Don Essary
Beaumont,California
Summary
Security Systems Administrator with extensive experience in healthcare security operations and systems administration. Consistently ensured 99.9% system uptime while collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance security measures. Expertise includes access control, incident response, compliance, and vendor management.
Overview
1
1
Certification
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Systems Administrator
Kaiser Permanente
03.2008 - 02.2025
- Administered and maintained enterprise security systems, ensuring 99.9% uptime and reliable operation.
- Monitored security infrastructure for vulnerabilities, outages, unauthorized access, and suspicious activity.
- Configured and managed access-control systems, surveillance platforms, alarm systems, and security-related applications.
- Managed user accounts, permissions, credentials, and role-based access in accordance with security policies.
- Performed routine system updates, patches, upgrades, backups, and preventive maintenance.
- Investigated security incidents and system alerts, documenting findings and coordinating corrective actions to mitigate future risks.
- Collaborated with IT, cybersecurity, facilities, and physical security teams to strengthen overall organizational security.
- Conducted regular system audits and access reviews to identify gaps and ensure compliance.
- Troubleshot hardware, software, network, and connectivity issues affecting security systems.
- Supported implementation and integration of new security technologies and enterprise solutions, improving security capabilities.
- Developed and maintained standard operating procedures for security-system administration and incident response.
- Analyzed system logs and security reports to identify trends and recurring issues, enhancing overall security posture.
- Assisted with disaster recovery and business-continuity planning for critical security infrastructure.
- Participated in security assessments, risk reviews, system testing, and vulnerability remediation activities.
- Maintained compliance with organizational security policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Continuously evaluated emerging security technologies and recommended improvements to enhance protection and efficiency.
Systems Administrator / Security Manager
Inter-Con Security
03.2003 - 03.2008
- Ensured 24/7 operational readiness of critical security technology protecting patients, employees, visitors, and healthcare facilities.
- Managed and oversaw healthcare security systems including access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, duress alarms, intercoms, and visitor management systems.
- Administered security-system access privileges based on job responsibilities, location, and authorization requirements.
- Monitored system performance and security alerts, identifying failures, vulnerabilities, and unauthorized activity.
- Coordinated preventive maintenance and repairs for security hardware, software, cameras, card readers, and alarms to ensure operational reliability.
- Managed security technology contractors and vendors, ensuring service-level agreements and performance standards were met.
- Supported healthcare emergency-response operations, ensuring systems remained functional during disasters and evacuations.
- Conducted regular security-system inspections and audits to identify deficiencies, facilitating timely recommendations for corrective actions.
- Coordinated with hospital leadership, IT, Facilities, Clinical Operations, Risk Management, and Public Safety on security priorities.
- Developed and maintained security-system policies and standard operating procedures consistent with healthcare requirements.
- Investigated security-system incidents, including unauthorized access, alarm activations, camera failures, and system outages.
- Oversaw security-system projects from planning and vendor coordination through installation, testing, and commissioning.
- Performed regular access reviews and credential audits to identify inactive, terminated, or improperly authorized users.
- Coordinated integration between access control, video surveillance, alarms, and emergency communication systems.
Security Manager
Inter-Con Security
11.1999 - 03.2003
- Managed security operations and technology for healthcare facility, enhancing safety and operational integrity.
- Led security staff and coordinated emergency response, ensuring adherence to organizational security policies and enhancing incident preparedness.
- Developed security protocols to protect client assets and personnel.
- Managed security staff and coordinated daily operations for optimal performance.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities in security measures.
Assistant Security Manager
Inter-Con Security
01.1997 - 11.1999
- Coordinated daily security operations, supporting Security Manager in oversight of personnel and systems.
- Coordinated security system maintenance and incident response, managing staff scheduling to ensure coverage.
- Coordinated security operations across various client sites to ensure safety.
- Monitored surveillance systems and reported suspicious activities promptly.
- Conducted regular security assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities.
Security Supervisor
Inter-Con Security
02.1995 - 01.1997
- Served as primary security leader during assigned shift, making sound decisions under pressure.
- Directed security officers, assigning posts, conducting briefings, and monitoring performance to ensure effective coverage.
- Supervised daily security operations for assigned shifts, ensuring officers maintained professional and alert coverage.
- Protected patients, visitors, employees, physicians, and hospital property in a healthcare environment.
- Responded to and managed security incidents including workplace violence, unauthorized access, theft, and emergencies.
- Coordinated emergency responses with hospital leadership and external agencies, ensuring swift and effective resolution of incidents.
- Coached, trained, and mentored security officers on hospital policies, de-escalation techniques, and emergency procedures.
Assistant Security Supervisor
Inter-Con Security
05.1994 - 02.1995
- Aided Security Supervisor in managing shift operations, directing officers, and effectively responding to incidents.
- Facilitated training of new security personnel and ensured adherence to policy compliance during assigned shifts.
- Supervised security personnel to ensure compliance with safety protocols.
- Coordinated training sessions for new security staff on operational procedures.
- Conducted regular inspections of premises to identify potential security risks.
Security Officer
Inter-Con Security
03.1993 - 05.1994
- Protected patients, visitors, employees, physicians, and hospital property in a professional healthcare environment.
- Monitored and patrolled facility entrances, emergency departments, parking areas, and restricted zones to ensure safety and security.
- Enforced security policies and access-control procedures, verifying identification to prevent unauthorized access to restricted areas.
- Responded to security incidents and emergencies, following established procedures for disturbances and unauthorized access.
- Documented security incidents, maintained shift activity logs, and communicated relevant events to supervisors for effective incident management.
Education
High School Diploma -
01-1988
Skills
- Enterprise security administration
- IT security operations
- Access control
- Incident response
- Vulnerability assessment
- System audits and compliance
- Disaster recovery and continuity
- User management
- System integration
- SOP development
- Team collaboration
- Contract negotiation
Certification
- HSSG Officer Certification & Supervisor Certification, Healthcare Safety/Security Group | Rio Hondo Academy
- PCA-832 Certification, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Reserve Academy, Levels 3–1 (Full Stress)
- Lenel Access Control & Surveillance Certification
Awards
- 1995, Officer of the Year, Inter-Con Security
- 1996, Supervisor of the Year, Inter-Con Security
- 1999, EMTALA Group Award, Kaiser Permanente
- 2000, Manager of the Year, Inter-Con Security
Timeline
Systems Administrator
Kaiser Permanente
03.2008 - 02.2025
Systems Administrator / Security Manager
Inter-Con Security
03.2003 - 03.2008
Security Manager
Inter-Con Security
11.1999 - 03.2003
Assistant Security Manager
Inter-Con Security
01.1997 - 11.1999
Security Supervisor
Inter-Con Security
02.1995 - 01.1997
Assistant Security Supervisor
Inter-Con Security
05.1994 - 02.1995
Security Officer
Inter-Con Security
03.1993 - 05.1994