TIFFANY WARD
Summary
Multi-talented information technology professional experienced in researching and implementing creative solutions across a variety of disciplines. Consistently rewarded for success and operational excellence. Driven by a passion for a career focused on providing security and support to operational environments.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Cloud / System Administrator
ALKU
Hill Air Force Base, UT
09.2023 - 02.2025
- Delivered and optimized cloud solutions for a large Federal customer.
- Reviewed existing cloud architecture for large DoD systems to guide future deployments and ensure consistency and operability with existing cloud assets.
- Leveraged cloud knowledge and skills to design, engineer, and implement cloud-based solutions.
- Performed technical assessments of government off-the-shelf (GOTS) software and designed cloud implementation solutions.
- Participated in the stand-up of an AWS cloud-based High Performance Compute (HPC) solution.
- Provided cloud system administration support to a diverse set of operating systems (Microsoft Windows Server 2019, Red Hat Enterprise Linux - RHEL 8, Windows 10).
- Enhanced system performance by optimizing Linux/Windows server configurations.
- Improved security measures by conducting vulnerability assessments in Linux and Windows environments and applied necessary corrective actions.
- Provided training and guidance to junior cloud engineers.
- Reduced downtime by proactively identifying and resolving potential issues.
- Communicated the status of initiatives within the organization and with external stakeholders.
Tier II/III Technician, Interim Program Manager
Croop-LaFrance
Dugway Proving Grounds, UT
08.2021 - 08.2023
- Collaborated with and served System Administration, Networking, Land/Mobile Radio, and Telecommunications teams as Program Manager.
- Improved program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving solutions.
- Enhanced program visibility with regular status updates, leading to increased stakeholder engagement.
- Worked with the government Lead System Administrator to create a shared organization-wide knowledge base and authored over 30 entries.
- Developed scripts to automate several tasks.
- Applied STIGS, reviewed ACAS scans, and took action to remediate vulnerabilities.
- Created solutions to resolve challenging imaging issues using knowledge of Microsoft Configuration Manager (SCCM/MECM), attention to detail, and research skills.
- Created DHCP reservations, researched and located the underlying cause of network quarantines, responded to network outages, resolved VPN and other networking issues.
- Created and managed accounts in Active Directory.
- Troubleshot print servers.
- Troubleshot cloud and on-premise systems and software.
- Spearheaded innovative problem-solving techniques that addressed challenges head-on, resulting in effective resolution measures.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees.
- Met with project stakeholders on regular basis to assess progress and make iterative improvements.
Global Service Desk Agent
TEKsystems
Salt Lake City, UT
04.2021 - 08.2021
- Aided Department of Defense agencies before, during, and after migration to SaaS cloud services.
- Assisted during the main effort of DISA's Fourth Estate Network Optimization Program: the transition to a consolidated Department of Defense network for all Fourth Estate DOD entities, including DISA, DLA, and DFAS.
- Supported one of the largest, most collaborative Enterprise service desks in the defense space.
- Documented resolutions for recurring issues, contributing to a knowledge base that facilitated faster issue resolution.
NOC Watch Supervisor, System Administrator, LRA
StratasCorp
San Diego, CA
01.2020 - 04.2020
- Promoted to an LRA and took on additional responsibilities in addition to previous roles at the organization.
- Reviewed SCAP scans and applied DISA STIGs to SIPR devices.
- Troubleshot and maintained systems including Cisco WAAS, TACLANE KG-175s, KIV-7s, Lotus Domino servers, Microsoft Exchange servers, Microsoft RRAS servers, and Solarwinds network monitoring tools.
- Provided network connectivity and support through satellite communications from client's Network Operations Center in direct support of the client's Command, Control, Communication, and Computer Systems capability.
NOC Watch Supervisor, System Administrator
StratasCorp
San Diego, CA
10.2019 - 01.2020
- Promoted to a Supervisor and took on additional responsibilities in addition to previous roles at the organization.
- Drove continuous improvement of the organization's PKI Local Registration Authority System Administration program.
- Was essential in delivering passing score during LRA program's external audit.
- Optimized system security and performance.
- Researched information security and policy requirements.
- Developed standard operating procedures and trained team members on best practices and standards.
- Reviewed SCAP scans and applied DISA STIGs to SIPR devices.
- Troubleshot and maintained systems including Cisco WAAS, TACLANE KG-175s, KIV-7s, Lotus Domino servers, Microsoft Exchange servers, Microsoft RRAS servers, and Solarwinds network monitoring tools.
- Provided network connectivity and support through satellite communications from client's Network Operations Center in direct support of the client's Command, Control, Communication, and Computer Systems capability.
NOC Journeyman Technician
StratasCorp
San Diego, CA
07.2019 - 10.2019
- Hired by the Prime on the contract and took on additional responsibilities in addition to previous roles at the organization.
- Provided network connectivity and support through satellite communications from client's Network Operations Center in direct support of the client's Command, Control, Communication, and Computer Systems capability.
- Troubleshot and maintained systems including Cisco WAAS, TACLANE KG-175s, KIV-7s, Lotus Domino servers, Microsoft Exchange servers, Microsoft RRAS servers, and Solarwinds network monitoring tools.
- Reviewed SCAP scans and applied DISA STIGs in SIPR environments.
- Provided mid-tier network support to customers around the globe.
- Created Microsoft Exchange mailboxes and monitored queues for multiple servers.
- Managed accounts and passwords in Active Directory.
- Monitored network performance.
- Created reports and maintained logs of NOC operations.
- Performed network security device configurations and implemented emergency failover procedures.
NOC Watch Operator
TEKsystems
San Diego, CA
09.2018 - 07.2019
- Provided network connectivity and support through satellite communications from client's Network Operations Center in direct support of the client's Command, Control, Communication, and Computer Systems capability.
- Troubleshot and maintained systems including Cisco WAAS, TACLANE KG-175s, KIV-7s, Lotus Domino servers, Microsoft Exchange servers, Microsoft RRAS servers, and Solarwinds network monitoring tools.
- Reviewed SCAP scans and applied DISA STIGs in SIPR environments.
- Provided mid-tier network support to customers around the globe.
- Created Microsoft Exchange mailboxes and monitored queues for multiple servers.
- Managed accounts and passwords in Active Directory.
- Monitored network performance.
- Created reports and maintained logs of NOC operations.
- Performed network security device configurations and implemented emergency failover procedures.
- Hired by the Prime on the contract.
PC / Electronics Technician
Computers 2 SD Kids
San Diego, CA
06.2018 - 11.2018
- Troubleshot, repaired, and tested PCs, laptops, and tablets donated to provide to school children in the local community.
Trainee, Microsoft Software and Systems Academy
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Camp Pendleton, CA
04.2018 - 08.2018
- Successfully completed the Microsoft Software and Systems Academy: Server and Cloud Administrator program, which leveraged college accredited courses to prepare transitioning service members for technical opportunities at Microsoft and their Enterprise Partners.
- Developed the fundamentals of server and cloud administration.
- Trained to administer an advanced physical and virtualized hybrid cloud infrastructure.
- Worked closely with mentors at Microsoft during bi-weekly team meetings.
- Assisted in the initial build-out of the Camp Pendleton site test lab.
- Configured and maintained the site Linux Samba server.
Electromechanical (Robotics) Technician
Nordson ASYMTEK / Kelly
Carlsbad, CA
03.2017 - 08.2017
- Responsible for the installation, configuration and testing of robotic devices used in the manufacture of circuit boards.
- Responsible for the installation of wiring harnesses and cable management.
- Utilized device-connected laptops and specialized software to troubleshoot, configure, and assess the performance of systems controlling robotic devices.
- Supported Kanban / Agile Management continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities for process enhancement.
ATPL (InfoSec), Huey/Cobra Crew Chief
USMC
San Diego, CA / North Island, CA / Pensacola, FL
02.2014 - 05.2017
- Collected, transferred, and analyzed data from on board flight computers in UH-1Y, AH-1Z, and AH-1W aircraft necessary to detect small changes in vibration patterns allowing maintainers to uncover hidden problems before certifying aircraft for return to regular flight operations.
- Performed in-flight troubleshooting of UH-1Y flight computers and cross-referenced various system indicators to detect the potential hazardous display of erroneous information to flight crew.
- Preserved Information Security across 78 Quality Assurance department IT assets.
- Performed updates, secure data transfer, hardware maintenance, software troubleshooting, and security monitoring/inspections of QA department laptops.
- Created cloud-based, real time coordination of projects leading to more than 2x increase in team capabilities.
- Ensured that sensitive information, predominantly in digital form, was only disclosed to authorized parties (Confidentiality).
- Prevented unauthorized modification of data (Integrity).
- Guaranteed that data could be accessed by authorized parties when requested (Availability).
- Maintained 100% inspection pass rate for every program overseen, contributing to becoming the top performing organization in the division.
- Achieved the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Expert Rifle Qualification Badge, Expert Pistol Qualification Badge (Perfect Score), Small Arms (Pistol) Marksmanship Coach, First Class PFT/CFT, SERE qualification, and Honorable Discharge.
U.S. Marine
USMC
Parris Island, SC / Camp Lejeune, NC
05.2013 - 02.2014
- Volunteered to become one of the first females in history to qualify as an 0311 USMC Infantryman (completing all requirements to male standards) during the initial pilot testing phase prior to women being officially allowed to serve in front-line combat roles.
- Proved self-motivation and drive.
- Proved ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Technical Ground / Flight Training
Gulfstream International Airlines / ATP
Phoenix, AZ / Ft. Lauderdale, FL / Miami, FL
04.2009 - 06.2010
- Trained to operate multiple models of flight computers and their software and honed skills to troubleshoot hardware and software in flight as the final level of escalation.
- Memorized the electrical systems of complex multi-engine aircraft.
- Proved ability to learn highly complex, technical subjects.
- Demonstrated ability to apply classroom knowledge and skills in real life, high-consequence scenarios.
- Certifications include: Multi-engine commercial pilot certificate, instrument rating, multi-engine rating, private pilot certificate, complex aircraft endorsement, high-performance endorsement, high-altitude endorsement, Beechcraft 1900D type rating [SIC], and part 107 drone license.
Education
Degree - Information Technology Management
San Diego City College
San Diego, CA05-2021
Certificate - Server And Cloud Administration
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: MSSA
Camp Pendleton, CA08-2018
High School Diploma -
Louisiana School For Math, Science, And The Arts
Natchitoches, LA05-2002
Skills
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- Microsoft MTA: Networking
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect
- Microsoft MTA: Windows Operating System
- Microsoft 365 Certified: Endpoint Administrator Associate (MCA)
- CompTIA IT Fundamentals
Timeline
Cloud / System Administrator
ALKU
09.2023 - 02.2025
Tier II/III Technician, Interim Program Manager
Croop-LaFrance
08.2021 - 08.2023
Global Service Desk Agent
TEKsystems
04.2021 - 08.2021
NOC Watch Supervisor, System Administrator, LRA
StratasCorp
01.2020 - 04.2020
NOC Watch Supervisor, System Administrator
StratasCorp
10.2019 - 01.2020
NOC Journeyman Technician
StratasCorp
07.2019 - 10.2019
NOC Watch Operator
TEKsystems
09.2018 - 07.2019
PC / Electronics Technician
Computers 2 SD Kids
06.2018 - 11.2018
Trainee, Microsoft Software and Systems Academy
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
04.2018 - 08.2018
Electromechanical (Robotics) Technician
Nordson ASYMTEK / Kelly
03.2017 - 08.2017
ATPL (InfoSec), Huey/Cobra Crew Chief
USMC
02.2014 - 05.2017
U.S. Marine
USMC
05.2013 - 02.2014
Technical Ground / Flight Training
Gulfstream International Airlines / ATP
04.2009 - 06.2010
Degree - Information Technology Management
San Diego City College
Certificate - Server And Cloud Administration
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: MSSA
High School Diploma -
Louisiana School For Math, Science, And The Arts