Summary

Overview

Work History

Education

Skills

Timeline

Quote

Work Availability

Entrepreneurial Experience

Non Profit Experience

Educational Training

Memberships And Affiliations

Subject Matter Expertise

Consulting Experience

Attributes

References

Training

Entrepreneurial Experience

Non Profit Experience

Educational Training

Memberships And Affiliations

Subject Matter Expertise

Consulting Experience

Attributes

References

Training

Accomplishments

Affiliations

Mala Samaroo

Egg Harbor Township,NJ

Summary

High Performance, Highly-motivated Technology Manager with desire to take on new challenges in the technology field with an emphasis on Upgrading Securing and Maintaining Technology Infrastructures for Enterprises and Educational Institutions from the ground up or requiring Turn-Around Measures for success.

As a Technology Leader with over two decades of experience in the educational sector, I excel in transforming learning environments and businesses through innovative technology.

My expertise encompasses enterprise resource planning, IT compliance and regulation and optimizing business processes by integrating technical expertise to meet the needs of organizations.

I am committed to leveraging state-of-the-art technology to enhance educational/staff and customer experiences, ensuring compliance through rigorous assessments and research, and driving engagement with groundbreaking innovations. IT Project Management and Cyber Compliance are the backbone of my skillset.

My strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in developing and supporting robust technology infrastructures that align with both educational and corporate goals.

Through leading planning, analyzing and implementing of security plans and initiatives, I excel in developing comprehensive, secure network designs and systems to combat cyber liabilities in high-availability environments with strong risk management practices.

Serve as and Adjunct Professor and Mentor to Students in the Field to inspire Minority Women and Students on their path to success.

Overview

years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Technology/Information Systems/CISO

Pleasantville Public School

Pleasantville, NJ

07.2021 - Current

Responsible for planning, budgeting, implementing, and evaluating the technology projects and initiatives for the district.
Supervises and supports the technology staff and provides professional development and training opportunities for them.
Communicates and collaborates with other district administrators, staff, and stakeholders to ensure the alignment and integration of technology with the district's curriculum and instruction.
Manage the lifecycle of the inventory and assets, including procurement, deployment, maintenance, upgrade, disposal, and recycling.
Provide support and guidance to the users and stakeholders on the best practices and procedures for using and managing the inventory and assets.
Implement security measures and controls to protect the inventory and assets from unauthorized access, theft, loss, damage, or misuse.
Monitor and report on the performance, utilization, and availability of the inventory and assets, and identify any issues or risks that may affect their functionality or value.
Coordinate with other departments and external vendors to ensure the timely delivery, installation, repair, replacement, or removal of the inventory and assets.
Evaluate and recommend new technologies or solutions that can enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, or quality of the inventory and assets.
Directed the development of a new technology strategy to meet company objectives and needs.
Managed and supervised technical staff, including hiring and training employees.
Coordinated with other departments to ensure successful implementation of IT projects.
Monitored emerging technologies to identify potential areas for innovation.
Developed policies and procedures related to IT operations and security.
Established standards for data backup strategies, disaster recovery plans, system access controls and user authentication protocols.
Reviewed existing systems architecture, identified opportunities for improvement and implemented appropriate changes.
Provided guidance on software selection, hardware acquisition, system design, networking solutions and database management.
Conducted regular assessments of current technology infrastructure in order to identify areas needing improvement or upgrades.
Collaborated with vendors to negotiate contracts, secure services and maintain relationships with third-party providers.
Ensured compliance with applicable laws governing information security practices such as GDPR and HIPAA regulations.
Drafted technical documents such as request for proposal responses, user guides, installation instructions and support manuals.
Created detailed reports on technology performance metrics including uptime statistics, response times and resource utilization.
Analyzed business requirements in order to recommend suitable technological solutions that maximize efficiency while minimizing costs.
Fostered collaboration between technical teams across multiple divisions by establishing effective communication channels.
Organized workshops to train end users on new applications or features as well as provide ongoing support when needed.
Evaluated vendor proposals against predetermined criteria in order to select the most suitable solution provider based on cost and benefit analysis.
Implemented best practices for software development life cycle processes such as agile methodology or waterfall model.
Assisted in budgeting activities by preparing cost estimates for proposed projects or initiatives.
Managed backup, user account and helpdesk systems.
Analyzed workflows and established priorities for daily operations.
Maintained knowledge of advances in information technology systems and applications.
Met with users, vendors and technicians to determine computing requirements.
Evaluated organization's technology to recommend upgrades for hardware and software.
Met with stakeholders to collaborate and resolve problems.
Reviewed program plans to develop and coordinate activities.
Procured IT resources for strategic and operational computing requirements.
Reviewed and approved project plans prior to implementation.
Recruited, trained and supervised IT department staff.
Developed data security and disaster recovery procedures.
Controlled operational IT budget and expenditures within department parameters.
Created centralized management capability by integrating warehouse management software applications.
Globally managed several satellite IT locations, maintaining secure and operational corporate infrastructure.
Developed and implemented security policies, standards and procedures to protect company information systems.
Monitored compliance with data protection regulations and internal policies.
Oversaw incident response teams in the event of a security breach or system failure.
Coordinated with other departments on security initiatives such as risk management, disaster recovery planning, and business continuity planning.
Conducted regular vulnerability assessments to identify weaknesses in existing infrastructure.
Reviewed access control logs to ensure only authorized personnel had access to sensitive data.
Managed security operations center activities including threat monitoring, analysis, investigation, and response.
Assisted in developing strategies for responding to cyber threats such as malware attacks, phishing attempts, or distributed denial-of-service attacks.
Trained staff on information security topics such as password management, social engineering awareness, mobile device usage policy.
Implemented multi-factor authentication solutions across multiple platforms and applications.
Led investigations into potential breaches of confidential data or intellectual property theft.
Collaborated with legal department on privacy issues related to customer data collection.
Evaluated current technologies used by the organization for their ability to meet security requirements.
Established procedures for responding promptly to any suspected information security incidents.
Maintained up-to-date knowledge of emerging threats and vulnerabilities within the IT industry.
Ensured that all changes made to production environments are properly tested before implementation.
Provided executive leadership team with updates on the status of IT security programs.
Managed new hire trainings and onboarding to educated employees on company policies and procedures.
Advanced technical features and improved performance of network hardware.
Managed organizational security posture by monitoring networks for potential threats, cyber espionage, malware and internal sabotage.
Analyzed system risk to identify and implement appropriate security countermeasures.
Made recommendations to improve security procedures and systems.
Promoted security awareness among employees and clients to alleviate risks and breaches.
Audited networks and security systems to identify vulnerabilities.
Used penetration testing tools to identify weaknesses in security systems.
Updated computer security policies and procedures upon learning of new risks.
Designed, implemented and maintained security systems and controls.
Coordinated security updates to avoid outages and downtime.
Designed and implemented plans to secure computer files against breach, destruction or accidental modification.
Develop Technology Plan and Integrate into Long Term Strategic Plan to facilitate district upgrades for Cyber Compliance, Cyber Vault, Data Backup onsite and offsite, Network Infrastructure and Telecommunication Upgrades.
Technology Grant Writing and Management to facilitate 1-1 initiative
Monitor Cyber Compliance on Remote Platforms for VPN, Remote Staff and Online instruction.

Adjunct Professor

Stockton University

Galloway, NJ

01.2017 - Current

Developed and implemented course syllabi, lesson plans, and assessments.
Facilitated active learning through class discussions, group activities, and individual projects.
Provided constructive feedback on student assignments to promote student success.
Evaluated student performance using appropriate assessment techniques and provided timely feedback.
Mentored students in the development of their research skills and critical thinking abilities.
Utilized a variety of instructional strategies to meet diverse learning needs.
Integrated technology into the classroom environment to enhance instruction and facilitate communication with students.
Provided instruction in a variety of courses, including lecture and laboratory classes.
Advised students on academic issues and career paths.
Engaged with colleagues in scholarly activities at professional conferences.
Presented lectures at national or international conferences.
Fostered relationships with industry professionals to create internship opportunities for students.
Developed partnerships between the university and external organizations to promote research collaborations.
Delivered course lectures using modern technology to enhance student comprehension.
Maintained student engagement through creative subject delivery and learning activities.

Head of Technolgy Department/Technology Coordinator

Fairfield Township School District

Bridgeton, NJ

11.2015 - 06.2021

Developed and managed a network of computers for multiple departments.
Configured and maintained routers, switches, firewalls, and other network components.
Installed new hardware and software applications to ensure compatibility with existing systems.
Monitored system performance to identify potential issues and implemented corrective action plans as needed.
Provided technical support to staff on the use of computer hardware and software applications.
Coordinated with vendors to purchase technology equipment and services.
Assisted in developing strategies for integrating new technologies into existing systems.
Created user accounts, configured access privileges, and monitored user activity on the network.
Conducted regular training sessions for staff on the proper use of technology tools and resources.
Implemented data backup procedures to protect against data loss or corruption.
Set up computer hardware, software and associated devices.
Addressed technical problems related to computer software and hardware to remediate timely resolutions.
Prepared monthly reports for board to present technology issues and developments.
Updated school web pages using CMS Tools
Conducted comprehensive staff development training for usage of instructional technology.
Maintained inventory data of computer hardware and software throughout district.
Supported regular education initiatives focused on improvement of student achievement with technology resources.
Oversaw materials purchasing, budget administration and recordkeeping.
Made district recommendations for instructional technology, software and audio-visual materials to meet budget requirements.
Performed root cause analysis on network issues and troubleshot problems on related computers and devices.
Established procedures to utilize software and hardware licensing requirements.
Delivered leadership and technical expertise to personnel with planning and evaluation of effective instructional technology throughout district.
Updated district's information technology plan to prioritize technology needs.
Orchestrated planning and implementation of school technology updates.
Incorporated technology to identify and resolve problems and further develop processes.
Collaborated with engineers and other technicians to design, develop and implement new products or systems.
Worked with school administrators to determine course needs and set frameworks.
Negotiated contracts, prices and deliveries with vendors.

Network Administrator

The Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City (Client)

Atlantic City, NJ

01.2009 - 01.2017

Fully support, configure, maintain and upgrade networks and in-house servers Support and administer third-party applications Ensure network security and connectivity Monitor network performance (availability, utilization, throughput, goodput and latency) and test for weaknesses Set up user accounts, permissions and passwords Resolve problems reported by end user Define network policies and procedures Specify system requirements and design solutions Research and make recommendations on server system administration
Configured and maintained routers, switches, firewalls, wireless networks and other network devices.
Monitored system performance to ensure availability of all services and systems to authorized users.
Installed, configured, upgraded and troubleshot hardware components such as servers, PCs and printers.
Provided technical support for local area networks, wide area networks and Internet connections.
Performed data backup operations on a regular basis to ensure the security of critical information.
Analyzed network traffic patterns to identify potential problems or areas for improvement.
Implemented security measures such as firewalls, encryption technologies and access control lists to protect data from unauthorized access.
Diagnosed network issues using tools such as packet sniffers and protocol analyzers.
Researched new technology trends in order to recommend upgrades or changes in the existing infrastructure.
Developed policies related to network security and usage procedures for end-users.
Conducted routine maintenance tasks such as patching cables, replacing defective components or reconfiguring equipment.

Technology Coordinator, Assistant Network Administrator

International School of Port of Spain

Trinidad and Tobago

01.2006 - 01.2009

Monitored system performance to identify potential issues and implemented corrective action plans as needed.
Provided technical support to staff on the use of computer hardware and software applications.
Coordinated with vendors to purchase technology equipment and services.
Assisted in developing strategies for integrating new technologies into existing systems.
Created user accounts, configured access privileges, and monitored user activity on the network.
Conducted regular training sessions for staff on the proper use of technology tools and resources.
Implemented data backup procedures to protect against data loss or corruption.
Set up computer hardware, software and associated devices.
Addressed technical problems related to computer software and hardware to remediate timely resolutions.
Performed root cause analysis on network issues and troubleshot problems on related computers and devices.
Prepared monthly reports for board to present technology issues and developments.
Integrated technology advancements into district curriculum framework to provide support and instruction.
Maintained inventory data of computer hardware and software throughout district.
Discussed current research and significant developments in technology education at national level with lead administration.
Delivered leadership and technical expertise to personnel with planning and evaluation of effective instructional technology throughout district.
Supported regular education initiatives focused on improvement of student achievement with technology resources.
Conducted comprehensive staff development training for usage of instructional technology.
Established procedures to utilize software and hardware licensing requirements.
Updated school web pages using Wordpress and CMS Systems
Collaborated with engineers and other technicians to design, develop and implement new products or systems.
Assisted in the development of IT policies and procedures related to networking technologies.
Monitored system logs for errors or anomalies that could indicate security threats.
Responded to user requests for assistance with technical problems related to networking components.
Performed regular backups of critical data on the network using established procedures.
Deployed new applications and services on the network while ensuring compatibility with existing systems.
Tested new applications prior to deployment in order to identify any potential conflicts with existing systems or configurations.
Assisted in creating disaster recovery plans for restoring operations after an outage or other emergency situation.
Ensured compliance with industry regulations regarding data security standards and practices.
Evaluated current processes and identified areas where improvements could be made.
Collaborated with other departments within the organization on projects requiring cross-functional teams.
Analyzed system logs in order to detect patterns indicating possible malicious activity.
Managed employee access, security roles and permissions.
Performed routine troubleshooting and network monitoring..
Oversaw VPNs to deliver secure virtual network access to remote users.
Performed data backups and disaster recovery operations.
Configured, monitored and maintained email applications or virus protection software.

Teacher and Assistant Administrator

Class Enterprise School District

Trinidad and Tobago

01.2000 - 01.2006

Provided instruction on computer hardware and software applications including Microsoft Office Suite,
Assisted students in troubleshooting technical issues with their laptops or other devices used in class.
Collaborated with colleagues to create meaningful projects that incorporated technology into core subject areas.
Designed assessments to evaluate student progress towards mastery of technology skills.
Engaged students through innovative teaching strategies such as virtual reality simulations and online collaborative tools.
Facilitated professional development workshops for staff members on using educational technologies effectively.
Conducted research on emerging trends in educational technology and best practices for implementation in the classroom setting.
Integrated assistive technologies into lesson plans to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Encouraged creative problem solving by having students use coding activities to develop solutions for real world problems.
Taught classes on digital citizenship topics such as cyberbullying prevention, safe browsing habits, plagiarism awareness.
Performed maintenance tasks such as installing software updates or troubleshooting network connectivity issues.
Developed an inventory system for tracking district-owned computing equipment.
Served as a mentor and advisor for senior project teams working with technological components.
Provided technical support services at parent nights or open house events.
Attended conferences and seminars related to instructional technologies.
Collaborated with staff members on curriculum planning and incorporation of computers into different class lesson plans.
Taught internet safety tips and online etiquette.
Built and expanded knowledge of IT trends by attending professional workshops, seminars and conferences.
Cultivated classroom environment centered on encouraging student engagement and performance with computer science work.
Facilitated computer lab sessions, supervising such tasks as penetration testing, coding and script creation.
Developed lectures addressing variety of computer science topics to engage and educate students.
Led hardware development and software programming courses, using case studies to give students real-world scenario experience.
Developed and implemented lesson plans based on curriculum objectives.
Assessed student performance through tests, quizzes, and other assessments.
Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of all students.
Instructed students in academic subjects such as math, science, language arts, social studies, and history.
Encouraged critical thinking skills and problem-solving strategies among students.
Maintained a safe and orderly learning environment for all students.
Monitored student behavior in classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, playgrounds.
Established positive relationships with parents to ensure effective communication regarding student progress and well-being.
Utilized technology-based learning tools to enhance classroom instruction.
Collaborated with colleagues to plan lessons that integrate various subject areas into a cohesive unit of study.

Education

PhD - Cyber Security

North Central University, AZ

09-2027

MSc - Educational Leadership

Kaplan University, FL

BS - Computing and Information Systems

London Metropolitan University (London City Campus)

Skills

Disaster Recovery
Client Relationship Management
Information Security
Business Intelligence
IT service management
Network Architecture
Augmented reality
Internet of Things
Blockchain Technology
Cybersecurity Expertise
Mobile Technologies
IT Infrastructure
IT Governance
Digital Transformation
IT service delivery
Business Analysis

Network Administration
IT security policies
Organizational Skills
Decision-Making
Time management abilitie
Business acumen
Strategic thinking
Team leadership
Vendor management
Technical background
Communication skills
IT Project Management
Leadership
Strategic management
Crisis communication in Security Incidents

Timeline

Director of Technology/Information Systems/CISO

Pleasantville Public School

07.2021 - Current

Adjunct Professor

Stockton University

01.2017 - Current

Head of Technolgy Department/Technology Coordinator

Fairfield Township School District

11.2015 - 06.2021

Network Administrator

The Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City (Client)

01.2009 - 01.2017

Technology Coordinator, Assistant Network Administrator

International School of Port of Spain

01.2006 - 01.2009

Teacher and Assistant Administrator

Class Enterprise School District

01.2000 - 01.2006

PhD - Cyber Security

North Central University, AZ

MSc - Educational Leadership

Kaplan University, FL

BS - Computing and Information Systems

London Metropolitan University (London City Campus)

Quote

It is never too late to be what you might have been.

George Eliot

Work Availability

monday

tuesday

wednesday

thursday

friday

saturday

sunday

morning

afternoon

evening

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Entrepreneurial Experience

CEO, Owner - Pinnacle Solutions Group LLC - Egg Harbor Township NJ - 2023 - Present

Manager, Improving Business Technology (IBT), LLC, Egg Harbor Township, NJ, 08234, 2009 - 2023

Non Profit Experience

IT Coordinator, Several non-profits organizations providing services under IBT

Educational Training

Online Course Design, Capella University, MN, 2015
Curriculum Design, Kaplan University, FL, 2013
Student Assessment, Kaplan University, FL, 2013

Memberships And Affiliations

Association of Computer Professionals/ London, England

Women In Cyber

Subject Matter Expertise

Cyber Security Compliance
IT Turn Around
Cyber Safety
Cyber Controls using CIS Controls for Center of Internet Cybersecurity
IT Project Management
Technologyyyversity and Inclusion in Technolgy Spaces
Introduction to Computer Science
Introduction to Information Technology
Introduction to Web Design
Media Literacy
Business Technology Specialist
Technology Management
Database Management Systems
Communication System Management
Object Oriented Analysis and Design
Management Support Systems
Diversity in Education

Consulting Experience

IT Project Manager, CISO Services, Web Maintenance, Technology Support Services - Several School Districts and Non-Profit Clients, Businesses and Churches

Attributes

As a Technology Leader with over two decades of experience in the educational sector, I excel in transforming learning environments through innovative technology. My expertise encompasses enterprise resource planning, data and voice networking, software development, performance analysis, and optimizing business processes. I am committed to leveraging state-of-the-art technology to enhance educational experiences, ensuring compliance through rigorous assessments and research, and driving engagement with groundbreaking innovations. My strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in developing and supporting robust technology infrastructures that align with both educational and corporate goals.

References

Dr. Esther Laurence, Assistant Dean, School of Business and Computer Science, Stockton University, (917-673-7413)
Dr. Natakie Chestnut-Lee, Former Superintendent- Pleasantville Public Schools, NJ ( 215-432-2545)

Training

Cybersecurity Briefing: Overview of critical security hygiene and cybersecurity resilience.
Security Management: Strategies for increased visibility and control over hybrid enterprise estates.
- Identity and Zero Trust User Access: Advancing zero trust strategies to protect corporate data.
- Threat Protection Strategy: Key learnings about threat protection and security evolution.
- Information Protection: Techniques for protecting sensitive information across various platforms.
- Cybersecurity Leadership Training: Developing leadership skills for effective security program management.
- Cybersecurity Risk Assessment: Strategies for performing risk assessments and compliance audits.

- Security Strategic Planning: Bridging the gap between security staff and senior leadership.

- Women in Technology and Cyber Security - Management Institute - Trinidad - 2023

- Internet Safety and Security , Fairfield Township School, Bridgeton, NJ, 2015 - 2021 - Yearly

- Internet Safety and Security, Parent Workshop, The Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City, NJ, 2015

- Internet Safety and Security, Student Workshop, The Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City, NJ, 2015

- Social Media in the Classroom, Student Workshop, The Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City, NJ, 2015

- The Importance of Using Safety in Social Media Application, Student Workshop, The Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City, NJ, 2015

- Cyber Security, CISCO, Microsoft, 2021, NJIT, Hacker U University

- International Advanced Diploma in Computer Studies, Association of Computer Professionals, London, England, 2006

- International Diploma in Computer Studies, Assured by NCC Education, Awarded by School of Accounting and Management, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, 2005

-Diploma, Information Systems Analysis & Design, Association of Computer Professionals, London, 2002

-Computer Programming Certificate, Ashtead Surrey, England, 1996

Entrepreneurial Experience

CEO, Owner - Pinnacle Solutions Group LLC - Egg Harbor Township NJ - 2023 - Present

Manager, Improving Business Technology (IBT), LLC, Egg Harbor Township, NJ, 08234, 2009 - 2023

Non Profit Experience

IT Coordinator, Several non-profits organizations providing services under IBT

Educational Training

Online Course Design, Capella University, MN, 2015
Curriculum Design, Kaplan University, FL, 2013
Student Assessment, Kaplan University, FL, 2013

Memberships And Affiliations

Association of Computer Professionals/ London, England

Women In Cyber

Subject Matter Expertise

Cyber Security Compliance
IT Turn Around
Cyber Safety
Cyber Controls using CIS Controls for Center of Internet Cybersecurity
IT Project Management
Technologyyyversity and Inclusion in Technolgy Spaces
Introduction to Computer Science
Introduction to Information Technology
Introduction to Web Design
Media Literacy
Business Technology Specialist
Technology Management
Database Management Systems
Communication System Management
Object Oriented Analysis and Design
Management Support Systems
Diversity in Education

Consulting Experience

IT Project Manager, CISO Services, Web Maintenance, Technology Support Services - Several School Districts and Non-Profit Clients, Businesses and Churches

Attributes

References

Dr. Esther Laurence, Assistant Dean, School of Business and Computer Science, Stockton University, (917-673-7413)
Dr. Natakie Chestnut-Lee, Former Superintendent- Pleasantville Public Schools, NJ ( 215-432-2545)

Training

Cybersecurity Briefing: Overview of critical security hygiene and cybersecurity resilience.
Security Management: Strategies for increased visibility and control over hybrid enterprise estates.
- Identity and Zero Trust User Access: Advancing zero trust strategies to protect corporate data.
- Threat Protection Strategy: Key learnings about threat protection and security evolution.
- Information Protection: Techniques for protecting sensitive information across various platforms.
- Cybersecurity Leadership Training: Developing leadership skills for effective security program management.
- Cybersecurity Risk Assessment: Strategies for performing risk assessments and compliance audits.