Welcome to My Website!

Professional Summary

I am a Network Engineer and Unix/Linux System Administrator with over twenty-eight years of experience in computer and communication systems engineering and sustainment.  My technical background spans Cisco routing, switching, and firewall administration, as well as Solaris, IRIX, SUSE, Red Hat, and Ubuntu system administration.

I have installed, configured, and maintained DAS, NAS, and SAN storage solutions using NetApp, Engenio, and DDN technologies.  My experience also includes deploying and supporting KU- and S-Band SATCOM ground stations and UHF/VHF radio communication systems.

I have extensive system and network hardening expertise aligned with NIST 800-53r5 (DoD) and NIST 800-171r2 (CMMC Level 2) security requirements, including active hands-on experience leading compliance efforts across multi-site enterprise environments.  I am also skilled in cost and schedule estimation, technical writing, configuration management, and delivering technical presentations.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems Management and an Associate of Applied Science in Electronic Systems Technology, with academic focus areas in project management, computer and communication systems, and electronic principles.  These degrees are complemented by an extensive certification stack directly applicable to my work, including CISSP, CASP+ CE, CCNP, CCNA Security, CEH, RHCSA, ITIL, and others.

I have supported a wide range of customer environments, spanning science, intelligence, and defense missions, including Johns Hopkins APL, NASA Goddard, NIST, NIH, NCI, NRC, U.S. Marshals, NRL, ARL, AFRL, NSA, NGA, NRO, MDA, and others.  Across these diverse missions and technologies, I consistently deliver results that exceed expectations.  My broad technical background allows me to serve as an integrator across hardware, software, and network domains, a role that narrowly specialized engineers are often unable to fill.  For more information, visit my LinkedIn page.

Personal Summary

I am a former Air Force enlisted Airman who transitioned into DoD contracting.  Although I left active duty in 2001, I continue to hold fast to the Air Force core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do.  My entire career has been dedicated to serving or supporting the U.S. government, both stateside and abroad.

I deployed as a contractor to Qatar in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  My spouse is an active-duty service member, and her continued commitment to the mission is a source of great pride and a daily reminder of why this work matters.

I am a senior engineer who values ownership, autonomy, and meaningful work that supports mission-critical operations.  I take pride in delivering not just technically sound solutions, but outcomes that make a real difference for the people and organizations I support.

Hobbies

I am active in Amateur Radio and enjoy combining it with hiking and camping.  I earned my Technician license in the late 1990s and upgraded to Amateur Extra about ten years ago.  I hold the callsign AH6X and operate primarily QRP, 5 watts or less, which adds a satisfying technical challenge to every contact.  I enjoy both voice and digital modes, with a particular focus on FT8 and SSB on the HF bands.  My current rigs include the Icom IC-705, Icom IC-7300, Yaesu FT-818ND, and QRP-Labs QMX transceiver, the latter of which I built from a kit.

I participate in Parks on the Air (POTA), Field Day, and Winter Field Day.  I am not a serious contester, but I enjoy the activity and the challenge when the bands are busy.

I also enjoy playing board games and tabletop role-playing games with friends and family.  Wingspan is one of my favorites thanks to its clever mechanics and beautiful artwork.  While I have played many different role-playing systems over the years, Pathfinder 2E is the one I most enjoy running and playing.  My love of tabletop gaming has led me to become the Venture Captain for Pathfinder Society organized play in New Mexico; if you are in the area and interested in playing, visit www.nmpfs.org.