Mercedez De Ponte
Oceanside,CA
Summary
Telecommunications Management and Human Resources Manager with practical understanding of business needs. Areas of expertise include conflict management and employee training in the telecommunication industry. Detail-oriented Communications Chief offering strong knowledge of communication equipment capabilities, MAGTF systems integration and joint communication networks for all radio, wire and data communication. Leverages organized approach to monitoring communication functions. Accomplished Communications Officer with 11 years of experience growing client bases via strategic marketing. Works with major corporate clients to identify and address public, media and promotional needs. Delivers high-impact, dynamic product presentations to drive revenue growth. Successful at optimizing security standards, improving planning processes and managing systems implementation. Knowledgeable about disaster recovery planning, roadmapping and team development. Knowledgeable IT Manager oversees technology deployment and maintenance. Instructs and leads IT staff members in support of hardware, software and networking infrastructure. Actively works with executives to determine and implement tech needs. Manages technology strategy, training and documentation.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Communications Chief
United States Marine Corps
10.2023 - Current
- Managed and supervised the planning, installation, operation, and Logistics of personnel, tactical assets, commercial assets, and weaponry abroad to the Republic of Afghanistan.
- Managed 210 personnel while committing to the installation of both internal/ external telecommunication equipment. Managed communications support for Command Operations Center (COC); monitored network connectivity, reported outages, prioritized restorations, and assisted in troubleshooting to restore connectivity to remote locations with minimal downtime.
- Mentored, trained, and supervised a team of 100+ personnel with 3 different occupational specialties in exercises and real-world, hazardous environments.
- Tracked and maintained accountability for $350M+ in communications assets.
- Answered employee questions regarding administrative and work related issues, and resolved any issues.
- Identified staff vacancies and recruited, interviewed and selected applicants.
- Served as a link between management and employees by handling questions, interpreting and administering contracts and helping resolve work-related problems.
- Successfully positioned the company as an industry thought leader by creating meaningful content that showcased expertise.
- Provided media training to executives and spokespeople, effectively preparing them for interviews and public appearances.
- Built strong partnerships with external vendors such as PR agencies or design firms to deliver best-in-class services.
- Mentored junior team members in honing their skills and advancing their careers within the communications field.
- Developed targeted messaging for diverse audiences, ensuring consistency and accuracy in all communications materials.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of communication strategies through data analysis, refining tactics as needed for optimal results.
Network Supervisor
U.S. Marine Corps
10.2020 - Current
- Enhanced security by implementing robust firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption protocols.
- Minimized risks associated with remote access by establishing secure VPN connections for offsite employees.
- Implemented virtualization technologies to increase resource utilization and reduce operational costs.
- Developed comprehensive documentation for network topology, policies, and procedures to maintain consistency across the organization.
- Increased system reliability through regular performance evaluations and necessary hardware or software updates.
- Streamlined troubleshooting processes for faster issue identification and resolution.
- Trained junior staff members on best practices for network management, improving overall team competency.
- Collaborated with IT team to design, plan, and deploy innovative network infrastructure solutions.
Telecommunications Manager
U.S. Marine Corps
06.2016 - 10.2020
- Spearheaded the integration of new technologies into existing telecommunications systems, staying ahead of industry trends.
- Conducted thorough audits of existing telecommunications systems to identify areas for improvement and recommend upgrades.
- Streamlined telecommunications systems by consolidating hardware and software resources, reducing operational costs.
- Led a team of technicians responsible for troubleshooting complex network issues, improving average response times on critical incidents significantly.
- Implemented robust security protocols to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access and potential breaches.
- Optimized network performance for seamless connectivity by implementing regular maintenance schedules and updates.
- Coordinated with IT department leaders on strategic planning efforts aimed at aligning technology investments with organizational goals effectively.
- Established clear communication channels between departments, ensuring efficient information flow throughout the organization.
- Increased network capacity by upgrading infrastructure components, supporting business growth objectives.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop integrated solutions for complex business requirements, enhancing overall productivity.
Telecommunications Technician
U.S. Marine Corps
06.2013 - 06.2016
- Improved network performance by diagnosing and resolving complex telecommunications issues.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all installations, repairs, and inspections for easy reference in future troubleshooting efforts.
- Identified opportunities for cost savings through efficient use of resources, ultimately reducing operational expenses.
- Participated in continuous learning opportunities to stay current on industry trends and advancements, ensuring top-quality service delivery.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing timely technical support for telecommunications services.
- Reduced downtime with regular maintenance of telecommunications equipment and infrastructure.
Education
No Degree - Information Technology
National University
La Jolla, CA12.2026
High School Diploma -
Turlock High School
Turlock, CA06.2010
Skills
- Policy Development & Implementation
- Executive Briefing & Presentation
- Communications Security
- Information Management
- Maintenance Network Operations
- Communication Operations
- Network Monitoring
- Troubleshooting
- Program Management
- Internal Communications
- Tactical communications
- Network Security Management
- IP Address Management
- Wireless Networking Knowledge
- Routing Protocols Expertise
- Network Monitoring Tools
- VoIP Infrastructure Management
- Network Troubleshooting Abilities
- Team Leadership Qualities
- Hardware and software monitoring
- Network Troubleshooting
- Experience with Cisco
- Effective Communication
- Network performance monitoring
- IP Addressing and Subnetting
- Wireless Networking
- Technical Troubleshooting
- Organizational Skills
- Time management abilities
- Analytical Skills
- Multitasking
- Interpersonal Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Team building
- Teamwork and Collaboration
Accomplishments
- Human Resources
- Reduced employee turnover by 10%.
- Developed policies that simplified and ensured proper management of electronic telecommunications, maintenance, and data; configured database to automate tracking of satellite.
- Managed detailed records of all telecommunications proposals and enforced security protocols to ensure accountability of classified materials and hardware.
- Implemented help desk services, procedures, and trouble ticket system in Iraq and Afghanistan that supported 200+ end-users.
- Established initial foundations of installation to provide commercialized telecommunications in Iraq and Afghanistan bases.
- Streamlined administrative processes to boost department productivity both domestically and internationally.
Certification
- CCIE - Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert
- A+ certified
- Sec + U.S. Marine Corps Certified
- Currently enrolled in CCNA's 1, 2, and 3
Skills
- Automated Message Handling System (AMHS), Windows, MS Office (Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, Word), Solar Winds, EDX Wireless Specialized Software.
- Harris (PRC-117F/G, PRC-150, PRC-152); Thales (PRC-148); Motorola (XTS-2500, XTS-5000, Astro); Miscellaneous (MRC-142, PSC-5D)
Timeline
Senior Communications Chief
United States Marine Corps
10.2023 - Current
Network Supervisor
U.S. Marine Corps
10.2020 - Current
Telecommunications Manager
U.S. Marine Corps
06.2016 - 10.2020
Telecommunications Technician
U.S. Marine Corps
06.2013 - 06.2016
No Degree - Information Technology
National University
High School Diploma -
Turlock High School
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