Valere Fotso
Davie,FL
Summary
Dynamic Systems Engineer with extensive experience designing, securing, and modernizing enterprise infrastructure across hybrid cloud, virtualization, and identity platforms. Proven success leading large-scale migrations, implementing Zero Trust frameworks, and automating complex environments. Recognized for deep technical expertise, strong troubleshooting ability, and delivering resilient, high-performance systems for organizations with 50,000+ users.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr Systems Engineer
CareFirst BCBS
Remote
05.2022 - Current
- Led enterprise migration of 50,000+ users from on-prem Active Directory to Microsoft Entra ID, enabling hybrid identity, SSO, and Conditional Access.
- Designed and implemented Zero Trust architecture, reducing unauthorized access incidents by 40% across multi-cloud environments.
- Responded to global infrastructure outages and high-severity production incidents, performing root cause analysis and implementing remediation to improve system reliability.
- Built and optimized Apache HTTP servers on Linux; improved performance and hardened security configurations.
- Managed VMware ESXi clusters, including patching, firmware upgrades, storage policies, and HA/DRS optimization.
- Automated deployments and configuration management across dev, test, and production environments.
- Developed infrastructure standards, operational runbooks, and compliance documentation.
- Monitored system performance and resolved high-impact issues affecting remote and enterprise users.
- Led system integration initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and reduce downtime.
- Developed and maintained documentation for system configurations and processes, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Azure Cloud Engineer
Microsoft
Fargo, ND
11.2020 - 05.2022
- Delivered advanced support for Azure IaaS, resolving VM, networking, storage, and identity issues for global enterprise customers.
- Administered Windows and Ubuntu servers, deploying updates through Change Control processes.
- Performed Azure resource migrations using PowerShell, CLI, ARM templates, and REST API.
- Conducted root cause analysis and provided proactive recommendations to reduce recurring incidents.
- Supported VMware and Hyper-V environments, including VM recovery and performance tuning.
- Managed AD objects (users, groups, OUs) and identity-related troubleshooting.
- Participated in 24/7 on-call rotations for critical escalations.
Linux/Windows System Administrator
Cognizant / 3M
Saint Paul, MN
09.2019 - 05.2020
- Migrated vSphere environments from 5.5 to 6.5, configuring DRS, HA, vMotion, VSAN, and storage policies.
- Supported Docker and Kubernetes deployments for scalable enterprise applications.
- Implemented automated patching using SCCM and WSUS across 1,500+ servers.
- Troubleshot network issues involving routers, switches, and wireless infrastructure.
- Used CyberArk/PAM for secure privileged access.
- Created technical documentation for system configurations and operational processes.
System Administrator II
Trinitech Consulting
Bethesda, MD
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Built and maintained CI/CD pipelines; automated infrastructure using Ansible and SCCM.
- Managed Splunk monitoring deployments and developed Python scripts for automation.
- Configured DNS, SSL, TCP/IP, and load balancing across enterprise environments.
- Audited system logs to detect security incidents and enforce compliance.
- Deployed enterprise applications across multi-site network architectures.
- Managed system performance and reliability across diverse environments.
- Implemented security measures to safeguard sensitive data and networks.
System Administrator
MTN
Cameroon
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Managed Linux servers, including patching, hardening, and performance tuning.
- Configured Apache, Nginx, DNS, DHCP, NFS, and Samba for multi-platform environments.
- Built hybrid cloud environments extending on-prem networks to AWS.
- Created shell scripts for backups, monitoring, and automation.
- Handled RAID, disk management, and storage provisioning.
- Implemented security protocols to safeguard sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access.
Education
Computer Science Coursework
Harford Community College
High School Diploma - undefined
Lycée Bafoussam
Skills
- Cloud: Azure IaaS, ARM/JSON, Azure CLI, REST API
- Identity: Microsoft Entra ID, Azure AD Connect, SSO, Conditional Access, PIM
- Systems: Linux (RHEL/Ubuntu), Windows Server, AD, DNS, DHCP, GPO
- Virtualization: VMware ESXi/vSphere, HA, DRS, vMotion, VSAN
- Automation: PowerShell, Bash, Ansible, Puppet, Python
- DevOps: CI/CD pipelines, Docker, Kubernetes
- Security: Zero Trust, MFA, PAM/CyberArk, Hardening, Log Auditing
- Networking: TCP/IP, SSL, Load Balancing, NFS, SMB
- Management: SCCM, WSUS, Patch Automation, Infrastructure Documentation
Certification
- Microsoft Azure AZ-900
- Azure Linux Specialist
- Azure Linux Foundation (AZLF)
- VMware VCA-DBT
- RHCSA
- PSM I – Scrum Master
- Zerto Certified Associate
- SAFe 5
- Scrum Master
- CNA
Languages
French
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Sr Systems Engineer
CareFirst BCBS
05.2022 - Current
Azure Cloud Engineer
Microsoft
11.2020 - 05.2022
Linux/Windows System Administrator
Cognizant / 3M
09.2019 - 05.2020
System Administrator II
Trinitech Consulting
01.2016 - 01.2019
System Administrator
MTN
01.2013 - 01.2016
High School Diploma - undefined
Lycée Bafoussam
Computer Science Coursework
Harford Community College