Candidates About

Raynard (Ray) Huddleston

 

Senior Information Technology Professional with twenty years Technical Support, IT infrastructure, software/application support, software/application deployment, hardware upgrade/deployment experience, cloud and virtualization experience. Expertise in hardware and software configuration and support, application development, database administration and development, and systems administration.

 

Prompt and accurate solutions to computing and communications issues. Ability to independently prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment. Solid understanding of business practices with ITIL and project management methodology. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with various levels of an organization.

 

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

 

Microsoft Office Applications:         Office 2010 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access), Office 365, Office 2013

Email     Outlook, Lotus Notes, Exchange

Operating Systems:                             Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows8, Mac OS X, Linux Red Hat, Fedora, Ubuntu

Networking:                                          LAN, WAN, TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, Cisco CE

Security:                                                Microsoft Forefront (TMG), TrendMicro, ZoneAlarm, Cisco ASA

Deployment/Imaging Software:       Symantec Ghost, Microsoft SCCM, SCOM, SSCO, Microsoft Developer Toolkit, X-Image, Altiris

PBX and IP Telephony:                     Nortel, Avaya

Virus Protection Software:                 Symantec Norton Anti-Virus, McAfee Virus Shield

Remote Tools:                                     Cisco VPN AnyConnect, FTP, PC Anywhere, NetMeeting, iPass Connection Manager, Nortel VPN Client, RSA SecurID Software/Hardware Token, GoToAssist, Join.Me

Thin Client Tools:                                Citrix, VMWare, Parallels, HP Device Manager

Help Desk Software:                           IBM ManageNow, HP ServiceCenter,  HP AssetCenter, Remedy, Tivoli, Vantive,

Server OS:                                             Windows Server (2003, 2008r2, 2012)

Cloud/Virtualization:                          VCenter, XenCenter, Windows Azure, XenApp, Hyper-V

System Administration Tools:          Novell Manager, Zenworks, Active Directory, Microsoft Operations Manager, Blackberry Enterprise Server, Airwatch

Project Management Software:       Microsoft Project, Primavera P6

Hardware:                                             HP/Compaq, Dell, Toshiba, IBM/Lenovo, MacPro, iMac, MacBookPro

CMS/CRM:                                          Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Dynamics, SolarWinds, Microsoft CRM, Sugar CRM

Scripting:                                               HTML, .NET, VB, PowerShell, SQL

MDM tools:                                          Airwatch, MS Intune

 

ADDITIONAL SKILLS: 

Hardware Troubleshooting, Software Troubleshooting, Customer Service, Help Desk Support, Technical Writing, Blackberry (BES), Job Schedulers and Workload Automation, Law firm experience, data recovery, disaster recovery (business continuity), oil and gas experience, financial institution experience, IOS and Android support and management, mobile messaging systems, design, implementation, configuration, performance tuning, and security.

 

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Science,  Computer Engineering – Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX  2000

ITIL V3 Certification (in progress)

 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

 

Store Systems Engineer Manager (Endpoint)                                                                        March 2015 – March 2018

Rent-A-Center, Plano, Texas

                                                                                                                                                                 

Responsible for overseeing the team who designs, implements and maintains enterprise solutions around Endpoint devices, security compliance, backups, standardization and end user services. Manage 6 direct employees.

 

·         Manage Store Systems Engineering Endpoint team as well as coordinate and communicate group activities to managing IT Director. Mentor and coach the Store Systems Engineering team members, including conducting performance reviews and knowledge share sessions to foster strong career development. Manage team workloads and coordinate interviews for open positions.

·         Develop tactical departmental planning, oversee implementations & modifications, new policies & procedures. Collaboration with Project Managers, other IT department and Business units around new projects being requested of Store System Engineering Endpoint team or may have impact in end user device areas. Develop and review documentation, and standards around items impacting end user devices or access to meet Business, Security and Compliance requirements.

·         Participate in Information Security, Compliance and Risk Management affecting end user computing environment, including audit response and remediation. Negotiate and manage vender relations in support of Endpoint team. Also, perform capacity reviews and plans for Store Systems Engineering equipment and functions. Coordinate Endpoint team on-call schedule and responsibilities.

·         Provide strategic and operational governance to IT initiatives, application/services delivery and network & computing systems management supporting Rent-A-Center’s domestic and international stores, support/service centers and headquarters locations. Guiding, developing and maintaining an IT organizational structure focused on improving the performance, capabilities and cost effectiveness of current systems while developing the road map for the future.

·         Responsible for the design, configuration, implementation, support and documentation of store equipment. Responsible for continuously testing and evaluating the existing store infrastructure to ensure proper performance and maximum uptime. Assist in the day to day troubleshooting and support of store systems and any peripherals that might be included.

·         Support activities, projects and programs involving store systems. Support, monitor, configure, implement, and document current store hardware and configurations. Assist in the testing, evaluation, of new and emerging technologies. Troubleshoot and manage calls/tickets from the Support Desk. Help provide technical direction to the Company in the store environment. Provide project management or assistance to, for store-related initiatives.

·         Work with the Systems Security Group to create and maintain a secure infrastructure. Provide analysis of current configuration and related documentation to help maintain uptime. Assist in developing, training, and supporting staff. Maintain relationships with vendors, consultants, etc. and ensure standards and deliverables. Produce reports, etc. when necessary and support corrective action to improve environmental performance. Additional duties as assigned.

 

Sr. Infrastructure Manager                                                                                                            May 2014 – March 2015

JPMorgan Chase, Houston, Texas                                                                                                                                                                 

24x7 Eyes on glass monitoring of Critical Business Applications and Infrastructure. Monitoring and support for networks, servers, routers, switches, firewalls, mobile devices and mobile messaging related applications. Manage 15 direct employees.

 

·         Rapid identification and response to monitoring alerts. Triage alerts and perform fault domain isolation. Review of monitoring tools to ensure accuracy and keep tools evergreen. Review application dashboards and identify chronic issues and help determine root cause analysis.

·         Provide first level triage of new incidents and perform correlation of events. Assign Incident Managers to all priority 1 incidents. Be the point of contact between different Production Assurance Centers. Manage resources to ensure the most effective use of personnel.

·         Provide high level Air Traffic Control of the production environment. Airwatch support. Production Event Monitoring and  Work Load Coordination.

 

Senior Systems Analyst                                                                                                                          Jan 2014 – May 2014

Cooper/Eaton, Houston, Texas                                                                                                                                                        

 

·         Installs PC hardware and software as required. Installs, and configures PC network printing. Responsible for printer configuration and maintenance. Provides users with PC technical support. Responsible for the delivery of new PC installs.

·         Responsible for Mobile phone configuration and troubleshooting. Performs Data Center operations such as tape backup installation and environmental monitoring.

·         Manage server security patches, updates and application maintenance and support. SQL and SharePoint 2010 development and support. Coordinate with venders, workstation, and infrastructure teams.

·         Monitoring and support for networks, servers, routers, switches, firewalls, mobile devices and mobile messaging related applications.

 

NOC Manager                                                                                                                                            Oct 2013 – Jan 2014

Quasar Data Center, Houston, Texas                                                                                                                                          

 

Work with clients to troubleshoot solution operations issues for deployment of new technology to clients. Coordinate issues with managed support providers and ensure appropriate user follow-up and resolution of tickets within defined service levels. Manage 10 direct employees.

 

·         Perform diagnostic analysis and assist with the management and resolution of complex IT issues and implement corrective solutions for end users. Provide clients with system issue resolution, document and track client system issues. Keep network operating center infrastructure up and running. Assist with contact center call volume load-testing.

·         Support for physical and virtual server data center. Support cloud computing customers. Manage call center personnel. Virtual environment included Windows Server 2008r2, Windows Server 2012, SQL, SharePoint 2010, Active Directory, Exchange. Perform Data Center operations such as tape backup installation and environmental monitoring. LDAP updates.

·         Manage server security patches, updates and application maintenance and support for Microsoft Forefront (TMG). SQL and SharePoint 2010 development and support. Monitoring and support for networks, servers, routers, switches, and firewalls.

 

Operations Lead (PMO)                                                                                                     March 2013 – Oct 2013

ConocoPhillips, Houston, TX                                                                                                                                                        

 

Technical consultant to Windows 7 upgrade project manager. Refining policies and procedures for Windows 7 system deployment. Working with application packagers to ensure application readiness.

 

·         Coordinate with project scheduler to ensure users are being deployed as scheduled and training is provided. Provide status update on all upgrade activities underway, and to escalate issues to business partners for resolution. SCOM/SCOO administration.

·         PowerShell scripting. SharePoint administration. Update and manage team SharePoint site. Manage team of 8 deployment engineers and 4 build engineers.

 

IT Analyst                                                                                                                                              Dec 2011 – March 2013

Enventure Global Technology, Houston, TX                                                                                                                           

 

Defines, develops, configures and support all computer hardware (desktop, laptops, servers, printers). Defines, develops, configures and support all computer applications. Oversees implementation, support and inventory control of applications and hardware.

 

·         Evaluates system specifications for business requirements. Develops and prepares computer solutions. Works closely with management to prioritize business goals and information needs. Solid understanding of business practices with fundamental understanding of project management methodology.

·         Support all voice, video and data solutions. SQL DB administration. PowerShell scripting. Development and administration of SharePoint. Assist with PC, server, and network equipment installations and movement of existing workstations, server and network equipment as necessary.

·         Work with the communications managed service provider to maintain the data and voice networks for all locations. Troubleshoot IP Phone and network issues and ensure connectivity of all workstations and other network appliances as required. Coordinate third party vendors for on-site maintenance and/or incident visits. Research and manage IT contracts & the purchases of IT hardware, software & services as requested by the IT Director.

·         Performs individual assignments and projects as requested by the IT Director 24x7 Global IT support. Performs Data Center operations such as tape backup installation and environmental monitoring. Manage server security patches, updates and application maintenance and support for Microsoft Forefront (TMG). LDAP updates. SQL and SharePoint 2010 development and support.

·         Coordinate with venders, workstation, and infrastructure teams. Airwatch design, implementation and support. Monitoring and support for networks, servers, routers, switches, firewalls, mobile devices and mobile messaging related applications.

 

Lead Deployment Technician                                                                                                                 Jan 2011 – Dec 2011

Dell (ExxonMobil), Houston, TX                                                                                                                                                 

 

·         Enterprise desktop deployment of new computer systems from Windows XP to Windows 7 (desktops and laptops), provide hardware, software/application and network support. Supervised deployment of computer systems, docking stations and peripherals.

·         Imaged desktops for deployment. Performed logistics duties including inventory and shipping/receiving of equipment. Managed user migration lists. Supervised team of 8 deployment technicians. Approved weekly timesheets. Escalate technical issues. SCOM administration. Work with onsite support to resolve escalated issues.

 

Lead Deployment Technician                                                                                                                 Oct 2010 – Jan 2011

Dell, Houston, TX

                                                                                                                                                                

·         Enterprise desktop deployment of new computer systems from Windows NT to Windows XP and Windows XP to Windows 7 (desktops and laptops), supervised migration of user accounts and data and provided hardware, software/application and network support. Supervised deployment of computer systems. Configured SCCM for desktop software deployment.

·         Imaged desktops for deployment and reimaged systems in the field. Confirmed workstation names and user accounts in Active Directory. Performed logistics duties including inventory and shipping/receiving of equipment. Supervised team of 20 deployment technicians.

 

Business Analyst                                                                                                                                        Aug 2009 – Oct 2010

ExxonMobil, Houston, TX                                                                                                                                                            

 

·         Responsible for accurate processing of software and hardware request for internal clients according to ExxonMobil software/hardware use contractual guidelines and ensure proper licensing on a case-by-case basis. Work with multiple service lines to ensure delivery of application(s). Participated in workshops to develop a SCCM solution for successful software delivery.

·         Worked with desktop support for deployment of computer systems. Created and updated group policies, add/deleted user accounts in Active Directory and ConsoleOne. Created enterprise standard image for corporate use computer systems. Manage server security patches, updates and application maintenance and support. SQL and SharePoint 2010 development and support. Coordinate with venders, workstation, and infrastructure teams.

 

IT Manager                                                                                                                                               June 2009 – Aug 2009

Miresco Investment Services, Houston, TX                                                                                                                                   

 

·         Responsible for the management and operation of all company computer and technical systems including services and telecommunications. Designed and deployed full enterprise solution including network, server and workstation solutions. Created workstation image. Deployed workstations and servers. Implemented SCCM solution for delivery of software.

·         Created and maintained group and user account policies in Active Directory. Implemented and administered Exchange server. Perform Data Center operations such as tape backup installation and environmental monitoring. Manage server security patches, updates and application maintenance and support. SQL and SharePoint 2010 development and support.

·         Coordinate with venders, workstation, and infrastructure teams. Airwatch design, implementation and support. Monitoring and support for networks, servers, routers, switches, firewalls, mobile devices and mobile messaging related applications. Enterprise environment (1000+ users).

 

Web Application Developer/System Administrator                                                                       Oct 2008 – June 2009

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), Houston, TX                                                                            

 

·         Developed and supported HRIS (Human Resource Information Systems) web application solutions. Created and maintained user accounts for internal web application systems.

 

IT Manager                                                                                                                                           March 2008 – Oct 2008

Aphelion Legal Solutions, Houston, TX/Washington, D.C./Mumbai, India                                                                      

 

·         Responsible for the management and operation of all company computer and technical systems including services and telecommunications. Moved corporate infrastructure from warehouse location to new corporate location in the Galleria area.

·         Relocated all computer systems, servers, and PBX phone system. Installed network infrastructure including routers, switches, servers and wiring. Perform Data Center operations such as tape backup installation and environmental monitoring.

·         Manage server security patches, updates and application maintenance and support. SQL and SharePoint 2010 development and support. Airwatch design, implementation and support. Monitoring and support for networks, servers, routers, switches, firewalls, mobile devices and mobile messaging related applications.

 

Production Support Specialist                                                                                                           Oct 2004 – March 2008

ExxonMobil, Houston, TX/Lagos, Nigeria/Sakhalin, Russia                                                                                                  

 

·         Providing overall computing, communications and office support including application development and web design to ExxonMobil Production Company Production Project Group operating in US and West Africa. Support for Lotus Notes, Citrix and remote clients, global communication (cell phones), online and collaborative meetings.

 

 

Application Packaging and Deployment Technician

JPMorgan Chase, Dallas, TX                                                                                                                                                      11/2003 - 10/2004

 

Desktop Support Lead/System Administrator

Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Richardson, TX                                                                                                      4/2001 - 9/2003