Steven Howard

---

SUMMARY

---

Dedicated IT professional with 7 years of experience in system administration, automation, and networking. With a deep understanding of IT infrastructure, a passion for optimizing processes through code, and a ravenous appetite for knowledge, I am a prime candidate for a Cloud or DevOps Engineer role.

CERTIFICATIONS

---

• AWS Solutions Architect Associate
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• HashiCorp Terraform Associate
• CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Project+

PROJECTS

---

Developed a portfolio website hosted on AWS S3, featuring a version of this resume coded in HTML/CSS. Implemented a visitor counter that uses JavaScript to call a REST API via AWS API Gateway, triggering a Lambda function coded in Python using the boto3 library. The counter utilizes DynamoDB for data persistence. Enhanced site security with TLS encryption, leveraging Route53, Amazon Certificate Manager, and CloudFront services. Transitioned the entire infrastructure to Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform. Automated deployment through a CI/CD pipeline via GitHub Actions, incorporating Cypress for end-to-end testing.

EXPERIENCE

---

• Application Deployment & Automation – Led a comprehensive revamp of application deployment and patch management across 50 clinical sites, affecting over 3,000 endpoints. Utilized PDQ to automate the overnight updates for mission-critical Electronic Health Record (EHR) software, eliminating the need for manual intervention and saving the organization 20 hours of overtime monthly, equivalent to $14,400 in cost savings each year.
• Cloud & Collaboration Services – Served as the go-to Subject Matter Expert for Microsoft 365 services utilized by 1500+ users. Oversaw Azure Active Directory administration and lifecycle management of all Microsoft 365 applications. Orchestrated a seamless migration from on-premises Microsoft Exchange to Exchange Online with zero data loss. Crafted the organization's Intranet and Business Intelligence dashboard in SharePoint. Implemented security policies through Purview/Defender, including Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Conditional Access.
• Network Reliability & Automation – Developed custom Python scripts to automate the configuration and auditing of network switches, increasing security by identifying and mitigating unauthenticated switchports. Acted as the first-line responder for network outages and VPN connectivity. Spearheaded the configuration and deployment of Cisco hardware, upgrading end-of-life equipment and enabling the successful launch of 10+ new clinical sites. Diligently maintained up-to-date network diagrams and documentation.
• AWS Administration – Managed and secured Linux EC2 instances for the organization's public websites, implementing an automated solution to resolve availability issues by restarting instances upon health check failures. Upheld the principle of least privilege while granting third-party developers secure access to accounts.
• Virtual Infrastructure & System Administration – Oversaw the daily administration and optimization of 100+ Windows servers (2012, 2016, 2019) in VMware's vCenter. Orchestrated the migration of mission-critical services, while routinely managing DHCP scopes, DNS configurations, and GPOs.

• Enterprise Security – Spearheaded security enhancements across 25 servers and 150 workstations, achieving a 95% reduction in vulnerability score as reported by Rapid7's InsightVM. Utilized WSUS and PowerShell scripting for targeted vulnerability remediation and implemented port-security on network switches. These strategic initiatives led to superior performance in federal audits, including FFIEC, PCI, GLBA, SOX, and BSA compliance.
• Technical Documentation – Developed and curated a team knowledge base in Confluence, contributing over 50 articles on topics ranging from network infrastructure and application error resolution to end-user training guides, thereby enhancing team efficiency and problem-solving capabilities.

• Network Implementation & Configuration – Engineered and fully deployed over 20 networks across various scales, from SOHO to Enterprise-grade with up to 500 endpoints. Oversaw the complete lifecycle from initial proposal to implementation, configuring switches, routers, and firewalls to meet customized requirements.
• End-User Support – Provided both in-field and remote support for hardware, software, and network issues to medium-sized businesses and local governments. Consistently earned an average customer survey score of 9.75/10 for service excellence, while resolving over 200 tickets monthly.

• Custom Website Development & Client Relations – Developed, designed, and deployed websites using WordPress for clientele in the real estate and retail sectors. Managed end-to-end web solutions, from domain configuration and hosting to email migration. Actively maintained websites by updating CMS, plugins, and providing on-call support, ensuring optimal performance and user experience.
• Project Example - Created a fully responsive real estate website with MLS (multiple listing service) integration (http://landrealty.biz), which led to a 1000% increase in online inquiries for the client.

EDUCATION

---