Stephen Flores
Novi,MI
Summary
Innovative and strategic IT leader with over 10 years of experience designing, implementing, and managing complex network infrastructures in the utility sector. Proven expertise in WAN transformation, DDI platforms, network automation, and cloud readiness. Adept at building high-performing teams, aligning technology with business goals, and driving large-scale modernization efforts. Passionate about creating resilient, secure, and scalable networks that support critical operations and future innovation.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr Mgr Security Engineering
Consumers Energy
05.2019 - Current
- Direct and manage the organization’s WAN and DDI platforms supporting over 6 million customers across Michigan
- Recognized by The Hackett Group as Digital World Class in network management, delivering comparable end-user support with 50% fewer FTEs than industry peers
- Led initiative to explore alternative LAN solutions, resulting in $9.4M in cost avoidance
- Collaborated with external cybersecurity firms to rapidly mitigate DDoS threats and deploy new perimeter defenses
- Re-architected internet connectivity during COVID-19 to support a dramatic shift to remote work
- Championed the adoption of modern technologies including Palo Alto firewalls, cloud networking models, and DDI solutions like Infoblox
- Directed WAN service onboarding and documentation practices to streamline intake and budget alignment for network programs
- Mentored and developed engineering staff, emphasizing collaboration, continuous learning, and results-oriented performance
Network Engineer III
Consumers Energy
01.2014 - 05.2019
- Designed and deployed LANs, WANs, wireless networks, and network services including DNS/DHCP/IPAM (DDI)
- Authored the company’s Cloud Connectivity strategy to support digital transformation and future workforce enablement
- Served as the Financial Management Center of Excellence Lead, managing hardware/software spend, maintenance renewals, and long-term planning
- Implemented network monitoring systems and contributed to early-stage automation of network operations
Cooperative Assistant
Consumers Energy
05.2013 - 12.2014
- Supported project setup and resource coordination for the PMO
- Designed a prototype Careers Website for internal recruiting campaigns
- Led process improvements that enhanced project tracking and delivery
Project Manager
Display Goods & Promotions
07.2007 - 08.2012
- Managed large-scale deployments of classroom technology, coordinating teams and logistics across 40+ schools
- Directed technical installations including PCs, projectors, and audio-visual equipment
- Created client proposals and managed bid submissions
Education
Bachelor of Science - Computer Information Systems, General Business
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI01.2013
Skills
- MPLS
- SD-WAN
- VPN
- Palo Alto Prisma
- DNS
- DHCP
- IPAM
- Infoblox
- TCPWave
- BGP
- OSPF
- EIGRP
- STP
- Azure
- DDoS protection
- Zero Trust
- NIST benchmarks compliance
- CIS benchmarks compliance
- Cisco
- Juniper
- Palo Alto
- SolarWinds
- Wireshark
- Packet capture analysis
Signature Achievements
- Led enterprise WAN modernization effort, transforming legacy T1-based WAN to carrier ethernet, improving network performance by 460% and avoiding over $500K in annual costs.
- Spearheaded the successful delivery of a next-generation Data Center Network migration project with zero business disruption.
- Realized over $1M in O&M cost reduction as part of a company-wide efficiency initiative in 01/23.
- Identified and delivered $500K in cost savings in 01/22 as part of a $100M corporate financial reduction goal.
- Lead engineer for Data Center 2.0 initiative, migrating from on-prem to a co-located environment to improve scalability and reliability.
Certification
- JNCIA (Juniper Networks Certified Associate)
- CompTIA Network+
- Emerging Leaders Certified
- CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional), In Progress
Timeline
Sr Mgr Security Engineering
Consumers Energy
05.2019 - Current
Network Engineer III
Consumers Energy
01.2014 - 05.2019
Cooperative Assistant
Consumers Energy
05.2013 - 12.2014
Project Manager
Display Goods & Promotions
07.2007 - 08.2012
Bachelor of Science - Computer Information Systems, General Business
Grand Valley State University
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