Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Cybersecurity Principal Engineer

Northrop Grumman

Principal Cyber Systems Engineer

US Navy

Provides expertise in cybersecurity, information technology, command and control, communications, networks and space systems through the planning, acquisition, operation, maintenance and security of systems.

Information Professional Officer

Responsible for establishing, monitoring, and maintaining radio frequency communication systems, as well as operating and maintaining global satellite telecommunications systems. Duties include transmitting, receiving, and storing all incoming and outgoing messages, managing and coordinating information systems security across platforms and fleets, and designing, installing, and operating wide-area networks, computer systems, and associated devices. Additional responsibilities include performing network system administration, maintenance, and training, managing network security, and installing applications while troubleshooting user issues. Tasked with providing training and assistance on computer hardware and software, writing programs to collect and distribute data, ensuring proper security and handling of communications materials and equipment, and performing diagnostics, data recovery operations, and maintaining logs.

Information System Technician

Responsible for installing, testing, troubleshooting, and repairing or replacing cryptologic networks, physical security systems, electronic equipment, antennas, personal computers, auxiliary devices, digital and optical interfaces, and data systems. Additional tasks include configuring, monitoring, and evaluating Information Operations (IO), Information Warfare (IW) systems, and Information Assurance (IA) operations. Expertise in performing hardware and software isolation and repairs for state-of-the-art electronics, computer and network equipment, and related systems using complex test and analysis equipment, diagnostic software, hand tools, and technical publications. Also tasked with maintaining fleet cryptologic permanent and carry-on direct support systems essential for special land, sea surface, and subsurface operations.

Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance)

Command Destroyer Squadron 21 (CDS 21)

Manages network and telecommunication activities to achieve global operations. Coordinates with global satellite, network and telecommunications service providers to obtain Internet Protocol services and to establish Service Levels of Agreement.

Information Technology Manager

Navy Information Operations Command Hawaii (NIOC HI)

Directed Computer Network Operations (CNO) teams in the planning and execution of Offensive Cyber Operations (OCO) supporting national objectives.

Cyber Warfare Officer

USS IWO JIMA (LHD-7)

Developed system Assessment and Authorization packages consisting of 50 systems under Risk Management Framework, implemented information assurance controls, documented risks and provided recommendations to leadership. Executed mitigation plan and developed Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M).

Information Systems Director

Naval Network Warfare Command (NNWC)

Provided command and control decision-making support and shared situational awareness of four global enterprise networks.

Global Network Operations and Security Center Manager

Command Destroyer Squadron 50 (CDS 50)

Provided critical Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) support to a staff of 40 overseas.

Navy Information Operations Command Georgia (NIOC GA)

Managed a 19-person, multi-service team responsible for the installation and maintenance of telecommunications and network infrastructure in support of 3,000 personnel.

Information Technology Division Supervisor

Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) Groton and Pearl Harbor

Certified, installed and maintained communications and network equipment suites to include local/wide area networks installation, troubleshooting, operating system configurations (Linux, Unix and Windows) and associated network administration.

Fleet Electronic Support Maintenance and Installation Technician

M.S. Network Operations & Technology | Sec+, IAM I, IAT II | ITIL v3 | Navy IP Officer | Seeking Cyber, GRC and ISSM-related roles | Open to CO, CO Springs and remote roles | Active TS/SCI Clearance | Available 8/23

As a seasoned cybersecurity professional and career strategist, I bridge the gap between technical expertise and career development in the rapidly evolving security landscape. My journey spans multiple technologies, industries, and organizations, giving me unique insights into what drives success in cybersecurity roles.

Having successfully navigated my own transition from military service to civilian cybersecurity, I now dedicate myself to guiding others through their career journeys. I specialize in helping veterans leverage their military experience for cybersecurity roles, understanding that the path can seem overwhelming without proper guidance.

I take pride in demystifying cybersecurity careers through:
- Strategic career mapping and transition planning
- Certification and skill development guidance
- Resume optimization and interview preparation
- Professional networking strategies
- Personal brand development

When I'm not mentoring cybersecurity professionals, you'll find me on the golf course, pursuing fitness goals, or writing about industry trends. These diverse interests inform my holistic approach to career development – because success in cybersecurity requires both technical excellence and personal balance.

Connect with me to discuss:
- Military to civilian transition strategies
- Breaking into cybersecurity
- Career advancement in security roles
- Professional development planning
- Building resilient security teams

I regularly share insights, trends, and opportunities in cybersecurity. Let's connect and build a stronger security community together.

Josh Hicks

Michael Refuerzo, CPD, CPT

Booz Allen Hamilton

In this position, I apply expertise in DoD and DON strategic policy to allow an acquisition organization to apply cybersecurity requirements to the development and delivery of cyber-resilient systems. Apply a thorough grasp of DoD and DON cybersecurity and acquisition governance and policies to provide advice on security control implementation and available technology that may be applicable to the client's portfolio of systems. Provide executive-level support to senior government officials, including developing meeting material, representing the organization at senior-level meetings, and tracking tasker status through completion. Provide limited oversight to both government and contractor employees.

Duties and Responsibilities include;

- Define system requirements and CONOPS and refine them as needed throughout system development, and develop the system design, to include interfaces.
- Identify and support the test and integration activities required to verify and validate the system against requirements and needs.
- Identify stakeholder needs, explore concepts and technologies to meet those needs, and propose viable system solutions.
- Support the operational use of the system to ensure fit-for-purpose throughout its lifecycle until system retirement.

Maritime Cyber Engineering Advisor

This position is part of the internal Booz Allen Hamilton Military/Veteran (DEI) program. Specifically, this role is within the Armed Services Community (ASC) leadership team (LT) under the ASC Chair and supports the ASC's ten directors.

For this role, I oversee internal ASC LT operations processes focusing on program/project management, in partnership with the Senior ASC Executive and Chair.
I also oversee internal ASN LT development, focusing on continuous process improvement and change management, in partnership with the Senior ASC Executive and Chair.
 My specific responsibilities include;
- In charge of the ASC Transformation workstream within the TPMO/DevOps Committee, and reports directly to the ASC Chair. 
- Co-coordinates the ASC Senior Executives meetings 
- Coordinates the Monthly ASN LT Update Meetings
- Directs the IT committee on developing PM tools for the ASC LT
- Directs IT on PM processes tied to an IT asset, including but not limited to email distros, file storage, and access management.  
- Tracks ASC timelines and milestones 
- Tracks ASC key stakeholders, especially in collaboration with Strategic Communications and other committees (e.g., Military Appreciation, Geography Relations)
- In charge of the ASN Development workstream within the TPMO/DevOps Committee, and reports directly to the ASN Chair.
- Co-coordinates the ASN Senior Executives meetings 
- Coordinates the Monthly Advocates Strategy Mastermind
- Conducts CPI analyses, such as hosting process improvement workshops and/or surveying the ASC LT
- Develops and drives process improvement solutions in support of FY ASC goals 
- Assesses opportunities for and drives the standardization of ASC LT processes
- Supports the onboarding of ASC LT, alongside RM Directors & Senior Executives
- Consults on, reviews, and approves ASC LT director SOPs and transition plan handoffs 
- Provides CPI guidance/support to ASC LT Directors

Deputy Director of Transformation

In this position, I supported Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Code 109.33 as part of an urgent need surge support contractor. During this timeframe, I provided technical and non-technical support in deploying mobile communication devices and process improvement strategies that ultimately led to getting the Code 109.33 team out of an 800+ trouble ticket deficit within 2 months of being on board the team.

My specific responsibilities included;
-Building training products to train future telecommunication specialists on how to intake mobile communication devices to include physical security and initial set-up.
- Developing process improvement practices and procedures.
- Developing a set standard for initial customer interaction to reduce ticket wait time and standardize the code's process flow.
- Completed the intake process for over 900+ devices to include the physical labeling of all devices using standardized tracking labels and DoD-compliant labeling.
- Took over the scheduling of all telecommunications specialists to streamline efforts in seeing customers and developed a standard of practice for future scheduling managers.

Senior Telecommunications Specialist

Boots to Books

As an advisory board member I support Boots to Books leadership as needed with executive level decisions.

Advisory Board Member

As the Chief Program Officer (CPO) for Boots to Books (B2B), I am responsible for overseeing and managing the various programs and initiatives within B2B. I have a focus on ensuring that the organization's programs align with our overall mission, strategic goals, and objectives.

Some of my responsibilities include;

Strategic Planning: I work with the executive leadership team to develop and implement strategic plans for the organization's programs. This involves setting clear goals, defining metrics for success, and establishing timelines for program implementation and evaluation.

Program Development: I design and develop new programs and initiatives that align with the organization's mission and address the needs of our target beneficiaries. This involves conducting needs assessments, research, and collaborating with other departments or external partners.

Program Implementation: I oversee the execution of programs, ensuring they are delivered efficiently and effectively. I work closely with program managers and coordinators to monitor progress, resolve any issues, and make necessary adjustments to achieve program goals.

Resource Allocation: I provide insight and guidance in allocating resources (funding, personnel, and other assets) to various programs. I prioritize initiatives based on their impact and alignment with the organization's strategic objectives.

Monitoring and Evaluation: I am responsible for establishing, monitoring, and evaluating frameworks to assess the impact and effectiveness of the B2B programs. This involves measuring outcomes, gathering data, and using the results to inform program improvements and decision-making.

Collaboration and Partnerships: I help foster partnerships and collaborations with other organizations, governmental agencies, and stakeholders to enhance the reach and impact of the B2B programs.

Risk Management: I identify potential risks associated with program implementation and provide measures to mitigate them.

Chief Program Officer

As a leader and mentor, I have found a calling to help others build on their existing strengths.

My mission is to use my leadership training and translate those lessons into usable and repeatable mentoring lessons and sessions for anyone and everyone. In doing this I hope to create a culture of support within the already supportive LinkedIn community!

My goal is to provide mentorship, coaching, and individualized 1 on 1 sessions with a focus on personal growth as well as provide awareness of their own professional worth in their field. 

Since starting this goal, I have helped over 300 individuals and various military commands across the United States and overseas units. The help provided focuses on;

- LinkedIn Profile set-up
- Networking within the field they are pursuing
- Resources within the field they are pursuing
- Free resume reviews from professionals
- How to create content
- How to engage, meaningfully, with others on LinkedIn
- Mentorship
- Personal branding coaching

For the military I also include;
- Transition timelines
- Transition resources

Mentor | Personal Brand Coach

Project Manager and System/Network Administrator for 2 TS/SCI networks at Commander Submarine Development Squadron 5 Detachment Undersea Research and Development. In this position, I lead a diverse team of 7 Information Technology Specialists servicing between 100 and 200 individual users and supporting several civilian and government agencies.

One network serves as the epicenter for all operations within Undersea Research and Development while the second network serves as the administrative hub for all planning, evaluation, and briefing of all operational tasking between USS Jimmy Carter and Undersea Research and Development. When combined these networks are the backbone for all critical path work within the command.

My duties include;

● Project Manager for a team of 7 IT's.
● System Administrator with experience in Active Directory, Group Policies, Domain Controllers, Office 365, Outlook Exchange, CISCO Unified Call Manager, VMWare, Veeam, and more.
● Network Administrator with experience in CISCO Switch configuration management, server rack installation including cable management, RAID controller configuration, network topography, Core Switch management, and more.
● Information System Security Manager for 2 individual networks
● Facilities Manager for the HIRSCH Velocity System. As the System administrator and Installer for building access, I control building control accesses, key card configuration, RFID configuration/installation, Scramble Pad configuration/installation, and various component replacements.
● Data Collection, aggregation, and dissemination for several military and civilian organizations.
● Test equipment operation to include Multimeters, Ethernet Tester, Optical Loss Test Set (OLTS), Optical Splicer, and High-Resolution Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR).
● Cable manufacturing of COAX, TRIAX, ethernet CAT-5, ethernet CAT-5e, and ethernet CAT-6 cabling.

System Administrator | Network Admin | Project Manager

(Description added for informational purposes)
Information Systems Technician Submarines (ITS) perform core and specialty functions of network system administration, maintenance, security, and training.
Plan, coordinate, and manage unit-level information systems (IS) security and integration across platforms and organizational units. An ITS further evaluates technologically-related resources to protect, detect, and report on threats to the technical eco-system through information assurance and network defense programs. 
Able to critically assess and evaluate human resource policies and practices.
Incorporate strategic management processes in human resource practices, conduct mentoring and counseling sessions with personnel, perform and write employee performance evaluations, manage conflict resolution among personnel, integrate occupational compliance and safety best practices.
Utilize an automated information business system to support maintenance management, summarize usage of automated web tools to support personnel and manning decisions as the project requires, create significant improvements in organizational operational performance, employ
techniques to measure quality control.
Demonstrate an awareness and an appreciation of the importance of the operations and supply management to the sustainability of the work environment and develop basic materials requirements schedules.
Analyze the importance of facility layouts, apply decision-support tools to work environment decision-making, and utilize aggregate planning, distribution planning, and inventory management.
Skills include;
● A+ And It Essentials
● Applied Networking
● Communications
● Database Administration
● Network Administration
● Server Administration
● Supervision
● Applied Leadership
● Human Resource Management
● Operations Management

Information Systems Technician Submarines

As the Learning and Development manager for 5 unique courses, I worked directly with the Department of the Navy Learning Standards Officers to improve and streamline course curriculum for advanced maintenance and troubleshooting courses.

During my tenure, I lead an effort that changed a course's graduation rate from 0 graduation rate for 2016 and 2017 to 23 graduates in 2018 and 21 graduates in 2019 for 1 course. This was completed with zero overhead cost added.

Additionally, as a Master Training Specialist Mentor I developed the groundwork for an improved mentorship program within the department which yielded 3 additional Master Training Specialists. This is an increase of 120% for the department in the first year it was implemented.

As an instructor for TRIDENT Training Facility Bangor I provided 2,948 hours of classroom and team trainer-based instruction for ~240-300 students between 2017 and 2020.
During my tenure I was awarded the Senior Instructor of the Year for 2020 and obtained my certification as a Master Training Specialist and Master Training Specialist Mentor.

Courses of instruction I taught;
● Common Submarine Radioroom Maintenance Technician Instructor
● Navy Multiband Terminal Maintenance Technician Instructor
● AN/BRR-6/6B Operator and Maintenance Instructor
● Common Submarine Radioroom Maintenance Instructor
● EW-1 Submarine Electronic Warfare Radio Frequency Signal Analysis
● EW-2 Submarine Electronic Warfare Advanced Systems Operations
● EW-3 Submarine Electronic Warfare Search Planning Training Course
● Common Submarine Radioroom Team Trainer Instructor
● Submarine Electronic Warfare Training Simulator Team Trainer Instructor
● Submarine Bridge Trainer Team Trainer Instructor

Learning and Development Manager | Instructor

(Description added for informational purposes)
Operates and maintains electronic equipment used for detection, tracking, recognition and identification, communications, communication security, and Electronic Warfare (EW).
Operates and maintains General Purpose Test Equipment (GPTE), personal computers, and auxiliary equipment.
Operates, monitors, and controls Information Systems (IS) in support of the worldwide telecommunications network.
Performs assigned mission organizational level maintenance and repair of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) Systems.
Inventories local area networks (LAN) hardware, safeguards classified materials, executes disaster recovery and emergency action plans.
Operates ultra-high frequency (UHF), very high frequency (VHF) and very low frequency (VLF) systems.
Demonstrates cultural awareness, schedules resources, employees operations, and coordinates projects.
Maintains information systems records, installs computer and network components.
Troubleshoots UHF, VHF, and VLF systems, configures network security tools, and configures workstation software. 
Manages and supervises electronic Key Management Systems (EKMS) accounts, develops information system policies, identifies career paths, monitors employee, financial, social and insurance matters, prioritizes resource planning and scheduling.
Establishes motivation and morale methods, produces training presentations, manages conflict resolution, problem solving and decision-making, executes interpersonal communication skills, analyzes and establishes record.
Reviews, recommends, and monitors divisional programs (quality assurance, training, safety, etc.).
Provides guidance on job performance, identifies and mediates inter-departmental differences.
Assists, reviews, recommends, and monitors the implementation of policy statements, operation orders, and directives.

Electronics Technician (Communications)

As the Project Lead Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Electronics Technician Radioman (ETR) Advancement Exam Readiness Review (AERR) team, I collaborated with 2 other ETR SME'S and 3 Information Systems Technician (ITS) SME'S to develop the newly formed ITS(RM) rating examination for the U.S. Navy.

The focus of my team was to revise a decade-old exam bank for the submarine fleet. During the 2 week project, we reviewed over 300 instructions and over 4,000 exam questions to verify their relevance and need. Our final product reduced waste and inefficiency by reducing the instructions list to less than 100 publications, removing 3,000 outdated questions, and building 1,500 exam questions for a final exam bank of just over 2,500 relevant questions.

Experience includes;
- Designated as the Project Lead SME for the ETR rating on the ITS(RM) AERR board.
- Reviewed 320 individual source references for the ETR and ITS rates reducing the outdated list to 98 relevant references.
- Conducted a review of the 4,300 exam bank questions in use for the ETR and ITS rates. This review included the review for relevancy, updating, re-cataloging, and deleting of the original questions in use.
- Developed the newly formed ITS(RM) rating reference list (Bibliography List)
- Led a Job, Duty, and Task Analysis (JDTA) board to determine appropriate work assignments for the newly formed ITS(RM) rate.
- Built the first ever ITS(RM) E-7 exam to be used in 2020 and 2021.
- Built the first ever ITS(RM) E-6 exam to be used in Cycle 1 2020, Cycle 2 2020, and Cycle 1 2021

Project Lead | Advanvement Exam Readiness Review (ITS-RM)

As the Project Manager for 14 SSBN (Ballistic Missle Submarnie), 4 SSGN (Guided Missile Submarine), and ~6-7 SSN (Fast Attack Submarine) crews in the Pacific Northwest AOR, I coordinated all training and certification schedules for ~3,800 Sailors annually.
During my tenure I produced 330 individual schedules increasing the nominal trainer usage from ~70% in 2017 to ~90% in 2019.
I increased training days from ~18 hours per instructor in 2017 to ~26-28 hours in 2019. (An increase of 1 extra day of instruction per instructor, per year.)

Specific responsibilities and deliverables include;

● Managing the distribution of 71 Trainers to 24 submarine crews operating in the PACNORWEST AOR. This was accomplished by using a Navy web-based application, Gannt charts, and Microsoft PowerPoint.
● Daily discussions with stakeholders and consumers for scheduling and ways to mitigate lost training opportunities.
● Weekly updates to sponsors and stake holders to show additional training opportunities available.
● Weekly briefings for stakeholders showing progress either ahead, on track, or behind in the execution of their plan.
● Monthly briefings to sponsor for school house utilization to ensure funding and resources were allocated correctly for the Quarter and Fiscal year.
● Planned future training projects for Pacific Fleet deployers with 3 to 6 months lead time to ensure proper allocation of resources for future needs/desires.
● Developed standardized lines of communication between all stakeholders and a standardized schedule and timeline methodology for training plan generation and distribution.
● Led a Project that revamped the training requirements for Pacific Fleet Submarines. This project leveraged unused training resources to provide an additional average of 10-18% training opportunities with zero additional cost per Fiscal Year.
● Project Lead for trainer utilization and manning health for the Bangor, WA Learning Site. (See attached)

Operations Manager | Fleet Scheduling Officer

As the Public Affairs Officer for TRIDENT Training Facility Bangor, WA I served as the face and primary point of contact for all tours and VIP visits for the command.
During my tenure, I arranged 459 individual tours for organizations ranging from National, State, and Local government officials to local school district tours.

Tasks included;
● Verification of each tour's security permissions.
● Developed tour routes.
● Organized tour groups that would vary between 20 to 40 people.
● Assigned tour guides and developed individualized routes for each guide.
● Conducted training for 18 tour guides ensuring each guide knew the correct timing, route, and talking points for each tour.
● Prepared and conducted weekly briefs to senior leadership using Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
● Built and briefed monthly tour reports to our primary office.

Notable tour groups included;
● Seattle business leaders (This group included the CEO of Microsoft)
● Vice Chief of Naval Operations
● Presidents Science Advisory Committee
● Several governors from various states across the continental United States
● Bungie (Game development company)
● United States Submarine Veterans Organization
● SAFE Boats International President and CEO
● Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (Various)
● Local area Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of American chapters
● Local area JROTC units from surrounding school districts

Public Affairs Officer

(Description added for informational purposes)
The electronics technician is an operator that performs electrical/electronic maintenance on equipment installed in submarines, including radio equipment, navigational equipment, air detection and tracking equipment, and ESM equipment.
Performs maintenance on electronic equipment for submarines, electronic air detection and tracking equipment, electronic recognition and identification equipment, aids to navigation, and electronic equipment and components used for communications, cryptography, and navigation
Possesses a general working knowledge of electricity and electronics. Reads and interprets schematics and block diagrams, uses test equipment and hand tools, repairs electrical/electronic cables and connectors, localizes malfunctions and repairs or replaces faulty parts or subassemblies.
Operates, aligns, adjusts, calibrates, and performs preventive maintenance on equipment, inventories tools and portable test equipment, and completes maintenance data forms. 
Diagnoses, isolates, aligns, adjusts, and calibrates electronic subsystems; monitors maintenance quality control; maintains inventory of parts; reviews completed maintenance data forms; trains subordinates in the operation of tests on systems and subsystems. 
Maintains radar transmitting equipment, radar receiving equipment, radar identification equipment, communications equipment, and air navigation equipment.
Localizes malfunctions to systems, subsystems, circuits, and parts for the following;
● Communications Equipment Maintenance
● Digital Circuits Electric Circuits (AC/DC)
● Electric Laboratory/Test Equipment
● Electronic Circuits
● Microcomputer Applications Software
● Microprocessors/LAN
● Navigation Equipment
● Personnel Supervision
● Radar Technical Mathematics

Electronics Technician (Submarines)

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

I am part of the AWS Intelligence team focusing on operational excellence and troubleshooting complex system operations while using Linux solutions and general knowledge of cloud resources.

I will be working on a defined project, breaking down work to help define milestones while providing feedback mechanisms for my customer. I will also help identify when implementations are not highly available or have defects using investigative systemic patterns to resolve, mitigate, or escalate operational concerns.

Specific technologies used include;
Linux/Unix (Ubuntu, CentOS, RedHat, Solaris, etc.)
Networking protocols (TCP/IP, DNS)
Troubleshooting / Support for technical IT issues
AWS Cloud Platform

Body of work completed;
- Completed the build and launch of AWS CloudFormation for use within the ADC.
- Closed 48 tickets which ranged from provisioning additional AWS resources for accounts, deep diving linux logs to correct alarming metrics, and general KTLO (Keep the lights on) issues.
- As the first Amazon SkillBridge participant to complete a clearance crossover, I worked with the Amazon Global Military Affairs and ADC Region Services teams to develop a standardized path for services members, of all branches of service, to participate in an Amazon SkillBridge for positions that require a clearance. This newly developed path will open hundreds of Amazon cleared positions, across the U.S., allowing more Service members the opportunity to participate in a SkillBridge with Amazon.

Amazon Dedicated Cloud Engineer | Hiring Our Heroes 23-2 Fellow

RaicesCyberOrg

As the Deputy Director of International Chapter Operations, I am responsible for the day-to-day Operational Management of all RaicesCyberOrg Chapters. I oversee the day-to-day operations to ensure efficiency, productivity, and growth. I manage and optimize the various processes, systems, and resources for RaicesCyberOrg which is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization.

My specific duties as the operations manager include:

- Developing and implementing operational policies and procedures to improve efficiency and productivity.
- Monitoring and analyzing operational metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement solutions.
- Managing the allocation of resources, such as staffing, equipment, and materials, to ensure they are used effectively and efficiently.
- Developing and maintaining relationships with vendors and other external partners.
- Collaborating with state and international chapter directors to achieve organizational goals.
- Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.
- Managing and training staff to ensure they have the skills and knowledge needed to perform their roles effectively.
- Identifying and mitigating operational risks and implementing contingency plans.

Deputy Director of International Chapter Operations

As the Chapter Director for the Seattle|Tacoma|Bremerton, WA area I am directly responsible for growing the RaicesCyberOrg presence in the Pacific NorthWest area.

I have a dedicated team of professionals who promote inclusivity in the workforce.

Our Mission is to Encourage and Support the Hispanic and Latino Cyber and Technology Community to Achieve Greater Representation in the World. We are doing that with our four main pillars. Continued Support and Encouragement to and from the Community, Education for all career levels, Access to valuable resources, Constructive Networking, and the forming of STRONG bonds (“Roots”).

“The Stronger the Roots the Stronger the Tree”

This is the Mantra behind Raíces. Since WA is known as the "Evergreen State" I cannot think of a better state to grow this organization. My goal will be to take the already strong roots found in WA and help these roots grow deeper, stronger, and taller.

For more information about RaicesCyberOrg please visit https://www.raicescyber.org/ to help contribute to this amazing initiative and organization.

Chapter Director (WA State)

TCM Security

I am the Lead Project Manager and Curriculum Developer working on delivering a Job Task Analysis  (JTA) for the Practical Network Penetration Tester (PNPT) certification.

TCM Security requires a JTA study to be conducted for their PNPT certification. As a certified Project Project Director and Certified Post-Secondary Instructor, I was able to build a fully developed JTA, JDTA (Job, Duty, and Task Analysis), and DACUM (Development and Curriculum) for their certification for use by various schools and agencies.

For this contract, I am responsible for the entire life cycle of the project as well as several deliverables including a Job Task Analysis (JTA), Job, Duty, and Task Analysis (JDTA), JTA Workbook, Survey, and Subject Matter Expert panel.

Notable achievements;
- Approved project budget of $12,120.00 with a final cost amount of $6,396.00. (47% reduction in cost)
- Approved project length of 70 days with a final project length of 66 days. (8% reduction in time)
- An out-of-scope deliverable was added post-project plan approval and still achieving an early project closeout and maintaining under budget.

Tools used for this project include;
- Project Libre
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Canva
- Typeform (Online survey site)

Lead Project Manager | Curriculum Developer

TechSkills Institute

As a contract instructor, I provide LinkedIn profile set-up and digital networking strategies for students transitioning into the field of Information Technology.

I also provide training on System Administration and Network Administration at a beginner level to provide insight on the "Why" the basics are important in the day-to-day of an IT professional.

My duties specifically include;
- Instructing students on their LinkedIn profiles to include;
     - Digital presentation
     - Profile set-up
     - Keyword search optimization
     - Highlighting experiences
     - Showcasing skills
     - Using projects to define hard and soft skills
- Building course curriculum to support training objectives
- Developing student resource handouts

Instructor | Learning and Development Manager

I am an IT Professional with 10+ years of experience as a system and network administrator, a Program/Project Manager with 12+ years of experience in small and large-scale projects and programs, and a Leader/Mentor with 14+ years of experience growing teams to serve customers and organizations.

One of the sayings I give my team, and a saying I live by, is "YOU dictate your level of involvement.". This quote has pushed my team and me to forever strive to not be restricted in our ability to act and to strive for more involvement for the organizations and customers we represent.

My approach to being a successful leader and mentor is driven by my morals and ethics of knowing that every person is equal. This has served me well as I have grown several teams and have left an indelible impression on the organization and the customers/stakeholders we have served.

Chief Program Officer - As the CPO for a non-profit, I am responsible for overseeing and managing the various programs and initiatives within B2B. I have a focus on ensuring that the organization's programs align with our overall mission, strategic goals, and objectives.

IT Professional – I have 8 years of experience as an administrator for 2 TS/SCI networks. These networks serve as the vital link for 300 customers in a more extensive program. My expertise ranges from IT Help Desk support through Sr. System Administrator and Sr. Network Administrator functions and responsibilities.

System Administrator – As a System Administrator, I have built and managed multiple networks within the Department of the Navy. My experience spans Active Directory, Microsoft Office 365, Group Policy Creation and Modifications, and beyond.

Network Administrator – As a Network Administrator I have installed and managed multiple networks within the Department of Navy. My experience includes server rack installation, cable management, switch configuration, server management, RAID management, and beyond.

Project Manager – As a Certified Project Director with 12 years of experience I have led 5 different teams covering 3 programs and 8 projects. These programs and projects have included joint operations with multi-national partners, a network installation and configuration project, and supporting an ever-growing Learning and Development framework.

Certifications held;
Security+ (Sec+)
Certified Project Trainer (CPT)
Certified Project Director (CPD)
Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt (LSSYB)

In this position I apply expertise in DoD and DON strategic policy to allow an acquisition organization to apply cybersecurity requirements to the development and delivery of cyber resilient systems. Apply a thorough grasp of DoD and DON cybersecurity and acquisition governance and policies to provide advice on security control implementation and available technology that may be applicable to the client's portfolio of systems. Provide executive-level support to senior government officials, including developing meeting material, representing the organization at senior level meetings, and tracking tasker status through completion. Provide limited oversight to both government and contractor employees.

Duties and Responsibilities include;

- Define system requirements and CONOPS and refine them as needed throughout system development, and develop the system design, to include interfaces..
- Identify and support the test and integration activities required to verify and validate the system against requirements and needs.
- Identify stakeholder needs, explore concepts and technologies to meet those needs, and propose viable system solutions.
- Support the operational use of the system to ensure fit-for-purpose throughout its lifecycle until system retirement.

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The Battle

Josh Hicks

Michael Refuerzo, CPD, CPI

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