Detailed description of professional experience and career path along a personal Reflection on my Career Journey:
Director of Information Technology Operations, The Stepping Stones Healthcare Group – Boston, MA, USA – 2022 – Present
- Infrastructure, Cloud, and Cybersecurity:
- Cybersecurity strategy, Gap Analysis, Threat Modeling, and Business Continuity Planning. critical partner to the CIO in delivering the security roadmap.
- Improving all aspects of infrastructure, endpoint, and cloud security by performing and overseeing regular maturity assessments and measurements.
- Evaluate, modify, and create information systems policies and procedures, and define a cybersecurity strategy and operating model aligned with business objectives. Ensure regulatory compliance and IT governance.
- Technical positioning:
- Strategically setting up technology to allow rapid growth and adaptation to possible emerging scenarios.
- lead a team responsible for identifying and solving pain points through technological enhancements.
- Managing teams, and MSPs, assigning employees to various parts of the process based on skills and road map.
- Co-create IT, technical, and business strategy with executive leadership, assess performance and manage each project’s budget and priorities, and advise business to make security-conscious decisions.
IT Infrastructure Manager, Acceleron Pharma a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck & Co, Cambridge, MA, USA – 2020 – 2022
- Cybersecurity. from Compliance to defense-in-depth strategy, Security Governance, Threat Modeling, DRP, BIA, Vulnerability and Risk Management, and deploying and managing security tooling such as SIEM, XDR, Data Classification, DLP, MDM, CASB, etc.
- IT Infrastructure solution development and decision-making, setting goals, tracking, and managing performance. Overseeing IT Operations and coordinating with other units.
- Cloud Infrastructure administration and management (including M365, Azure), leading organizational change management in choosing and deploying a Cloud-First Strategy.
- Manage security incidents. Provide escalation and guidance for IT Staff
- Research and develop standards for architecture and engineering to be used by other IT support groups.
- Resource for helping to resolve network and security-related issues that are escalated.
- Contribute to the roadmap, architectural direction, and continuous improvement.
- Led projects and multi-task efforts that included internal IT teams, MSPs, and providers. RFP/RFI processes, and Vendor Governance.
- Proactively communicate opportunities, expectations, timelines, risks, and issues.
- Performs knowledge transfer to other members of the IT Infrastructure Team.
Insights from my experience in this position:
This role stands out as one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I had the privilege of collaborating with brilliant individuals, consistently exceeding expectations through the combined power of strategy and teamwork. Additionally, I gained in-depth knowledge of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities, which allowed me to study the structure and operations of a major S&P 200 company. This opportunity enriched my understanding of corporate strategy and organizational dynamics on a large scale.
Head of Technology/IT and Cybersecurity Solutions Architect, as an Independent Contractor in various Startup and medium-sized companies. – 2015 – 2019
- Played the role of ‘Fractional IT Leadership’ working directly with CIOs, CISOs, and key stakeholders focusing on Cybersecurity, and helping manage IT portfolios to develop IT strategy and IT governance that drives and supports the overall business goals by:
- Improving and accelerating deployment cadence
- Providing experience and insight across several industries
- Aligning departments, and setting direction for change.
- Provided the required infrastructure and cloud services based on technical analysis and gap analysis by interviewing stakeholders
- Security Product Engineering and Solution Design. Owned tactical execution of Information Security’s strategic direction and vision.
- Responsible for aiding IT and technology teams to identify technology trends
- Track and record roadmaps, manage RFQs, benchmarks, and more
- Developed unique, effective security strategies for software systems, networks, data centers, and hardware.
- Designed and implemented remote access solutions to enable collaboration in Global teams using Cisco Firepower, ISE, and Cloud Initiatives using AWS, Azure, and 365 deployments (Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, Yammer, Exchange)
Insights from my experience in this position:
In one phrase: Evolving from Expert to Trusted Partner.
I began my career as a consultant and naturally evolved into a fractal leader for multiple organizations. Initially, my role was to serve as a subject matter expert, offering deep and diverse knowledge in IT. My expectation was that companies would reach out to me when they encountered challenges they couldn’t resolve internally. However, this dynamic quickly shifted. Instead of being contacted solely during emergencies or crises, I became the first point of contact for strategic changes, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative discussions. Over time, I transitioned from being viewed as a resource to being regarded as a trusted thought partner and integral team member. I attribute this transformation to the trust and strong relationships I built, combined with my technical expertise and intuitive approach to problem-solving.
Senior IT Engineer, Arad International Engineering Company of Design and Development (Managed IT Service Provider). – 2010 – 2015
- Microsoft, Linux, and Cisco Administration in a large scale Data Center Environment
- Consulted and handled the implementation of logical network infrastructure
- Network Traffic Management, Routing and switching, and VoIP Administrator for a company with more than 15 connected branches.
- Security Administration (Layered Security and Defense In-Depth)
- Designed, Implemented, and Optimized a complete VMware vSphere environment
- Designed solutions for recurring network incidents to ensure uninterrupted services.
Insights from my experience in this position:
In this role, I honed my technical skills while gaining extensive experience working in data centers and hybrid environments. I also developed the ability to perform effectively under pressure, managing multiple projects simultaneously with a focus on time management and cost efficiency. These experiences taught me the importance of strategic planning, prioritization, and maintaining composure in high-stakes situations to deliver impactful results.
IT Trainer, ACECR (Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research), – 2013 – 2014
- Instructor on IT/ICT courses including MCSE and CCNA topics
Insights from my experience in this position:
In this role, I learned the critical importance of training and upskilling, recognizing how these efforts can profoundly impact team performance and collective value. Empowering team members through continuous development is essential for the success of any team. Additionally, I discovered the value of providing reasoning and context instead of just providing conclusions, as this approach fosters deeper understanding, engagement, and more effective decision-making within the team.
Senior Network Engineer, System Avaran International Co. (BASA),
(Managed IT Service Provider). – 2009 – 2010
- Responsible for Cross-Connecting Multi-Platformed Systems
- Designed and implemented NOC/SOC to proactively monitor the network, resulting in better SLA and network performance, and security
- Designed, implemented, and maintained virtualization in an enterprise network using VMware, HP solutions (Servers, SAN, NAS) and RHEL
- Implemented ticketing systems to address customers network related issues
Insights from my experience in this position:
Working as a senior engineer in a Managed Service Provider (MSP) environment enabled me to deepen my technical expertise while gaining a strong appreciation for the importance of system integration. I learned how well-designed systems, built within a structured framework, can add significant value to both operations and client outcomes. This role not only enhanced my technical abilities but also reinforced the critical role of strategic planning and thoughtful design in delivering impactful IT solutions.
Network and System Administrator, RizPardaz Tarashe
(Managed IT Service Provider). – 2008 – 2009
- Responsible for supporting the entire enterprise network.
- Measured systems uptime and help desk performance.
- Provided advanced technical support to Data Centers in operational environments.
- Ensured network and service functionality by maintaining current baselines.
- Offer technical and operational support for Operating Systems, hardware, and network.
Insights from my experience in this position:
Working as an administrator in a Managed Service Provider (MSP) environment significantly broadened my technical knowledge and expertise in IT. This role allowed me to develop a diverse understanding of various IT disciplines. The experience not only deepened my technical skills but also provided a comprehensive view of how these components integrate to support business operations effectively.
IT Support, Freelance, working in various IT academies and MSPs – 2006 – 2008
- Remarkable experience in Help Desk and technical customer service
- Provided off-hours support for high-priority issues.
Insights from my experience in this position:
In this role, I gained valuable skills in communicating technical concepts to non-technical audiences, which allowed me to help others effectively utilize technology to enhance their work processes. From a technical standpoint, this position provided me with a foundational understanding of IT services, starting from a technician level and progressing through the various layers of IT operations. This experience not only deepened my technical knowledge but also gave me the satisfaction of empowering others through technology.
