and efficient operations within the IT department.

• Provided support to over 20,000 computers and peripherals and over 10,000 students and faculty.• Provided weekly status reports to the CIO