Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Certification
Timeline
John Preston Kerley

John Preston Kerley

Sierra Vista,Arizona

Summary

Accomplished Technical Support Professional with over 15 years of experience in troubleshooting, system administration, and end-user support across diverse industries. Possesses a SECRET security clearance with DoD and expertise in SaaS, SDKs, APIs, COMSEC systems, and mission-critical technologies. Demonstrated ability to resolve complex technical issues and manage customer expectations under pressure.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

SURVEILLANCE ROLE PLAYER

EKS Group, LLC
11.2014 - Current
  • Executed hyper-realistic threat emulations by role-playing personas in multi-phase surveillance scenarios.
  • Integrated advanced foot-mobile, vehicular, and hybrid tracking methodologies for realistic operational variables.
  • Replicated real-world counter-surveillance behaviors to enhance authenticity of threat emulation protocols.
  • Conducted structured observations of trainees to assess activities and document performance metrics.
  • Delivered actionable feedback to improve operational effectiveness and adherence to DoD training standards.
  • Exhibited flexibility when faced with unexpected challenges or changes within scenarios, demonstrating adaptability under pressure.

ISAT HELP DESK TECHNICIAN

Semper Valens / Aspetto Inc.
05.2017 - 05.2025

Ensured operational readiness by providing Tier 2 technical support for critical Army systems.

  • Delivered support for SaaS platforms, SDKs, APIs, and COMSEC hardware/software to military personnel.
  • Resolved complex technical issues impacting military communications and weapon systems effectively.
  • Orchestrated operational support for military exercises, calibrating encrypted communication systems and telemetry packages.
  • Maintained compliance with DoD training standards during high-level military operations and logistics.
  • Specialized in Remedy Smart IT and HPESM for effective incident ticket management and escalation.
  • Improved resolution times by 25% while adhering to service level agreements for critical issues.
  • Monitored and documented technical support performance metrics to enhance future service delivery.
  • Managed 20-50 incoming calls, trouble tickets emails and troubleshooting requests per day from customers.

ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN

DST Data Systems & Technology
04.2013 - 10.2017
  • Provided technical support to analyze airport system performance through field testing of surveillance technology and TSA security platforms.
  • Collaborated with security teams to optimize testing protocols and ensure compliance with regulations.
  • Documented comprehensive test results, providing actionable feedback for system reliability improvements.
  • Contributed to increasing efficiency of new security systems for travelers at international airports, through detailed data collection and analysis..
  • Maintained a sponsored Department of Homeland Security SECRET Clearance to access sensitive security briefings, technologies and information.
  • Developed and maintained detailed reports to track testing outcomes and identify trends in security system performance.
  • Participated in cross-functional meetings to align testing strategies with TSA security officers and collaborated with engineering teams to troubleshoot system malfunctions, anomalies and implement solutions, in real time.

ENGINEER TECHNICIAN / DATA COLLECTOR

ManTech (Electronic Proving Ground)
07.2013 - 05.2017
  • Worked with all branches of the military, testing military radios and tactical equipment as a Data Collector, security, access control, tech support, and logistics for military testing and exercises for DoD Electronic Proving Ground (EPG).
  • Tested tactical military communications equipment to analyze efficiency in preparation for configuration on the battlefield and real world applications.
  • Ensured compliance with protocols of DoD and provided actionable feedback to improve communication reliability and performance.

INSURANCE BROKER

Crest Insurance Group
11.2015 - 12.2016
  • Provided client-focused insurance services, leveraging expertise in property & casualty and life & health policies.
  • Built strong relationships with clients, ensuring satisfaction and repeat business through personalized service.
  • Worked as a liaison to bring CREST brokerage services and expand the Crest brand into south east Arizona, working with Sierra Vista Chamber of Commerce and the local rotary club.

MILITARY OPERATIONS ROLE PLAYER

Chickasaw Nation Industries
12.2012 - 12.2016
  • Supported CISAC/35M Military Intelligence students in Field Training Exercises, teaching psychology and intelligence-gathering protocols for HUMINT training.
  • Collaborated with soldiers, cadre, and linguists to prepare military intelligence students for deployment and provide realistic training scenarios for source intel collection.

HOSPITALITY SPECIALIST

Various Locations
12.2002 - 12.2016
  • Coordinated logistics for large-scale events, managing budgets and vendor relations to ensure seamless execution. Built strong client relationships, driving repeat business and referrals through exceptional service.
  • Managed operations for multimedia projects, enhancing client retention and satisfaction through streamlined processes and proactive problem-solving.
  • Opened, worked, and managed at multiple restaurants, bars hotels, nightclubs, and event spaces. Have 20+ years of experience in all facets of hospitality and provided support in various roles as director of operations, management, key employee, corporate trainer, sever/bartender, promoter, DJ, and accountant.
  • Negotiated contracts and managed vendor relationships, maximizing revenue growth by 20% annually for NYC event space. Coordinated logistics for large-scale events, managing budgets, timelines, and vendor relations.
  • Client list includes but is not limited to: American Express, Atlantic Records, Bacardi, Puma, MTV, BET, HBO, Disney, The History Channel, We are Family Foundation, and OBO Global.

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA CONSULTANT

Appen Butler Hill
01.2015 - 02.2016
  • Analyzed market data to identify trends and recommend actionable strategies for improving user engagement features on social media platforms. Delivered insights that enhanced platform functionality, driving a 15% increase in user retention metrics.

Skills

  • SaaS, APIs, COMSEC, Key Management Systems for DoD, Remedy, Microsoft 365, Power BI, Windows / MacOS, VPN, PowerShell, AWS
  • Sales & Client Relations : B2B/B2C sales strategy, account and project management CRM systems (Salesforce, HubSpot, Monday, Slack), contract negotiation, upselling / cross-selling
  • Problem Solving : Strategic critical thinking, continuous learning, adaptability, root cause analysis
  • Certifications : HT-JCOE and BSOC Certified, Key Management Infrastructure Certified, Licensed Property & Casualty / Life and Health Insurance Agent; pursuing CompTIA Security Certification
  • Hospitality Management & Event Coordination

Certification

KMI COMSEC SECURITY SPECIALIST

HT-JCOE BSOC DoD SUREVELLIANCE

Timeline

ISAT HELP DESK TECHNICIAN - Semper Valens / Aspetto Inc.
05.2017 - 05.2025
INSURANCE BROKER - Crest Insurance Group
11.2015 - 12.2016
MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA CONSULTANT - Appen Butler Hill
01.2015 - 02.2016
SURVEILLANCE ROLE PLAYER - EKS Group, LLC
11.2014 - Current
ENGINEER TECHNICIAN / DATA COLLECTOR - ManTech (Electronic Proving Ground)
07.2013 - 05.2017
ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN - DST Data Systems & Technology
04.2013 - 10.2017
MILITARY OPERATIONS ROLE PLAYER - Chickasaw Nation Industries
12.2012 - 12.2016
HOSPITALITY SPECIALIST - Various Locations
12.2002 - 12.2016
John Preston Kerley