A seasoned professional in network and security, I've spearheaded strategic infrastructure projects at Heritage Bank, enhancing system efficiency and security. My expertise in enterprise network design and advanced troubleshooting, combined with a knack for risk management, has significantly contributed to business growth and operational excellence. Renowned for fostering team collaboration and driving innovation, I excel in aligning technology solutions with corporate objectives.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Leader, Network and Security Delivery
People First Bank (formerly Heritage Bank)
01.2023 - Current
Contribute to planning and development of network infrastructure roadmap in line with strategic plan,
divisional and departmental objectives.
Provide technical and delivery leadership in the planning, design and delivery of infrastructure solutions relating to network and security technologies and platforms.
Maintain awareness of industry trends and best practice, researching and participating in proof of concepts and innovation.
Assess organisational needs and recommend suitable solutions based on best practices in network design, security protocols, and system administration standards.
Support business growth, planning, and executing network expansions to accommodate new office and data center locations.
Manage the delivery of infrastructure projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of stakeholders.
Monitor project progress and adjust plans and resources as needed to ensure successful project delivery.
Identify, assess, and manage project risks and issues, and develop mitigation plans as needed.
Ensure compliance with organizational policies, procedures, and standards for technology infrastructure delivery.
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders, including business leaders, IT
colleagues, and vendors.
Provide advice and guidance to team and stakeholders on available standards, methods, tools, applications and processes relevant to Network and Security.
Identify and endorse opportunities to adopt new technologies and digital services, following procurement processes and guidelines.
Assess and evaluate risk to implement and execute policies and solutions aligned to strategic plans.
Proactively contribute to the implementation of appropriate security, privacy and ethics practices and culture.
Encourage and facilitate collaboration between stakeholders who have diverse objectives.
Provide coaching and guidance to all divisional colleagues for network and security and general infrastructure queries.
Design, install and configure data network equipment (routers, switches, wireless controllers, WAN optimizers, etc.)
Design, Install and configure security infrastructure and equipment (Firewalls, DLP, email filters, proxies, AV, F5 etc).
Develop and document as-built diagrams, documentation and procedures for completed projects after handoff.
Lead Network and Security Architect
Heritage Bank
01.2021 - 03.2023
Enhanced security measures by designing and implementing comprehensive network architecture strategies.
Designed scalable network architecture that allowed for seamless integration of new technologies.
Proactively identified opportunities for process improvement resulting in streamlined operations across multiple departments.
Managed relationships with external vendors, ensuring timely delivery of hardware and software solutions that met strict security requirements.
Delivered strong cybersecurity defense by creating custom intrusion detection systems tailored to specific environments.
Collaborated closely with IT leadership providing expert counsel on key decisions related to information security investments.
Provided technical guidance on best practices for securely deploying cloud-based services and infrastructure.
Optimized system performance through the implementation of advanced monitoring tools and techniques.
Streamlined enterprise-wide security policies, improving overall compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams for seamless integration of security protocols into existing infrastructure.
Drafted detailed technical documentation outlining architectural design principles, guidelines, and best practices.
Evaluated emerging technologies for potential inclusion in future security architecture designs.
Worked with business partners to balance requirements, security and risk reduction.
Created policies and procedures for emerging security technologies and proposals.
Created frameworks by designing and developing technical solutions.
Performed network troubleshooting to isolate and diagnose common problems.
Head of IT Security
Heritage Bank
03.2018 - 01.2021
Developed, initiated and implemented a team restructure to streamline security focused BAU and network focused BAU capabilities.
Provided leadership, motivation, coaching, professional development and day-to-day support to foster an engaged work environment with a focus on risk and security.
Oversaw the selection, development, deployment, monitoring, maintenance, and enhancement of the bank's technology infrastructure.
Managed the development and delivery of IT standards, best practices, architecture and systems to ensure information system security across the bank.
Collaboration with other executives and stakeholders on the evaluation, allocation, and management of physical and financial resources and administer the hiring, development/training, management, evaluation, and effective assignment of staff.
Proven track record in developing information security policies, privacy policies, and procedures, and successful execution is a heavily regulated environment.
Extensive knowledge of business risk, risk assessment and risk-based decision making.
Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
Team Leader, Security Engineering
Heritage Bank
09.2014 - 03.2018
Set performance expectations for the network and security team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise.
Managed conflict resolution among team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
Maintained an inclusive and diverse team culture, promoting respect and understanding among all members.
Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient work processes and regularly reviewing performance metrics.
Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop their leadership potential and advance in their careers.
Streamlined workflows for increased efficiency, reducing turnaround times for critical tasks.
Promoted culture of continuous improvement by encouraging feedback from all organizational levels and implementing actionable changes.
Led by example, demonstrating commitment and professionalism that inspired team members to excel.
Developed risk management plans, minimizing potential project disruptions and ensuring timely delivery.
Negotiated with suppliers to secure cost-effective resources, positively impacting project budgets.
Enhanced communication strategies, ensuring clear and timely information exchange within team and with clients.
Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.
Cultivated positive relationships with vendors to deliver timely and cost-effective supply of services and materials.
Supported creation of detailed, technical financial models to value potential acquisition targets.
Conducted risk assessments on all aspects of the network infrastructure to identify vulnerabilities proactively before they became threats.
Consulted with management to determine scope and priorities of projects and to discuss system capacity and equipment acquisitions.
Network and Security Engineer
Heritage Bank
12.2010 - 09.2014
Installed, configured and supported local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN) and security infrastructure.
Performed day-to-day LAN and WAN administration, maintenance, and support.
Improved network efficiency by implementing and managing system updates and patches.
Maintained network hardware and software and monitored network to support network availability to end users.
Enhanced network security through installation, monitoring, and maintenance of firewalls and antivirus software.
Maximized uptime by performing routine maintenance on servers, switches, routers, and other networking equipment.Design, implement, and maintain the bank's network infrastructure.
Configure and troubleshoot network devices including routers, switches, firewalls, proxies, wireless devices and load balancers.
Monitor network performance and proactively identify and resolve issues.
Develop and implement network security policies and procedures.
Keep up-to-date with emerging networking technologies and recommend updates or improvements to the network infrastructure.
Provide technical support for network-related issues.
Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
Network Administrator/Service Desk Analyst
Heritage Bank
05.2007 - 12.2010
Identified and immediately resolved issues with network and end user devices.
Assisted IT staff on troubleshooting issues and closing calls.
Monitored system performance and responded to alerts.
Reduced downtime with proactive identification and resolution of IT issues.
Managed data backups and disaster recovery operations to comply with business continuity initiatives.
Backed up company data to distributed storage centers to avoid massive data loss.
Verified continuity of computer and telephone system services for users.
Established comprehensive network documentation to facilitate rapid issue resolution when troubleshooting problems.
Improved employee satisfaction by promptly addressing technology-related concerns raised during periodic performance evaluations.
Authored documentation for system configuration and troubleshooting.
Optimized network performance, conducting regular audits to identify and rectify bottlenecks.
Installed and configured network printers and other peripheral devices.
Diagnosed and resolved hardware and software issues.
Maintained flexible schedule and responded to after-hours and weekend emergencies.
Skills
Enterprise network design
Advanced troubleshooting
Advanced switching/routing & security expertise
Risk Inclined
IT best practice framework expertise
Network security architecture and technologies
Application security
VXLAN designs and troubleshooting
Intrusion detection and revention
Virtualization Technologies
Technical infrastructure migration
Accomplishments
Led the development, design and implementation of the following projects in a financial institution:
A traditional three tiered security zoning standard to significantly improve infrastructure and application security posture.
Deployment of network and security platforms such as Cisco Umbrella, Cisco AMP, Stealthwatch, Sophos Firewall & Forcepoint Web, Email and DPL Security Suite.
Migration from Cisco Catalyst WLCs and APs to Cisco Meraki for wireless connectivity.
Deployment of F5 GTMs, LTMs and APMs in a large scale enterprise environment.
End to end build and migration of Checkpoint Maestro in multiple Data Centers with little to no operational impact.
SDWAN implementation in a branch network, including full network migration from a traditional MPLS network.