As an Information System Security Officer and Senior Cloud Architect, I lead robust cybersecurity initiatives within the healthcare sector, crafting secure and scalable cloud solutions. With a deep foundation in cloud architecture and software development, I seamlessly integrate DevOps practices to ensure the highest standards of data protection and system performance. My role extends beyond technical prowess; I am passionately committed to humanitarian and adventure pursuits. From scuba diving in cerulean depths to leading wilderness rescues, my enthusiasm for the outdoors and dedication to helping others profoundly enrich my professional drive and perspective, bringing a unique blend of skills and empathy to every challenge I undertake.
“Yesterday I was clever, I wanted to change the World.
Today I am wise, I'm changing myself.” - Rumi
― Leadership
In my previous roles, I've consistently demonstrated ownership by taking initiative and responsibility for both the strategic and technical aspects of cybersecurity in healthcare. As a senior engineer specializing in cloud architecture and software development, I've led projects to design secure and scalable cloud solutions. This not only involved hands-on development and deployment but also required proactive risk management and adherence to compliance standards, ensuring that every facet of our systems was robust against potential threats.
Beyond the technical, my commitment to ownership extends into my personal life, where I serve as a wilderness EMT and a scuba instructor. These roles demand a high level of personal accountability, decisiveness, and the ability to lead and educate others in high-stakes environments. For instance, as a wilderness EMT, I am responsible for making critical medical and logistical decisions during emergencies, directly impacting the safety and well-being of others. As a scuba instructor, I ensure that safety protocols are strictly followed and that my students are well-prepared to handle the challenges of diving.
These experiences have ingrained a strong sense of ownership in all facets of my life, ensuring that I bring a comprehensive, responsible, and proactive approach to every project and team I lead/
― My background
Throughout my dynamic career, I've embraced various phases, each shaping my approach and work philosophy today. My journey has not only shaped my professional ethos—it has also guided my personal commitments. I became a licensed EMT, and advanced to Wilderness-EMT, to fulfill a deep-seated desire to help others in critical times, blending my problem-solving skills with compassionate care. Passionate about maintaining a healthy work-life balance, I also pursued SCUBA diving, becoming an Open Water Specialty Instructor. These experiences enrich my life and work, enabling me to inspire and lead with resilience and adaptability.
― Skills
Leadership
Communication
Critical thinking
Strategic planning
Risk management
Cost management
Team development
― Work experience
Cloud Architect
T-Mobile / 2018 - 2023
Spearheaded cloud initiatives that modernized infrastructure architecture to enhance security. Formulated and executed comprehensive AWS cloud strategies, ensuring the deployment of scalable, secure, and cost-effective solutions. Involved in elevating team proficiency by delivering tailored training in basic cloud computing skills, effectively aligning staff capabilities with evolving cloud objectives. This comprehensive approach allowed for continuous improvement in cloud deployment strategies, optimization of resource utilization, and the cultivation of a forward-thinking, security-conscious team environment. Leadership in these areas not only strengthened cloud infrastructure but also supported a broader business goals by improving system reliability and performance.
― Education
American InterContinental University
Master's degree, Business Administration / 2004 - 2006
― PERSONAL
Wilderness-Emergency Medical Technician (W-EMT)
Issued Dec 2022 · Expires Mar 2025
Credential ID B-76507
Information System Security Officer
Western Missouri Medical Center / 2023 - Present
Responsibilities included drafting and implementing security strategies and policies to protect critical health-related data and systems, while leading cybersecurity teams to execute initiatives that bolster infrastructure robustness and resource management. Prioritizing risk management and ensuring compliance with HIPAA standards, as well as fostering a security-centric culture. The position also entails managing external vendor risks to enhance the overall security posture, monitoring IT systems for vulnerabilities, and developing resilient infrastructure against potential breaches. Direct collaboration with the C-Level team aligns security strategies with organizational goals, and involves working closely with CISA and other agencies to maintain national security standards and effective incident responses.
"Big"
Big Brothers/Big Sisters / 2021
Senior Operations Manager
NETSCOUT / 2015 - 2018
Transformed and automated data center operations using Infrastructure as Code (IaC), managing the platform with Terraform for infrastructure orchestration and Ansible for configuration management to guarantee uniform and dependable deployments. Led cross-departmental collaborations to align IT infrastructure initiatives with broader business objectives. Drove continuous improvement practices in operational processes, significantly reducing costs and increasing efficiency. Developed and mentored a team of IT professionals, enhancing their skills in automation technologies and agile methodologies. Championed a proactive approach to system security and compliance, ensuring all operations adhered to industry standards and company policies.
Principal Architect
Comcast / 2008 - 2014
Fostered close collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure the resilience of systems and delivered clear communications across all organizational levels. Spearheaded strategic initiatives to drive architectural excellence and innovation. Mentored and guided technical teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and skill enhancement. Led the development and implementation of best practices in system design and integration, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and industry standards.
West Texas A&M University
Bachelor's degree, Computer Science / 1998 - 2004
Amarillo College
Associate's degree, Architecture [Machine Design] / 1993 - 1995
Amarillo College
Associate's degree, Architecture / 1992 - 1994
Open Water Specialty SCUBA Instructor
Issued Feb 2024
Pro ID: 108266
Wilderness First Responder
Issued Jul 2024 · Expires Jul 2026
Credential ID: NOLS 24-WMIN-F2-4179
Speaker: Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons
Founder: Parental Alienation Support & Education Database
PASEDB: Parental Alienation Support/Education Database is designed to bring awareness to the atrocities of Parental Alienation. Help parents and families find some footing and obtain a basic understanding of Parental Alienation while being stuck in horrific family courts with out of touch, corrupt attorneys and judges. The site is non-profit and all of the software is freely available under the GPL-3 license.
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