Shawn Elliott
Columbus,Ohio
Summary
I'm a hands-on IT professional with over 7 years of experience supporting complex enterprise environments, from on-prem systems to cloud-based platforms like Microsoft 365 and Azure. My background spans everything from service desk support to system administration, giving me a well-rounded understanding of end-user needs, backend infrastructure, and the importance of secure, reliable IT operations.
In recent years, I’ve shifted my focus toward cloud technologies—managing Microsoft 365 tenants, performing domain-to-domain migrations, configuring eDiscovery and compliance settings, and streamlining onboarding and licensing through the admin console. I’ve also worked daily in Azure, handling RBAC policies, automation via runbooks, and backup/recovery strategies outside of core VM and networking tasks.
Alongside that, I bring solid experience managing VMware environments and Veeam backup systems in high-availability setups. I’ve handled backup scheduling, recovery testing, and VM provisioning with a focus on system performance and business continuity.
I’m someone who thrives in dynamic, evolving environments. Whether I’m writing PowerShell scripts to automate user provisioning or coordinating cross-team migrations, I enjoy solving problems and making systems more efficient. I'm Security+ certified and continuously working toward advanced credentials like AZ-104 and VCP-DCV to deepen my expertise.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior System Administrator
City of Whitehall
12.2022 - Current
Day to Day Responsibilities
- Completed reports detailing network and systems performance and downtime issues.
- Standardized job tasks and trained junior team members on industry best practices and standards.
- Resolved issues and escalated problems with knowledgeable support and quality service.
- Maintained flexible schedule and responded to after-hours and weekend emergencies.
- Managed onboarding and offboarding of employees.
- Led server infrastructure development, quality assurance, staging and production systems.
- Provisioned new software and hardware for use, following established security policies.
- Maximized system availability through development and testing of contingency plans.
- Monitored networks and network devices to resolve technical problems quickly.
- Analyzed complex project server issues and worked on large enterprise and business-critical applications.
- Developed and documented network policies, procedures and standards.
- Devised scripts and automation tools to improve system efficiency.
- Implemented and maintained virtual private networks.
- Installed and configured network printers and other peripheral devices.
- Planned and implemented upgrades to system hardware and software.
- Installed important security and functionality patches to maintain optimal protections against intrusion and system reliability.
- Oversaw file system and storage upgrades while safeguarding data integrity and redundancy.
- Managed user lifecycle in Microsoft 365 Admin Console, including onboarding, offboarding, and license assignment across multiple departments.
- Conducted detailed audits and usage reviews via Microsoft 365 Compliance Center, ensuring adherence to internal security and compliance standards.
- Led tenant-to-tenant migration of users, mailboxes, and domain services between Microsoft 365 and Azure AD environments with zero critical downtime.
- Performed eDiscovery searches and litigation holds as part of compliance investigations, preserving email and document metadata for legal review.
- Created and delivered custom usage reports and audit logs using Microsoft 365 reporting tools and PowerShell scripting.
- Maintained Exchange Online configurations, distribution groups, and mobile device policies to ensure a secure and efficient email infrastructure.
- Coordinated with HR and department leads to automate onboarding workflows and access provisioning via Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD).
- Managed Azure Resource Groups and applied RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) policies to maintain least-privilege access across environments.
- Handled day-to-day subscription governance including budget enforcement, policy compliance, and tagging standardization for chargebacks.
- Monitored Azure Monitor alerts and diagnostics logs to proactively respond to system anomalies or performance degradation.
- Maintained Azure Backup and Recovery Vault services, validating restore points and ensuring retention policies aligned with business continuity goals.
- Deployed and updated Azure Logic Apps and automation runbooks to handle scheduled tasks such as user clean-up and compliance checks.
- Coordinated hybrid identity solutions with Azure AD Connect, managing synchronization issues and UPN normalization across forests.
- Utilized Azure Security Center recommendations to harden cloud workloads and remediate identified vulnerabilities.
- Managed Veeam Backup & Replication infrastructure for multi-site environments, performing scheduled tests of recovery and replication jobs.
- Configured backup repositories, scale-out backup targets, and storage integrations to meet retention and compliance objectives.
- Executed full VM restores, item-level recoveries, and instant VM recoveries with minimal disruption to production environments.
- Administered VMware vSphere environments including ESXi host patching, vCenter configuration, and DRS/HA cluster optimization.
- Oversaw the deployment and provisioning of virtual machines, templates, and snapshots while ensuring storage and CPU allocation remained efficient.
- Evaluated performance metrics and logs via vRealize Operations Manager, taking action to address anomalies and resource bottlenecks.
- Planned and executed host lifecycle management and hardware refreshes while ensuring data integrity during migrations.
- Collaborated with security teams to apply VM encryption, manage VMX file permissions, and maintain compliance with hardening standards.
System Administrator
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
07.2018 - 04.2019
- Delivered front-line and escalated support for hardware and software issues affecting both on-site and remote users, with a focus on minimizing downtime and user disruption.
- Managed user accounts and permissions in Active Directory, ensuring security and access compliance across departments.
- Assisted in a full-scale Windows 10 migration, building and deploying desktops while coordinating post-deployment troubleshooting.
- Oversaw the mobile platform transition from GOOD to BlackBerry Work, configuring secure access for remote attorneys and staff.
- Supported and administered VMware vSphere environments, including provisioning, monitoring, and resource allocation for virtual machines used in production and development.
- Maintained system snapshots, performed host-level diagnostics, and implemented corrective actions to support VM performance and uptime.
- Configured, monitored, and maintained Veeam Backup & Replication to safeguard virtual and physical server data.
- Conducted regular backup integrity tests and recovery drills, ensuring readiness for file-level, VM, or full-system restore scenarios.
- Managed shared storage infrastructure, including storage expansion planning, data migration, and redundancy validation.
- Responded to storage hardware alerts and performed drive replacements and file system rebuilds with minimal disruption.
- Documented storage configurations, backup policies, and recovery procedures to align with internal audit requirements.
- Built and deployed Cisco IP desk phones and configured VPNs for secure remote access; maintained user connectivity and voice service uptime.
- Installed and managed firewalls, applied system patches, and regularly reviewed permission structures to enforce security best practices.
- Participated in network and server performance tuning, including application monitoring, log analysis, and remediation planning.
- Authored deployment guides and technical documentation for system setups and hardware rollouts, enhancing onboarding and knowledge sharing.
- Mentored junior IT staff, promoted process consistency, and supported team readiness with on-call after-hours support as part of a rotating schedule.
IT Service Desk Level
Abercrombie & Fitch Home Office
01.2018 - 07.2018
- Provided front-line support via phone, email, and ticketing system for hardware, software, and connectivity issues, consistently resolving incidents on first contact.
- Managed user accounts and password resets in Active Directory, including access provisioning for corporate systems and applications.
- Configured and supported VDI, VPN, and Ping ID for secure remote access and multifactor authentication.
- Reinstalled or deployed core business software for both Windows and Mac environments using standard images and custom configurations.
- Set up and deployed Cisco IP desk phones and managed users in Cisco Unity voicemail systems.
- Assisted in employee onboarding by provisioning accounts, setting up workstations, and delivering IT orientation.
- Wrote and maintained knowledge base articles, SOPs, and internal troubleshooting guides for help desk and field staff use.
- Trained and mentored new service desk technicians, ensuring alignment with support procedures and tools.
- Documented and escalated unresolved issues, and contributed to root cause analysis and resolution planning.
- Uninstalled/reinstalled applications, resolved network and email configuration problems, and verified endpoint compliance with corporate policies.
- Collected and reported user feedback, common issues, and system data to help improve IT operations and support experience.
- Maintained professionalism and customer focus, even during high-stress situations, using de-escalation and clear communication skills.
- Assisted in basic hardware installs, repairs, and equipment prep for user deployments and office moves.
- Supervised the setup of workstation equipment including operating system imaging, network cabling, and peripheral connections.
- Collaborated with IT leadership and team members to define system requirements and improve onboarding workflows.
Level 2 Support Technician
Wendy's International
09.2016 - 01.2018
- Managed active directory user accounts to restrict access to sensitive information.
- Led individual training sessions for employees in Microsoft Office, Windows Server and Amazon Web Services.
- Explained technology-related details in easy-to-understand terms to individuals from different backgrounds and in various job positions.
- Detected and corrected error messages within software and hardware reporting systems.
- Installed appropriate security patches to eliminate security vulnerabilities.
- Configured computers to network drivers and connected to printers and other peripheral equipment.
- Followed detailed drawings or diagrams to correctly cable server rack.
- Performed functionality testing on various systems and applications to confirm suspected faults and malfunctions.
- Identified hardware issues caused by component failures using approved diagnostic tools.
- Responded to assistance requests from users and directed individuals through basic troubleshooting tasks.
- Installed computers and other devices individually and across networks, testing connections to support proper functioning.
- Troubleshot devices to identify and solve issues with hardware or software performance.
- Monitored, tracked and documented service support activity to assist future problem resolution.
- Trained users to operate and manage hardware and software.
- Utilized password reset utility to unlock units with BIOS password locks.
- Disassembled computer systems to troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues.
- Conducted routine maintenance on servers and systems, keeping networks fully operational during peak periods.
- Supported users with fax machines, printers and other output devices to facilitate local connectivity requirements.
- Documented repair processes and helped streamline procedures for future technical support actions.
- Diagnosed and determined system issues to route for repair.
- Applied corrective hardware solutions as problems arose and provided end-user training to enhance operations.
Education
Cyber Security Bootcamp, Python Programming Masterclass -
Flatiron College
Columbus, Present, OhioAssociate of Science - Cyber Security Computer Science
Columbus State Community College
Columbus, Ohio01.2019
Skills
- Microsoft 365 Administration & Compliance
- Azure Active Directory (Entra ID) & RBAC
- Tenant-to-Tenant Migration (M365 & Azure)
- eDiscovery & Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
- Azure Monitor & Automation Runbooks
- Exchange Online Management & Troubleshooting
- PowerShell Scripting for Automation
- VMware vSphere & ESXi Management
- Veeam Backup & Replication (Multi-Site)
- Disaster Recovery & High Availability Planning
- Virtual Machine Provisioning & Template Management
- Windows Server Administration (2012–2022)
- Group Policy Management (GPOs)
- Hybrid Identity Sync (Azure AD Connect)
- Security & Compliance Center (Microsoft 365)
- Storage Optimization & Data Retention Strategies
- Endpoint Configuration Manager (Intune / SCCM)
- Incident, Problem, and Change Management (ITIL)
- Performance Monitoring & System Tuning
- Remote Access & VPN Configuration
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) & Conditional Access
- Firewall, DNS, and DHCP Administration
- Cloud Resource Governance & Cost Optimization
- User Lifecycle Automation & Access Management
- Mobile Device Management (MDM)
- Backup Verification & Recovery Testing
- Technical Documentation & SOP Creation
- Cross-Team Project Leadership & Coordination
- Root Cause Analysis & Issue Resolution
- Training, Mentorship, and Knowledge Transfer
- CompTIA Security
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104 Working On)
- Microsoft Certified: M365 Enterprise Administrator Expert (MS-102)
- VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV)
- Veeam Certified Engineer (VCME)
Certification
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (AZ-104 Working On)
- Microsoft Certified: M365 Enterprise Administrator Expert (MS-102)
- VMware Certified Professional – Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV)
- Veeam Certified Engineer (VMCE)
- Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)
- Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate (MD-102)
- ITIL® Foundation Certification (Pursuing)
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Senior System Administrator
City of Whitehall
12.2022 - Current
System Administrator
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
07.2018 - 04.2019
IT Service Desk Level
Abercrombie & Fitch Home Office
01.2018 - 07.2018
Level 2 Support Technician
Wendy's International
09.2016 - 01.2018
Associate of Science - Cyber Security Computer Science
Columbus State Community College
Cyber Security Bootcamp, Python Programming Masterclass -
Flatiron College
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