DAVID BURNS
Norcross,GA
Summary
Innovative Senior Technical Leader offering outstanding presentation, communications, experience, and credible business partner. High-energy, results-oriented, and driven to succeed through trust, productivity, teamwork, collaboration, and execution.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
AVP/ED - Network Automation & Shared Services
Cox Communications, Inc.
11.2021 - Current
- Lead, Partner, and Drive network automation and orchestration best practices.
- Successfully managed teams responsible for various common services platforms to include DHCP, DNS, Timing, and IP Mgmt.
- Led initiatives focused on DevOps, CI/CD, and Software Development for network enablement.
- Collaborating with technology suppliers in defining and development of network technologies to support both internal and external customer applications and services.
- Collaborating with other Cox Engineering/Operations Teams, Application, Strategy & Development, and Marketing staff. Partners directly with the CISO office to create and implement network security strategy.
- Anticipate and recognize industry automation and shared services trends and direction and relate those changes to current/future needs
- Drive improvements in corresponding process, policies, and governance
- Lead and partner to set and drive technical design, solutions, and tools as part of overall network automation technology roadmap
- Analyzes and evolves processes to meet application requirements including efficiency to deliver
- Responsible for building team culture of innovation, automation, fun, and execution
- Coaches and develops people leaders as well as engineers on team
- Analyzes and manages capital and expense budgets.
- Responsible for recruiting and identifying talent for team.
Sr. Director, Data Center Network Engineering
Cox Communications, Inc.
11.2018 - 11.2021
- Collaborates with technology suppliers in defining and development of network and security technologies to support both internal and external customer applications and services.
- Collaborates with other Cox Engineering/Operations Teams, Application, Strategy & Development, and Marketing staff. Partners directly with the CISO office to create and implement network security strategy.
- Leads team to create strategic roadmaps for integrated network architectures based upon demand, capacity, emerging network services, network and security trends, and technologies. Incorporate Automation, Software Defined Networking (SDN), and evolution in IP/MPLS fabric trends.
- Leads fulfillment and operations teams to ensure network meets availability SLAs and security requirements.
- Analyzes and evolves processes to meet application requirements including efficiency to deliver
- Responsible for building a team culture of innovation, fun, learning, and execution
- Coaches and develops people leaders as well as engineers on the team
- Analyzes and manages capital and expense budgets.
- Responsible for recruiting and identifying talent for the team.
- Prioritized and allocated valuable resources to meet business targets.
- Instituted formal operating procedures and enforced adherence to policies and regulations that impacted bottom-line.
Principal, Category Lead - Network Infrastructure
Amazon Web Services
08.2018 - 11.2018
- Work with existing Network Infrastructure Software Vendor (ISV) product, business development and field organizations to define and execute joint go to market programs.
- Serve as the owner of the Networking strategy for AWS Marketplace, then define and deliver the strategy for Network Infrastructure ISVs in AWS Marketplace.
- Engage the Network Infrastructure partner’s field organization, channels and end customers to create and drive revenue.
- Execute the strategic business development plan while working with key internal stakeholders (e.g., service teams, legal, support).
- Identify specific customer segments and industry verticals to approach with a joint value proposition for using AWS.
- Position AWS Marketplace for internal adoption by the partner organization.
- Ensure that AWS is the partner’s preferred cloud computing platform across all product lines.
- Understand the technical requirements of our Network Infrastructure partners and work closely with the internal development team to guide the direction of our product offerings.
- Prepare and give business reviews to the AWS Executive Leadership team.
- Manage complex contract negotiations and serve as a partner liaison to the legal group.
- Handle complex business requirements and activities which drive selection.
VP-Network Technology (Engineering & Architecture)
QTS Data Centers
05.2015 - 08.2018
- Directly manages a team of senior network and infrastructure cloud architects to evaluate, design, and develop the next generation of network, security, compute, virtualization, and cloud technologies.
- Owns and manages the long term Network, Security, Virtualization, and Cloud technology roadmap, including alignment with Product, Sales, and Operations roadmaps.
- Interfaces with our key partners on technology roadmaps to ensure alignment.
- Partners with internal stakeholders from Product Development, Sales, Sales Engineering, Operations, and Customer Service and Support to align network priorities and activities.
- Institutes and ensures adherence to Quality Assurance (QA) policies and procedures.
- Assists with planning, scheduling and implementing client improvements and expansions.
- Serves as a critical resource to coordinate network resources and activities on tiger-teams and during customer- impacting networking events.
- Monitors and reviews the deployment of services, to minimize unplanned downtime, anticipate and solve problems in a timely manner, and to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Prepares reports, analyzes data, and makes recommendations for improving network services and metrics.
- Manages capital and operational budgets, monitor actual expenses to ensure they fall within budgets .
- Perform administrative tasks such as approving proposals, expenditures, performing reviews, compensation planning, enforcing policies and performance management of engineers.
- Represent QTS in various industry events to expand and evangelize the QTS Brand covering various technologies including Network, Security, Cloud, Compute, Storage, Compliance, and various verticals important to QTS, QTS Shareholders, and QTS Customers.
Sr. Systems and Sales Engineering Leader
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC
08.2008 - 05.2015
- Led dynamic, fast paced, and entrepreneurial individuals and teams.
- Translated Technology, Product Strategy, and Customer requirements to help drive business outcomes for the customer, industry, and Cisco.
- Created technical resource plan and vision for Network Engineering/Architecture & Security Sales Team Lead & Managing a team of Consulting Solution Architects, Consulting Systems Engineers, Systems Engineers, and Systems Engineering Managers covering Tier 1 Cable Service Providers, Carriers, Cloud Providers, and Large Enterprises.
- Monitoring, Measuring, and Developing both team and individual business and technical acumen.
- Collaborate and partner with Client Director and Operations Director to prioritize and target team opportunities; review quantitative information to identify and explain trends.
- Mentor others on resource planning.
- Led solution and architectural selling through advanced understanding of industry trends and market opportunities around new products, solutions and architectures to create technical business plans.
- Led key initiatives in strategic technologies to include SP Wifi and Mobility, SP Security, Data Center, Routing & Switching, Cloud & Virtualization, Video, and Access technologies (HFC, RFOG, Remote Phy, and PON) Lead and Assist in qualified partner identification where appropriate; Lead partner initiatives at area level to align business and technical alignment with various strategic partners.
- Led, initiated, and facilitated expert communications and expert understanding of customer requirements between customers, corporate, and the field.
- Held various roles at Cisco ranging from Sr.
- Sales and Systems Engineering, Sales Engineering Manager, and Sr.
- Sales Engineering Management.
Sr. Network Design Engineer, Network & Security Architect
COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC
04.2003 - 07.2008
- Provide Network & Security Architectural and Design solutions for Cox High Speed Internet Backbone.
- Contributed to Corporate Security Policy and Execution corporate wide, which helped build a foundation for a Security Operations Center.
- Helped create a security specific framework for roles and responsibilities with regard to information ownership, classification, accountability and protection.
- Planned, redesigned, and tested DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) network architectures in several Cox Cable markets.
- Advised and Monitor the external threat environment for emerging threats, and advised relevant stakeholders on the appropriate courses of action.
- Responsible for escalations from Operation Support teams with regard to Cox HSI Backbone Network Security.
- Created & Maintained technical drawings and documentation for Cox HSI Backbone Network Security.
- Worked closely with multiple vendor Sales Engineers on various Cox Communications Projects regarding Network Security for the Cox HSI Backbone.
- Responsible for all Network Security logistics, which included providing the various vendors with design, hardware/software requirements, quote generation, ordering, etc.
- Instruct field personnel on new design, provisioning, and implementation as needed.
- Assisted in developing various internal Engineering network security standards and testing.
- Communicated/Presented complex technical security concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Responsible for reviewing and understanding always changing industry standards (i.e.
- RFCs, etc.) and communicating these standards effectively to ensure Cox HSI Backbone maintains the best network reliability possible.
- Held various roles while employed at Cox ranging from a Lead in Operations, IT Architect, and finally Architect and Sr. Design Engineer (Technical Lead).
Team Lead/Sr. Network Engineer
EQUANT INC
06.2002 - 05.2003
- Team Lead for Network Engineers 2nd and 3rd level support working in a 24x7 work environment.
- Perform real-time fault analysis, troubleshooting, and configuration of WAN equipment using tools such as VisualUptime, Spectrum, and HP OpenView (Unix).
- Team Lead responsibilities included: provide technical escalation for 2nd and 3rd level support, documenttroubleshooting procedures and process for different technologies supported, SME (subject matter expert for specificservices such as IPVPN and MPLS), training, daily tasks, and trouble ticketing.
Network Operations Supervisor/Technical Lead
NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS INC./EDS
08.2001 - 04.2002
- Supervised various Network Analysts/Engineers 1st and 2nd level support working in a 24x7 work environment.
- Performed real-time fault analysis, troubleshooting, and configuration of the Nextel/Sprint Nationwide WAN/LAN /Backbone using various monitoring/management tools including HP OpenView (UNIX), CiscoWorks 2000, and Ngenius (NetScout).
- Supervisor duties included: Establish and implement policy, process, and procedures for escalations, implementation, configurations, daily tasks, training, and trouble ticketing.
- Recognize & Diagnose network and security abnormalities within 7X24X365 Disaster Recover Engineer on Call.
Systems Engineering Manager
ADCOM SOLUTIONS, ATLANTA DATA COMMUNICATIONS
02.2001 - 08.2001
- Networking Services Provider/ Integrator Manager of Systems group, which consists of four Network Engineers plus myself working on in a 24x7 capacity.
- Management duties included: Implementation of procedures for everything from escalations, equipment configuration and shipping, to scheduling of daily tasks, training, and trouble ticketing.
- Work directly with Account Managers, Project Coordinators, and pre-sales System Engineers on design, configurations, and implementation/installation of customer's equipment.
- Design, Configuration, Implementation/Installation & Maintenance/Troubleshoot of LAN/WAN.
Sr. Network Engineer
URBANMEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
08.2000 - 02.2001
- UrbanMedia stopped operations January of 2001 Alpharetta (GA) A Business-to-Business Local Exchange (BLEC) Performed real-time fault analysis, troubleshooting, and configuration of CLEC/BLEC up to customer premises.
- Configured, Installed, and Supported Cisco routers (3620 & 7206), RiverStone Router and Switches (Layer 2 and 3 Switching), Nortel Baystack Switches, Nortel 15K & 7480 Passports, Advanced Switching Communications ATM/Ethernet Bridges (1240 & 3010), Alcatel DACS, Applied Innovations' AI Scout, Sonicwall firewalls, and Nortel DMS-500.
- Team Lead that installed, implemented, and provisioned equipment in Regional Network Center.
- Contributed and Drove documentation all reference designs, best practices, and process for network operations.
Network Engineer
CONCERT GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS
09.1999 - 08.2000
- A Global Venture of AT&T and BT Performed real-time fault analysis, troubleshooting, and configuration of Global WAN.
- Configured, Implemented, deployed and performed real-time fault analysis on a Global Frame Relay and ATM network.
- Provisioned, Tested, and Implemented High Speed Data circuits working directly with Carriers.
Non Commissioned Officer (NCO), Technical Lead, and Technician
UNITED STATES ARMY
09.1997 - 09.1999
- 513th Military Intelligence Brigade, Fort Gordon (GA)) NCOIC (Non Commissioined Officer In Charge) Repaired, Maintained, and Operated Global Satellite Recovery System.
WAN/LAN Technician/ Electronic Technician
UNITED STATES ARMY
07.1996 - 07.1997
- Managed, Led, and Supervised over 21 personnel and maintained scheduling of personnel on 24 X 7 shift operations., 227th Maintenance Battalion, Camp Kyle (Korea) Performed Troubleshooting, Maintenance, and Fault analysis on equipment including HF, VHF, UHF, and MF Receivers, Narrow/ Broadband Recorder Reproducer, Tactical antennas and controls, Modulators and Demodulators, Multiplexers and Demultiplexers, Signal monitors, Direction Finding and electronic countermeasures equipment.
Education
Master of Science - Software Engineering
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA12.2021
Masters of Business Administration (MBA) - Business and Finance
University of Phoenix
2014
Bachelors of Science - Telecommunications Engineering Technology
Southern Polytechnic State University
Marietta, GA2004
Certificate of Completion, Leadership and Management Training - Leadership
US Army Primary Leadership School
Benning, GA1999
Certificate of Completion, 8 Weeks (336 Hours), of Job Training Operations and Maintenance of DDS III System - Military Communications Systems
Lockheed-Martin Corporation
King of Prussia, PA1997
Graduation Certificate - 36 Weeks (over 1400 Hours) - Military Communications Systems
Basic and Applied Electronic Technology and Telecommunicatio
Fort Huachuca, AZ1996
Skills
- Leadership/Communication skills
- Customer-oriented
- Organization
- Team Development
- Team Builder
- Sales / Vendor Relationship
- Execution
- Agile and Change Champion
- Public Speaking
- Network & Software Architecture
- Network & Software Security
- Cloud Security
- Private & Public Cloud
- Policy & Compliance
- Risk Management & Business Continuity
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Technical - Business Translator
- Strategic & Innovator
- Automation
- Software Development
- Network & Software Programmability
- Development Operations (Dev Ops)
Certification
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM, Cert ID: 001061619))
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (AWS00610288)
CCSP Certified Cloud Security Professional (In Progress - ISC2)
CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional (310819)
CCIE – Passed CCIE Written R&S
CCNP Security (formerly CCSP) – Cisco Certified Security Professional (CSCO10066289)
CCDP - Cisco Certified Design Professional (CSCO10066289)
CCDA – Cisco Certified Design Associate (CSCO10066289)
CCNA – Cisco Certified Network Associate (CSCO10066289)
CCNA WAN-Sw – Cisco Certified Network Associate Wan Switching (CSCO10066289)
JNCIA-FW – Juniper Network Certified Associate – Firewall/VPN (JPR11347)
Green Belt Basic Certification
Cisco ASR9k Certified Expert - #18
Affiliations
- Part-Time Adj Professor, Kennesaw State University, College of Computer and Software Engineering (2021-Present)
- Kennesaw State University Electrical and Computer Engineering School - Industry Advisory Board (2012-Present)
- Cisco Aspiring Directors/Executive Program (2014-2015)
- Hemophilia of Georgia Board of Directors (2016-Present)
- MBA Delta Mu Delta Honors Society (2012-2014)
- Cisco SE/Sales Technology Leadership Development Program Coach and Mentor (2013 - 2015)
- Sales Engineering and Technology Leader of the Quarter (multiple quarters, 2012-2015)
- Cisco Press Author and Technical Reviewer (2011 - Present)
- SE/Sales Technology Leadership Development Program Graduate (2010) Cisco Live Speaker (2010-2014)
- Cox Communications Aspiring Managers/Directors Program
Accreditation
- Department of Defense Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance (Not Active)
- Industry Advisory Board (IAB) Member for Kennesaw State University (formerly Southern Polytechnic State University) - Computer and Engineering Schools
- Active Board of Directors Member for Hemophilia of Georgia (HOG) - a not for profit organization.
- Author & Technical Reviewer for Cisco Press (specifically CCNP Security IPS Certification Guide)
- Cisco Live Speaker 4 years in a row (2010-2014)
- Palo Alto Networks Ignite Speaker (US - 2019, 2020)
Additional Information
- ACCREDITATION , Department of Defense Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance (Not Active)
Timeline
AVP/ED - Network Automation & Shared Services
Cox Communications, Inc.
11.2021 - Current
Sr. Director, Data Center Network Engineering
Cox Communications, Inc.
11.2018 - 11.2021
Principal, Category Lead - Network Infrastructure
Amazon Web Services
08.2018 - 11.2018
VP-Network Technology (Engineering & Architecture)
QTS Data Centers
05.2015 - 08.2018
Sr. Systems and Sales Engineering Leader
CISCO SYSTEMS, INC
08.2008 - 05.2015
Sr. Network Design Engineer, Network & Security Architect
COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC
04.2003 - 07.2008
Team Lead/Sr. Network Engineer
EQUANT INC
06.2002 - 05.2003
Network Operations Supervisor/Technical Lead
NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS INC./EDS
08.2001 - 04.2002
Systems Engineering Manager
ADCOM SOLUTIONS, ATLANTA DATA COMMUNICATIONS
02.2001 - 08.2001
Sr. Network Engineer
URBANMEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
08.2000 - 02.2001
Network Engineer
CONCERT GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS
09.1999 - 08.2000
Non Commissioned Officer (NCO), Technical Lead, and Technician
UNITED STATES ARMY
09.1997 - 09.1999
WAN/LAN Technician/ Electronic Technician
UNITED STATES ARMY
07.1996 - 07.1997
Bachelors of Science - Telecommunications Engineering Technology
Southern Polytechnic State University
Certificate of Completion, Leadership and Management Training - Leadership
US Army Primary Leadership School
Certificate of Completion, 8 Weeks (336 Hours), of Job Training Operations and Maintenance of DDS III System - Military Communications Systems
Lockheed-Martin Corporation
Graduation Certificate - 36 Weeks (over 1400 Hours) - Military Communications Systems
Basic and Applied Electronic Technology and Telecommunicatio
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM, Cert ID: 001061619))
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (AWS00610288)
CCSP Certified Cloud Security Professional (In Progress - ISC2)
CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional (310819)
CCIE – Passed CCIE Written R&S
CCNP Security (formerly CCSP) – Cisco Certified Security Professional (CSCO10066289)
CCDP - Cisco Certified Design Professional (CSCO10066289)
CCDA – Cisco Certified Design Associate (CSCO10066289)
CCNA – Cisco Certified Network Associate (CSCO10066289)
CCNA WAN-Sw – Cisco Certified Network Associate Wan Switching (CSCO10066289)
JNCIA-FW – Juniper Network Certified Associate – Firewall/VPN (JPR11347)
Green Belt Basic Certification
Cisco ASR9k Certified Expert - #18
Master of Science - Software Engineering
Kennesaw State University
Masters of Business Administration (MBA) - Business and Finance
University of Phoenix
Similar Profiles
Tess PriceTess Price
Curriculum Development Program Manager at Cox Communications, Inc.Curriculum Development Program Manager at Cox Communications, Inc.
Molly HudlowMolly Hudlow
Senior Product Manager at Cox Communications, Cox MediaSenior Product Manager at Cox Communications, Cox Media
Hussen DubeHussen Dube
Power Platform Developer at Cox CommunicationsPower Platform Developer at Cox Communications