“Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere" – Chinese Proverb
Security
Throughout my tenure as owner and manager of an MSP, I remained actively engaged as a T3 technician, ensuring that my technical skills remained sharp and up-to-date, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. This dual role enabled me to serve as a trusted advisor to clients and businesses seeking security services. I spearheaded the development of innovative security offerings and product strategies focused on implementing layered security measures and effective response protocols.
Over the past two decades, I have led numerous incident response teams during breach situations, collaborating closely with insurance companies and forensic experts to mitigate risks and minimize impacts. Additionally, I have personally conducted numerous penetration tests and active hacking exercises for clients, along with hundreds of vulnerability assessments. My adeptness at simplifying complex concepts empowered me to effectively engage with clients, guiding them through often challenging decision-making processes.
Compliance
Throughout my tenure in banking, I gained invaluable experience in compliance, particularly in adhering to FDIC, OCC, and SOX regulations. I successfully implemented policies and leveraged technologies to ensure our compliance with these stringent standards. Transitioning to a role in Managed Service Provider (MSP), I provided support to numerous clients navigating diverse regulatory landscapes including HIPAA, PCI, NIST 800, DFARS, and CMMC. Notably, I facilitated PCI compliance for numerous clients and assisted medical entities such as doctors' offices, Radiology Practices, and insurance providers in achieving HIPAA compliance. I also continued to work with Banks and Credit Unions and provide support, products, and testing towards compliance and remediation support for any findings. Proficient in utilizing governance and compliance portals like those offered by Compliancy Group and Kasey, I effectively tracked and facilitated compliance efforts.
Over the past decade, I have collaborated with Department of Defense (DOD) contractors, advising on and deploying technologies to meet the stringent controls of CMMC, DFARS, and NIST 800-171. This breadth of experience has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of compliance requirements, rendering me a versatile generalist capable of navigating regulatory complexities with ease. I attribute my success in compliance to my meticulous attention to detail and strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
vCIO
In my role as vCIO Team Lead, I spearheaded the development and implementation of processes and toolsets utilized by our vCIOs. This position required me to serve as a technical advisor to clients, facilitating insightful discussions at the business level and offering tailored guidance. I played a pivotal role in various aspects of client engagement, including lifecycle management, budgeting, contract negotiations, and infrastructure design and integration.
Furthermore, I seamlessly integrated traditional account management functions into this role, ensuring that each vCIO served as the primary relationship holder for their respective clients. My leadership in this capacity facilitated cohesive and effective client-vendor relationships.
Advocate and Mentor
From my earliest days in management, I've held a steadfast belief in the power of knowledge sharing and mentorship. Throughout my career journey, I've both received and imparted wisdom, recognizing the transformative impact of mentorship.
As a corporate trainer for a prominent restaurant group, I traversed various locations, imparting operational expertise and nurturing staff development. Transitioning to Toshiba, I attained certification as a technical trainer, guiding technical staff through product mastery and certification processes.
Across diverse roles and industries, I've remained committed to mentoring emerging talent, witnessing many mentees ascend to esteemed positions such as IT directors, VPs, and Product Executives. At Computer Troubleshooters, I assumed the role of new franchise trainer, equipping franchisees with the knowledge and tools for operational success.
My expertise has also been sought after on broader platforms, with invitations to speak and teach at seminars, culminating in a keynote address at a prestigious IT conference. In recent roles, I've pioneered the development of comprehensive training programs and departments, including the establishment of a peer mentoring initiative.
I firmly believe that investing in the growth and development of others not only empowers them but also fosters a culture of value and mutual respect.
Cultural Development through Effective Communication
In my view, culture and communication are the foundation stones upon which any successful corporate structure is built. Throughout my professional journey, I've been steadfast in my belief that a company's culture, whether positive or negative, shapes its trajectory. Cultivating the right culture demands deliberate effort and a strategic approach.
Central to fostering a positive and cooperative culture is the pillar of effective communication. I've always prioritized establishing clear lines of communication across departments, among teams, and from leadership downwards. This encompasses various mediums, including print, digital, and verbal communication.
However, merely having methods and processes in place is insufficient without equipping individuals with the necessary interpersonal skills for effective communication. I've found it invaluable to introduce teams to the principles outlined in "Crucial Conversations" as a framework for enhancing communication and collaboration within the organization.
Data, KPI's, and Metrics
As the saying goes, "you can't judge what you can't measure." Indeed, understanding what to measure and how to measure it can be more challenging than the evaluation itself. My forte lies in identifying pertinent data sources and extracting key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive organizational success.
KPIs serve as invaluable tools for assessing and enhancing team performance and efficiency. Throughout my 25-year career, I've been at the forefront of implementing metrics, reporting systems, and dashboards across various roles. By aligning these metrics with organizational objectives, I've empowered teams to strive for excellence while maintaining accountability to established standards.
The aspect of accountability is pivotal, as it requires a delicate balance of fostering trust and mutual respect within teams. I've adeptly navigated these dynamics, ensuring that accountability measures are perceived as constructive rather than punitive. Cultivating a culture of trust has been instrumental in translating metrics into actionable insights, driving positive outcomes and reinforcing my ability to thrive in this domain.
Certifications
MICROSOFT
• MCSE +I
• MCP (Multiple)
• Small Business Specialist
VOIP
• FtOCC VoIP
• DCSP VoIP
OTHER
• CompTIA A+
• Novell CNA
• CompTIA MAC
• Numerous hardware certifications from
DELL, HP, Minolta, Toshiba, and Rico
Education
Clayton State University
Degree in Electronics
1990