Upgrading VMware hosts is no small feat, especially when zero downtime is the goal. Over a five-year cycle, I led multiple VMware host replacements and upgrades, ensuring seamless transitions without disrupting guest machines. This initiative was about more than just hardware—it was about future-proofing our infrastructure and maintaining business continuity.

The Windows workstation imaging process was a bottleneck for our IT operations. It was manual, inconsistent, and disruptive to users. I saw an opportunity to change that. By leveraging Configuration Manager, automation, and the User State Migration Tool (USMT), I introduced a Light Touch imaging model that transformed the process into something efficient, scalable, and user-friendly.

When I stepped into the role, I inherited a firewall infrastructure that had served the organization well for many years. However, as technology evolved, the hardware had reached the end of its lifecycle, and it was time to modernize. By implementing Palo Alto firewalls, we introduced advanced features like application-aware traffic rules, user ID-based policies, and centralized logging. Additionally, we integrated the firewalls with CrowdStrike SIEM to enhance threat detection and response.

When a ransomware attack hit our organization, it was a wake-up call. It exposed vulnerabilities in our endpoint security and made it clear that we needed a stronger defense. Leading the charge, I deployed CrowdStrike Falcon EDR to transform our cybersecurity posture and ensure we were prepared for the future.

It started like any other day—until it wasn’t. A ransomware attack had infiltrated our systems, encrypting critical data and halting operations. As the lead infrastructure engineer, I knew this was my moment to step up. This is the story of how we recovered, rebuilt, and emerged stronger.

Over my 12 years at Rea, I led multiple hardware replacement projects to ensure laptops and desktops were always reliable and up-to-date. These projects weren’t just about swapping out old machines—they were about empowering users with modern tools, reducing downtime, and ensuring the organization stayed ahead of potential risks.

Data protection is the backbone of IT infrastructure. Recognizing the growing threat of ransomware, I led the implementation of a modern backup solution centered on immutability. By upgrading to Veeam 11 and deploying hardened Linux servers and S3-compatible storage, I ensured our backups were secure, reliable, and resilient.

Migrating to a cloud-based helpdesk wasn’t just about upgrading software—it was about transforming how we delivered IT support. As Service Desk Supervisor, I led the transition from BMC TrackIT to Freshservice, introducing modern functionality, streamlined workflows, and a better user experience.