Gerald Samtei

Motivated and knowledgeable solutions architect associate with hands-on experience in cloud technologies, software development, and IT infrastructure management. Excited to leverage theoretical knowledge and practical skills to design and implement effective architectural solutions in a dynamic professional environment. Committed to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies to ensure optimal performance and efficiency in all projects undertaken. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams and providing strategic guidance to drive successful outcomes.

• AWS Cloud Practitioner, 07/2023, Present
• Solution Architect Associate, 07/2023, Present
• AWS Solutions Architect Associate, 02/2024, 02/2027

• Evangelical Presbyterian Church of America, IT Desktop Support Specialist, Spring 2009, Present, Provide technical assistance and troubleshooting support to church staff and volunteers for computer hardware, software, and networking issues., Install, configure, and maintain church IT equipment, including computers, printers, projectors, and audio-visual systems., Manage user accounts and permissions for church staff, volunteers, and members, ensuring security and access control., Conduct regular backups of church data and implement disaster recovery plans to safeguard critical information., Assist with the setup and operation of audio-visual equipment for church services, events, and presentations., Monitor network performance and security, identifying and resolving issues to ensure uninterrupted access to church resources., Provide training and guidance to church staff and volunteers on IT best practices, software applications, and digital tools., Research and recommend technology upgrades and solutions to enhance church operations and ministry activities., Collaborate with external vendors and service providers to procure IT equipment and services within budgetary constraints., Maintain documentation and records of IT systems, configurations, and support activities for future reference and auditing purposes.
• Mott Community Center, Robotics Team Member, Spring 2014, Fall 2015, Designed, built, and programmed robots to compete in Vex Robotics competitions., Conducted daily team meetings to discuss project progress, assign tasks, and strategize competition approaches., Collaborated with team members to brainstorm ideas, troubleshoot technical issues, and optimize robot performance., Participated in regular practice sessions to refine driving skills and fine-tune robot functionality., Maintained and repaired robot components as needed to ensure optimal performance during competitions., Documented robot designs, programming code, and competition strategies for future reference and improvement., Represented the team professionally during competitions, always demonstrating sportsmanship and teamwork.

• Microsoft Office
• Office 365
• Data Structure
• Design & Analysis of Algorithms
• Database Management Systems
• Web Programming
• Linux Systems Management
• Big Data Analytics
• AWS Cloud Practitioner
• AWS Solutions Architect Associate

Good Scrabble Contestant
"I’ve always enjoyed playing Scrabble because it challenges me to think strategically and expands my vocabulary. I often participate in local Scrabble competitions and enjoy the process of analyzing word possibilities while managing the tiles I have. It’s taught me patience, critical thinking, and how to stay calm under pressure—skills I find useful in many areas of life."

African Cultural Dance & Music
"I'm deeply passionate about African cultural dance and music with strong emphases from my root country Ghana. I love the vibrant rhythms, the deep connection to tradition, and the way it brings people together. Whether it's high-energy performances like Afrobeats or traditional dances like Adowa, dance for me is a celebration of African heritage. It has also taught me the importance of discipline and teamwork, especially when performing with a group. This connection to culture through music and dance keeps me grounded and inspired."

Strong Soccer Fan
"I'm a huge soccer fan and follow both local and international teams. Soccer, for me, is not just a sport but a way to connect with people from different backgrounds. I enjoy the teamwork, strategy, and dedication that the sport embodies. Supporting my favorite teams and players also fuels my competitive spirit, whether it's cheering for USA/Ghana during the World Cup or following European leagues. Soccer has also taught me resilience—celebrating wins and learning from losses."