Chris Gordon
Imlay City,Michigan
Summary
As a seasoned technology professional with over 15 years of experience, I specialize in Microsoft Azure architecture, focusing on enterprise-scale design, Azure network architecture, and cloud security. My expertise spans both hands-on and consulting roles, providing solutions for Fortune 500 companies as well as small and medium-sized businesses.
Committed to staying at the forefront of the ever-evolving cloud landscape, I dedicate at least 10 hours each week to self-study, ensuring my skills remain up-to-date and relevant.
Beyond my professional life, I am a devoted husband and father. I have a passion for music and enjoy spending time outdoors, whether it's at the beach or on a trail. Quality time with my family is invaluable to me.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
8
8
Certification
Work History
Principal Cloud Architect
Trace3
09.2020 - Current
- Led the design, architecture, development, automation, and hands-on implementation of Azure cloud solutions, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
- Contributing to the growth of the business by identifying new opportunities, participating in proposal development, and presenting solutions to potential clients.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, understanding their business needs and objectives, and ensuring that the cloud solutions provided align with these goals.
- Provided high-level consulting services to Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 clients, specializing in Azure infrastructure, security, and networking to meet their unique business requirements.
- Conducted comprehensive risk analysis and developed mitigation strategies for continuous evaluation and validation of Azure system design and architecture, ensuring system resilience and reliability.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Azure resource management, effectively balancing independent tasks and collaborative team projects to optimize cloud solution delivery.
- Conducted application resiliency assessments on Azure and AWS, identifying potential vulnerabilities and implementing robust solutions to enhance system reliability and performance.
- Utilized excellent communication skills to articulate complex Azure-focused strategies and concepts to diverse stakeholders, facilitating clear understanding and effective decision-making.
- Maintained a detail-oriented approach to Azure cloud solution development and implementation, driven by a strong work ethic and commitment to client satisfaction.
- Overseeing the execution of projects from start to finish, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and meet the client's requirements. This includes coordinating with different teams, managing resources, and resolving any issues that arise.
- Working with senior management to develop strategies for the firm's cloud services, including identifying new service offerings, improving existing services, and determining the best technologies and methodologies to use.
- Ensuring that all cloud solutions comply with relevant regulations and standards, and that appropriate security measures are in place to protect both the firm's and clients' data.
- Staying updated with the latest trends and developments in cloud technology and sharing insights with both the team and clients. This could involve writing white papers, speaking at conferences, or leading internal training sessions.
Team Lead & Cloud Architect
United Shore
02.2019 - 08.2020
- Designed, developed, and deployed IaaS & PaaS services, including Palo Alto and F5 NVAs, virtual networking, security, and server design on Azure, using Application Gateway, Load Balancers, NSGs & Route Tables to ensure a secure and highly available enterprise cloud solution.
- Managed Azure security & governance through the use of Azure policies, Security Center, Azure Key Vault, Conditional Access Policies, Privileged Identity Management, multiple subscriptions, and Role-Based Access Control.
- Designed and implemented a highly available, geographically redundant, and secure VDI solution using Citrix Cloud with Azure, providing WAF & load balancing, single sign-on, and FSLogix profile containers.
- Conducted Azure training sessions for the Server, Network, and Security Engineer teams to enhance their understanding and utilization of the platform.
- Automated the deployment of Azure resources, policies, server configuration, risk remediation runbooks, server-less Functions, and PowerShell to streamline operations.
- Led a team of Engineers and Administrators in designing, building, and operating enterprise infrastructure and Azure public cloud.
- Collaborated with architects and developers to create industry-leading software solutions.
- Oversaw the leadership, mentorship, and career growth of Architects, Engineers, and Administrators, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented environment.
Lead Project Engineer
BlueRock Technologies
08.2017 - 02.2019
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, understanding their technical needs and objectives, and ensuring that the solutions provided align with these goals.
- Overseeing the execution of projects from start to finish, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and meet the client's requirements. This includes coordinating with different team members, managing resources, and resolving any issues that arise.
- Played a key role in the leadership team, contributing to business decisions and strategic planning to drive organizational growth and success.
- Established technical standards related to solution development, implementation, configuration, and security, ensuring consistency and quality across all projects.
- Led and mentored a team of Project Engineers, fostering a collaborative environment and supporting their professional development.
- Served as the primary escalation point for advanced network and system issues, leveraging deep technical expertise to provide effective solutions.
- Devised customer-specific cloud migration strategies and solutions, encompassing network architecture, Active Directory design and configuration, and server migrations.
- Engineered solutions for clients to transition from on-premises solutions to cloud-only solutions in Microsoft Azure and InTune, utilizing Okta IDaaS, Azure AD, and various EFSS solutions including Box, Sharefile, and Sharepoint/OneDrive/Teams.
- Led the refresh and replacement of entire networks with Cisco Meraki hardware for numerous clients, enhancing network performance and reliability.
- Designed, configured, and implemented VMware clusters and SAN solutions for on-premise designs, optimizing storage and virtualization capabilities.
Systems Engineer II
Custom Data Solutions
04.2014 - 07.2016
- Developed proposals for new software and infrastructure upgrades, aligning with business needs and technological advancements.
- Installed, configured, and administered business antivirus and endpoint security solutions, ensuring robust protection against cyber threats.
- Managed Windows servers, including servicing, patching, software installation, and service management, ensuring optimal server performance.
- Administered Active Directory, Group Policy, and WSUS for Windows Server, maintaining system integrity and user accessibility.
- Monitored corporate networks using tools such as Veeam, vCenter, New Relic, and AVTech, ensuring network stability and performance.
- Configured and maintained backups using Dell Netvault, safeguarding critical business data.
- Managed network security and connectivity by configuring and managing Dell SonicWALL Firewall and HP Switches.
- Administered and configured VMware and Hyper-V virtualization, optimizing system performance and resource utilization.
- Trained IT staff members, enhancing team competency and efficiency in managing IT systems.
- Ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues in a timely manner.
- Excellent communication skills to effectively convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and team members.
Technical Supervisor
The Computer Guys
07.2016 - 08.2017
- Guided and trained associates, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
- Served as the primary escalation point for troubleshooting advanced network and systems issues, leveraging deep technical expertise to provide effective solutions.
- Developed and implemented policies and procedures for governing the Network Operation Center and field technicians, ensuring consistent and high-quality service delivery.
- Managed and dispatched technicians to multiple client locations, ensuring timely and effective on-site support.
- Installed, configured, and maintained a variety of IT equipment, including servers, routers, switches, wireless devices, desktops, and printers, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
- Leveraged strong interpersonal communication skills to provide exceptional user support, fostering positive relationships with clients and team members.
- Conducted proactive risk assessments, identifying potential issues and implementing preventive measures to ensure system stability and security.
- Ability to lead and motivate a team, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
- Overseeing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, understanding their technical needs and ensuring that the services provided meet these needs.
Technical Support Specialist
H&R Block
09.2013 - 03.2014
Summer Intern
Bischer Technologies
06.2013 - 08.2013
Computer Technician
Baker College
04.2009 - 08.2011
Education
Bachelors of Information Technology & Security - Information Technology & Security
Baker College of Clinton Township
Clinton Township, MI05.2011
Skills
Cloud Architecture and Management:
- Microsoft Azure Public Cloud: IaaS/PaaS/SaaS, Virtual Networks, App Services, Privileged Identity Management, Azure Active Directory, RBAC, Azure Functions, Security Center, NSGs, NVAs, Routing, Azure Monitor, Azure Policy, Azure SQL, Automation Accounts & Runbooks, Subscription Management, Cost Management, Citrix Cloud VDI on Azure, Azure Backup, Azure Site Recovery, Azure Blob & Table Storage, Azure Files, Azure AD Connect, Conditional Access Policies
- Cloud Migration Strategies and Cloud Security & Governance
Networking and Security:
- Networking: Meraki, HP, Dell, Sonicwall, Fortigate, Watchguard, Palo Alto, Switching (L2/L3), Firewall/UTM, Wireless, VPNs
- Security: Trend Micro, Kaspersky, Symantec, Vipre, AVG, Windows Defender
- Network Security Protocols and Standards
System Administration:
- Active Directory, Powershell, NPS, File/Print Services, DFSR, Clustering, Administration, Installation, Group Policy, Firewall, WSUS, Remote Desktop Services
- Windows Server Management
Storage Management:
- Tintri, HP, Dell, Synology, Pure, Nasuni, SANs, NAS
Backup and Recovery:
- Netvault, VEEAM, Barracuda, Azure, AWS, Symantec, Datto, Carbonite, Commvault
- Disaster Recovery Planning and Business Continuity Planning
Leadership and Management:
- Excellent Customer Service, Leadership, Training, Project Management, Project Planning & Architecture, Public Speaking
- Team Leadership, Mentorship, and Strategic Planning
Personal Interests and Skills:
- Guitar, Audio Recording & Production, Graphic Design, HTML/CSS/JS, Bowling, Fitness, Teaching, Video Games, PowerShell & Python coding
Certification
- ISC²: Certified Cloud Security Professional
- Microsoft: Azure Administrator Associate
- Microsoft: Azure Security Engineer Associate
- Microsoft: Azure Network Engineer Associate
- Microsoft: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
- Microsoft: Identity and Access Administrator
- Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate
Timeline
Principal Cloud Architect
Trace3
09.2020 - Current
Team Lead & Cloud Architect
United Shore
02.2019 - 08.2020
Lead Project Engineer
BlueRock Technologies
08.2017 - 02.2019
Technical Supervisor
The Computer Guys
07.2016 - 08.2017
Systems Engineer II
Custom Data Solutions
04.2014 - 07.2016
Technical Support Specialist
H&R Block
09.2013 - 03.2014
Summer Intern
Bischer Technologies
06.2013 - 08.2013
Computer Technician
Baker College
04.2009 - 08.2011
Bachelors of Information Technology & Security - Information Technology & Security
Baker College of Clinton Township
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