SIMON WANGARI
Okinawa
Summary
Cybersecurity professional with12 years of U.S. Air Force experience, including7 years in advanced cybersecurity and communications leadership roles. Proven expertise in network security management, incident response, and implementing cutting-edge cybersecurity frameworks. Adept at managing large teams, overseeing multi-million-dollar projects, and driving mission-critical operations in high-pressure environments. Seeking to leverage military expertise and technical acumen to secure and optimize IT infrastructure for a forward-thinking organization.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Flight Commander
18th Communications Squadron
04.2024 - Current
- Leads191 personnel and contractors in managing an $84M network across7 bases, ensuring secure communications for24K+ joint personnel
- Spearheaded a $2.4M legacy phone system replacement, ensuring uninterrupted service for mission-critical operations
- Directed deployment of a100 Gbps network for advanced AI and autonomy data harvesting
Plans and Resources Flight Commander
18th Communications Squadron
08.2022 - 04.2024
- Coordinated the first-ever30-month Authority to Operate (ATO) certification for NIPR and SIPR networks across Pacific Air Forces Command
- Modernized5,000 IT devices, enhancing operations for6,500 users across29 units
- Conducted a workforce analysis and developed Kadena’s Cyber Engineering Workplan, saving $350K through process optimization
Operations Officer
380th Expeditionary Communications Squadron
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Directed154 personnel to resolve13,000 tickets and execute38 projects during3 major deployments
- Managed communication networks during missile attacks, ensuring uninterrupted operational support
- Received General Jumper Award for exemplary cyber defense leadership
Officer In Charge, MAJCOM Communication Coordination Center (MCCC)
AETC Computer Systems Squadron
09.2018 - 08.2021
- Oversaw $137M network operations, supporting119K users and18 Air Force installations
- Led efforts to revamp18 TTPs, restoring a7-base logistic system and saving $100K
- Delivered critical IT solutions, enabling seamless cloud migration and contingency operations
Education
Master of Science - Cybersecurity and Policy Management
University of Maryland Global Campus
Hyattsville, MD09.2024
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
Towson University
05.2017
Skills
- Cybersecurity Operations & Policy Enforcement
- Network Security & Administration
- Incident Response & Risk Management Framework (RMF) Implementation
- Leadership & Program/Project Management
- Data Analysis & Process Optimization
Awards
General Jumper Award for Cyber Excellence, Tuskegee Leadership Award, Squadron Company Grade Officer of the Year (Multiple), Air Forces Central #1 Cyber Defense Program
Certification
CompTIA Security+ (Active since2018)
Languages
Swahili
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Operations Flight Commander
18th Communications Squadron
04.2024 - Current
Plans and Resources Flight Commander
18th Communications Squadron
08.2022 - 04.2024
Operations Officer
380th Expeditionary Communications Squadron
08.2021 - 05.2022
Officer In Charge, MAJCOM Communication Coordination Center (MCCC)
AETC Computer Systems Squadron
09.2018 - 08.2021
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
Towson University
CompTIA Security+ (Active since2018)
Master of Science - Cybersecurity and Policy Management
University of Maryland Global Campus
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