Ray A Nelson
Waldorf,United States
Summary
Seasoned IT professional with 30+ years of experience in troubleshooting and resolving complex technical issues. Proven ability to analyze problems, develop effective solutions, and implement them efficiently. Expertise in network administration, systems engineering, and IT security. Diligent IT Admin with robust background in IT support and systems management. Proven track record of implementing efficient solutions to enhance system performance and user experience. Demonstrated expertise in network security and problem-solving in dynamic environments.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
IT Specialist SysAdmin
U.S. Department of Education, OCIO
02.2001 - 07.2025
- Company Overview: US Department of Education Potomac Center Plaza South 12th St SW Washington DC, DC 20202 United States
- Managed and implemented updates for the Education’s Central Automated Processing System (EDCAPS), the primary financial management system for the Department of Education (DOED). As Configurations Manager (CM) project manager, I supervised and coordinated processes to control software configurations, related hardware, and documentation updates, all aimed at improving service quality for the department while meeting business goals. I performed various maintenance and operational tasks for EDCAPS, following established engineering standards based on requirements from DOED, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and ensuring compliance with the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), OMB Circular A-123, and OMB A-11.
- Managed changes in application architecture and system software development, including integration testing and operations across development, training, and production environments. I kept current records of EDCAPS software status and contents throughout the project lifecycle, providing stakeholders with regular updates on system changes. As the main contact for system audits related to EDCAPS, I also advised staff on processes to effectively control EDCAPS software, hardware, and documentation configurations.
- As a senior engineer, I guided technical staff and the desktop support team in resolving issues affecting financial applications on client workstations. I served as an expert for configuring EDCAPS systems on Windows and Linux servers. My duties included identifying required network ports and protocols to ensure operational system access, while maintaining service and security configurations in line with departmental network rules.
- Led efforts by providing technical advice to the enterprise architecture contractor for configuring financial systems in the department's remote environment, ensuring reliable operation for remote users. Provided direct support to EDCAPS users, addressing issues related to software, hardware, and system operations, and developed helpful documentation. Assessed vendor-developed software to verify it met desired outcomes and functioned properly. Collaborated with the integration contractor to implement infrastructure for the Personal Identity Verification (PIV) smart card login system, enabling access to applications within EDCAPS and managing hardware and software rollout department-wide.
- Supported the implementation of related systems and troubleshoot operational issues in EDCAPS. Ensured excellent performance and usability for end-users on the alternative EDCAPS system at the Disaster Recovery (DR) facility. Managed network and domain administration for users on the EDCAPS development/test network, handling account setup, password resets, and group policy tasks as needed. Reduced system vulnerabilities by staging and applying necessary updates, including Office 365 channel updates. Delivered weekly status reports to team managers on affected systems.
- Facilitated the EDCAPS Change Control Board (CCB) process, handling reviews and approvals for software enhancements. Prepared agendas and documentation for Change Requests (CRs), ensuring stakeholders received prior review materials. Enforced CM procedures related to CCB submissions. Provided updates on pending activities, documented meeting minutes, and shared relevant information with EDCAPS stakeholders. Ensured accurate data entry into the CM repository and communicated key decisions or actions taken.
- Managed the release process for software updates in EDCAPS, verifying that all application code, system changes, and documentation were properly recorded. Validated testing results before deploying updates to production. Developed release schedules, coordinated timelines with users, identified conflicts, and negotiated resolutions to meet deadlines and customer expectations. Ensured all code changes complied with departmental standards and the EDCAPS Configuration Management Plan (CMP).
- Assisted with EDCAPS website management and provided support for SharePoint users. Created and customized site content related to EDCAPS systems within OCIO sites, granting user access. Maintained current information on major IT systems, security alerts, scheduled maintenance, outages, ongoing projects, and other relevant updates.
- Supervisor: Christopher Claiborne (301-332-5916)
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes.
Management Analyst
U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Financial Officer
02.1998 - 02.2001
- Company Overview: WASHINGTON, DC United States
- I worked in the Systems Operations and Maintenance Group for Financial Systems Operations in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer. My duties included implementing the hardware and software for the department’s financial system. These implementations required analyzing all issues at hand before submitting recommendations to the Hardware/Software Manager. Sometimes, this involved working through new policies and procedures within the department.
- I coordinated all network certifications for the EDCAPS system applications, ensuring that these applications met IT security and Section 508 Accessibility requirements before deployment, and managed the implementation process. I coordinated and configured EDCAPS software in the system test environment to prepare for its deployment within the EDCAPS production environment and network.
- I performed UNIX system administration tasks for the system’s applications and programs, established user accounts, managed file system permissions, and coordinated shutdowns and maintenance schedules for UNIX systems.
- I provided technical expertise in configuring SQLNET for the Oracle client, used as the connection protocol for the client’s applications and tools connected to the Oracle databases. I assisted in automating the transfer of the department’s financial files and data to other systems, which sped up processing times, helped meet deadlines, and avoided late fees.
- I reviewed configurations for EDCAPS Windows NT servers and offered recommendations for improvements. My role also involved interacting with the department’s network support staff, software vendors, CIO personnel, and EDCAPS staff to keep them informed about the financial system’s related issues.
- Supervisor: Tony Wood (Retired) (301-467-7607)
- Email: wood5@metrocast.net
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes.
Technology Specialist
US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION/Grants & Contracts Services
11.1995 - 02.1998
- Company Overview: Washington, DC United States
- Facilitated and supported for my division, all technical operations for the EDLAN network and system which integrated approximately 150 workstations and users in two primary administrative divisions that process and manage the Grants and Contracts programs for the U S Department of Education. As the technical point of contact, I served as the liaison between the network contractor and agency management personnel, coordinating and troubleshooting user/workstation interface. Work with users via telephone and site visitation to determine the nature of the system error and appropriate action for resolution through guided instruction. Consult with the network support contractor specifying any network discrepancy and follow-up each work request to ensure the discrepancy has been resolved satisfactory and with acceptable turnaround time.
- Established an effective working relationship with the network support contractor to ensure that a cooperative work effort for maximum and on-going system operations.
- Prepared modifications to the policies and protocols for the Department’s Procurement Document System (PDS) operations, including templates and subsystems based on user specifications.
- Analyzed data collection problems and provides suggestions to improve techniques. Conducted reviews of practices and day-to-day work efforts to determine areas where computer-based technology can provide a greater amount of accurate useful information.
- Lead group and individual training for new users. Introducing them to the system applications and advising them of network policies, and affected changes within the Procurement system.
- Provided technical assistance, coaching, and individualized instruction and drafted user manuals for office staff in utilizing office hardware/software.
Senior Secretary (Office Automation)
US Department of Education /OCFO/GCS/MSD
03.1991 - 11.1995
- Company Overview: Washington, DC United States
- Supported the director and senior analysts in my staff providing them with administrative support and technical assistance which included travel preparation, calendar organizing, documentation and report preparation, and file management in the division.
- Assisted the senior analysts by initiating the document process for awarding grants to recipients via the computer system for review by the contract staff.
- Troubleshoot system discrepancies which hinder successful processing by identifying errors and any improperly entered information in the system.
- Received and processed requests by the general public under the Freedom of Information Act concerning grants and contracts awards.
- Supervisor: Anna Hartsfield (0000000000)
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Contact me first
Education
Some College Coursework Completed - Information Technology
College of Southern Maryland
Waldorf, MDPartnership for Public Service Federal IT Leaders Program - undefined
01.2019
Skills
- Technical troubleshooting
- System documentation management
- Cybersecurity management
- Technical troubleshooting
- DevOps practices
- Software implementation
- System upgrades
- Application support
- Network administration
- Technical documentation
Certification
- Windows Sever Core Technologies
- Windows Server Enterprise Technologies
- Networking Essentials
- Administrating Microsoft Windows NT
- Internetworking Microsoft TCPIIP on Microsoft Windows
- Core Technologies of Microsoft Exchange Server
Timeline
IT Specialist SysAdmin
U.S. Department of Education, OCIO
02.2001 - 07.2025
Management Analyst
U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Financial Officer
02.1998 - 02.2001
Technology Specialist
US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION/Grants & Contracts Services
11.1995 - 02.1998
Senior Secretary (Office Automation)
US Department of Education /OCFO/GCS/MSD
03.1991 - 11.1995
Partnership for Public Service Federal IT Leaders Program - undefined
Some College Coursework Completed - Information Technology
College of Southern Maryland
Awards
6C Government Security Clearance 2025, 2019, 2012, Special Act/Recognition Award 2011, 2010, Cash Award for Highly Successful Work Performance, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2003, Deputy Secretary's Quality Reinvention Award 1999
Training
- Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer Training
- UNIX Fundamentals Training
Additional Information
Information Technology Transition Special Act/Recognition Award 2019
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