Abdoulie Ceesay
Springfield,IL
Summary
Dynamic cybersecurity and IT professional with over 5 years of experience specializing in policy development, network security, and comprehensive monitoring and evaluation. Demonstrated expertise in supporting secure IT operations while effectively collaborating with diverse stakeholders to enhance organizational resilience. Committed to advancing national and organizational cybersecurity initiatives through strategic engagement and innovative solutions. A proactive approach to identifying vulnerabilities and implementing robust security measures ensures the protection of critical assets in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Business Development Intern
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES (DCEO)
02.2025 - Current
- Assist in providing a review of surveys/applications for completeness to evaluate the merit of proposals for funding assistance from appropriate funds.
- Conducts routine follow-up of pending grantees to determine compliance and timely completion.
- Evaluates reports from multiple data sources showing potential problems and areas of holdup in the grant process.
- Assist in compiling research findings, drafting reports, and creating presentations for stakeholders and decision-makers.
UIS Athletic Event Staff
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS SPRINGFIELD
08.2024 - 02.2025
- Assist in the management and coordination of UIS home sporting events.
- Support the compilation of accurate game statistics, ensuring the integrity and reliability of competition records.
- Perform various tasks before, during, and after athletic events, as needed, to ensure smooth operations.
- Collaborate with team members to maintain a high standard of event execution.
- Uphold UIS's commitment to sportsmanship and fairness by ensuring the proper handling of statistical data.
ICT Support
MINISTRY OF INTERIOR, THE GAMBIA
09.2019 - 06.2024
- Participated in international cybersecurity meetings and study visits in France and the Netherlands, gaining exposure to global cybercrime and security practices.
- Nominated speaker on the current state of cybersecurity in The Gambia, demonstrating subject-matter expertise and leadership.
- Contributed recommendations to National Cybersecurity Committee discussions supporting national cybersecurity strategy.
- Managed day-to-day network operations, troubleshooting, performance monitoring, and implementation of network security controls.
- Delivered end-user support, resolved hardware/software and network issues, and maintained reliable IT operations.
- Supported IT project monitoring and audit activities to ensure compliance and security standards.
- Collaborated with senior management and stakeholders on IT planning, updates, and decision-making.
- Managed institutional email systems and website operations.
- Conducted cybersecurity awareness training to strengthen organizational security culture.
Education
MSc - Cybersecurity Management
University of Illinois Springfield
USA05.2026
BSc - Information Systems
University of The Gambia
The Gambia05.2023
Skills
- Technical Skills:
- Cybersecurity Policy (ISO 27001, NIST)
- Network & Infrastructure Security (LAN/WLAN, TCP/IP, Firewalls, IDS/IPS)
- Digital Forensics & Incident Analysis
- Hardware & Systems Troubleshooting
- Risk Assessment & Security Controls
- Business Continuity Planning
- Soft Skills:
- Leadership & Communication
- Problem Solving
- Operational Resilience
- Entrepreneurship
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with a team of stakeholders in the development of the National Cybersecurity Policy , enhancing the country's cybersecurity governance.
- Conducted multiple security awareness training sessions , reducing potential threats and improving staff adherence to security policies.
- Represented The Gambia at a high-level cybercrime meeting at EUROPOL in The Hague, contributing to international cybersecurity collaboration.
- Founded a business in 2019 , which continues to operate successfully, demonstrating leadership and entrepreneurship
Certification
- Certified in Cybersecurity (04/2023 - 05/2023) - Valid Through May 10, 2026
- CompTIA Security+ Certified (11/2022 - 04/2023) - Valid through April 11, 2026
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNP) (09/2022 - 11/2022) - Networkers Champ, India
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) (10/2021 - 07/2022) - Valid Through July 27, 2025
- Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) (02/2016 - 08/2016)
- CompTIA Network+ (01/2015 - 07/2015)
- CompTIA A+ (06/2013 - 12/2013)
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Elementary
Timeline
Business Development Intern
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES (DCEO)
02.2025 - Current
UIS Athletic Event Staff
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS SPRINGFIELD
08.2024 - 02.2025
ICT Support
MINISTRY OF INTERIOR, THE GAMBIA
09.2019 - 06.2024
BSc - Information Systems
University of The Gambia
MSc - Cybersecurity Management
University of Illinois Springfield