Nicholas Riggs Email & Phone Number

Houston, Tx, Us

IT Consultant, Chorus Consulting, Houston, TX 11/2023 to PresentAs a consultant at Chorus Consulting LLC, I perform tasks such as PowerShell scripting, Microsoft domain assessments and cleanup and data retrieval Developed PowerShell scripts for data retrieval and virtual machine building.Collaborated with clients to define project scopes and deliverables.Currently working on an Azure migration POC for Chorus Consulting main environment.

Paris, France, Fr

Conduct assessments and provide expert advice on infrastructure, with a focus on identifying areas for improvement and optimization. Develop and execute run books for migrating applications to Azure cloud, conduct rigorous testing to ensure a successful migration. Evaluated legacy applications and identified opportunities for migration to Azure cloud, with a focus on maximizing performance, efficiency, and scalability.Facilitated the adoption of Agile methodologies and processes to improve project outcomes, streamline workflows, and increase team productivity.Utilized cloud platform strategies rehost, relocate – (using vMConverter, Zerto, and carbonite migrate) and replatform on three client projects.Developed detailed Visio diagrams of existing pre-migration and post migration infrastructure to provide clear and concise documentation for all systems and processes.

Paris, France, Fr

Armonk, New York, Ny, Us

Provided expert guidance and support to a team of 8 during a complex Agile cloud migration project for the Amtrak account, which involved migrating to IBM enterprise cloud infrastructure and Azure. Utilized industry-leading tools and technologies, including Cloudscape for discovery, vMConverter, HCX, Carbonite migrate, and Zerto for migrations, to ensure a seamless and efficient transition to the new environment. Successfully migrated a total of 373 servers for co-location from an on-premises customer site to a new datacenter facility and Azure Cloud, with a focus on minimizing downtime and ensuring data integrity.Received two IBM Eminence Awards in recognition of exceptional performance and high-level customer satisfaction, which reflect my commitment to delivering results that exceed expectations.Earned 35 internal professional and skills development badges, including recognition as an IBM Recognized Teacher and Mentor.

Hired as a consultant for multiple clients to resolve backlog of contractual patching requirements. Lead the effort to remediate the backlog and develop the patching strategy, using Kaseya, develop the Kaseya documentation process and Change control process going forward.Resolved over two years of back patching in three months for 120+ clients, 200+ servers, and 1K+ workstation.Introduced change management initiatives and led weekly client meetings.Streamlined operations for Managed Service Security Operations Center (SOC) and advised team on best ways to address troubled ticket backlogs moving forward.

Houston, Tx, Us

Provided expert advisory services to clients in the financial services sector, serving as VMware SME, Lead Windows Engineer, and IT Troubleshooter. Mentored and coached junior-level systems engineers, preparing them for MCSE certifications, and authoring technical guides to illustrate fundamentals. Standardized internal processes, introducing daily checklists and backup protocols, and leading MS security patch projects for 2 large client accounts.Successfully led system and infrastructure migrations, designed, and built SCCM 2012 environment, and filled critical IT gaps to deliver innovative solutions that resolve efficiency and speed issues.Automated windows patching processes to reduce manual requirements and ensure compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and state and federal regulations, with a focus on achieving enterprise-wide standardization and consistency.Led the software change process and served as Chairperson of the Change Control Review Board, with a focus on ensuring efficient and effective change management processes.Hand-picked as the Lead Engineer for HPE Microsoft High-Performance Computing (HPC) ANSYS POC project buildout.Built a cost-saving SCCM 2012 system to automate asset and patch management processes of 1000+ systems, resulting in considerable time and cost savings for the client.

Houston, Texas, Us

Served as Lead Virtual Engineer and Project Manager during the installation and configuration of virtualization components, ensuring alignment with security requirements. Mentored two junior-level systems engineers preparing for MCSE VCP certifications, providing guidance, coaching, and training to develop the skills and knowledge needed to advance careers. Demonstrated excellent technical expertise, leadership, and project management skills throughout the tenure, resulting in successful completion of complex projects that have delivered value to the organization.Designing and implementing the infrastructure necessary to support the construction of a new Data Center, ensuring scalability, resilience, and optimal performance.Leading the architecture of on-premises virtualization, utilizing Dell M1000e with Dell M605s and EqualLogic iSCSI Storage. I successfully evolved the design from 1G to a high-performing 10G infrastructure.Spearheading the Microsoft SQL Platform Modernization and Migration initiative, streamlining operations by eliminating outdated versions and standardizing on Microsoft SQL 2010.Managing and providing supervision to the Infrastructure Team, overseeing server, messaging, infrastructure, and data center management activities.Modernizing Windows Active Directory, upgrading it from 2003 to 2008, while implementing robust Group Policies to strengthen overall security posture.Integrating new platforms to enhance Business Intelligence capabilities, including the implementation of a new Data Warehouse Platform, resulting in substantial reductions in report run times.Architecting and implementing new security services, such as patch management for Servers and Desktops, leveraging tools like Shavlik and Dell KACE. This initiative significantly decreased IT incidents.Successfully implementing and integrating Nagios for comprehensive network and infrastructure monitoring, enabling proactive monitoring and rapid incident response.

Managed systems engineering processes and complex IT initiatives for multi-site global oil & gas majors, Texaco, Shell, and BHP. Oversaw systems and infrastructure supporting 10K users.Spearheaded all systems migrations and hardware configurations, delivering solutions to ensure steady state support.Credited with setting company's world migration record during SOP U.S. and Motiva GI migration project by completing 645 migrations in a single week.Migrated 200+ servers between two mission-critical sites in 48 hours as part of Shell data center migration project.Managed the CMDB Hardware Configuration Manager Project to maintain current records on infrastructure components and documentation on SOE build guides, serial numbers, asset tags, warranty information, and hardware configurations.Served as the Lead Windows Project Engineer: Dynamic Desktop Rollout using HP Blade System c7000 with Flex10 connectivity, Documentum Disaster Recovery Blade Enclosure, and Documentum 6.5 upgrade.Directed the 5-Year Shell Global Microsoft Security Patching Project. Maintained the global server list, coordinated server outages with refineries/global datacenters, deployed monthly patches out to 1000+ servers, and assessed all patches.Lead Technical Engineer on the CA Network and Systems Management Project to design/install monitoring infrastructure and remote sites formally known as Unicenter TNG.