John Kucsera

Address: *** ****** ****** ****, ***** City, PA. 16127

Phone: 918-***-****

Email: ad4iub@r.postjobfree.com

**Title:** Senior System Information Architect (SSIA)

**Professional Summary:**

With over 45 years of experience in the IT industry, specializing in mainframe systems and global network security management, I bring a wealth of expertise to the role of Senior System Information Architect. In my recent position at Kyndryl (formerly affiliated with American Express), I was entrusted with key responsibilities, including securing daily operations, ensuring functional disaster recovery, and maintaining continuous 24x7 operations of systems and cloud infrastructure.

I possess extensive experience in designing, implementing, and managing security solutions across diverse environments, including cloud servers and networks. My proficiency extends to mainframe security, particularly in Multi-LPAR RACF environments, with hands-on experience in RRSF, zSecure, RACF/DB2, and CICS.

I bring over 45 years of experience to the table. In my recent role as a Senior Systems Information Architect at Kyndryl (IBM), formerly affiliated with American Express, I was entrusted with the critical responsibilities of securing daily operations, data and access controls, as well as ensuring functional disaster recovery and continuous 24x7 operations of its systems (& cloud).

Throughout my career, I have been instrumental in navigating complex environments, seamlessly integrating diverse cloud platforms, including AWS, Azure, Google, and Windows servers. I have led numerous projects involving the migration of applications to and from these platforms, ensuring 100% backup, reliability, and swift problem correction to maintain uninterrupted operations.

**Key Highlights:**

- ** Global Systems Integration:** Orchestrated seamless integration of worldwide systems, ensuring optimal functionality across diverse cloud ecosystems while upholding stringent security and compliance standards.

- ** Finance Modernization Initiatives:** Spearheaded finance modernization projects, leveraging deep understanding of IT infrastructure and financial processes to drive innovation and efficiency.

- ** Leadership in Infosec Collaboration:** Demonstrated strong leadership abilities by effectively liaising with Infosec specialists and cross-functional teams, fostering productive collaborations, and ensuring adherence to security protocols.

- ** Cloud Security Expertise:** Implemented robust security measures for cloud servers and networks, ensuring data integrity, confidentiality, and availability in accordance with industry best practices and compliance standards.

- ** Continuous Operations & Disaster Recovery:** Successfully managed continuous 24x7 operations, including disaster recovery planning, site swaps, and ensuring business continuity in the event of disruptions or emergencies.

**Key Skills:**

- Information Security Engineering

- Incident Response

- Security Consulting

- Mainframe Security (RACF)

- z/OS Environment

- RRSF and zSecure

- Cloud Security

- Security Risk Assessment

- Security Tools: JCL, TSO, CARLa

- Vulnerability Assessment

- Risk Management

In addition to my technical acumen, I possess strong communication skills and a commitment to continuous learning. My proficiency extends to Azure/AWS cloud solutions and DevOps practices, further enhancing my ability to contribute effectively to finance modernization projects and other initiatives within your esteemed organization.

I am confident that my extensive experience, diverse skill set, and proven track record make me a strong fit for the Senior System Information Architect position - I am eager to bring my expertise to your team and contribute to the success of your projects.

I am keen on further discussing how my qualifications align with your organization's objectives in more detail.

My more detailed CV follows.

John Kucsera

Address: 292 Center Church Road, Grove City, PA 16127

Phone: 918-***-****

Email: ad4iub@r.postjobfree.com

Summary - Associate Director/ Security Engineer

In my role as an Associate Director, a position commonly found in organizational structures within business and academic settings, I held a mid-level management position overseeing critical aspects of a department and a team supporting mainframe (z/OS, z/VM, and z/TPF), Cloud, and Worldwide Network (WAN) operations for AMEX's Credit Card services, ensuring 24x7 continuous operation. My responsibilities were versatile and tailored to the needs of different entities. Key areas of focus included:

The Disaster Recovery Sr. Engineer Specialist: Responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining robust disaster recovery strategies for Mainframe, Cloud, and Network systems. This role involves planning and executing procedures to ensure business continuity in the event of disruptions, disasters, or emergencies, which includes completing successful independent third-party audits.

-Develop comprehensive disaster recovery plans for Mainframe, Cloud, and Network systems. Collaborate with relevant teams to identify critical applications and data, and prioritize recovery efforts.

-Implement disaster recovery procedures and conduct regular testing to validate the effectiveness of recovery plans. Collaborate with IT teams to ensure that all necessary components are covered in the recovery process.

-Maintain detailed documentation of disaster recovery plans, procedures, and testing results. Update documentation to reflect changes in system architecture or business processes.

-Coordinate with key stakeholders to ensure a clear understanding of disaster recovery roles and responsibilities. Communicate effectively with internal teams and external vendors during recovery efforts.

-Participate in incident response activities, providing expertise in disaster recovery procedures. Contribute to timely resolution and recovery efforts during actual incidents.

-Conduct training sessions for relevant staff to ensure awareness and understanding of disaster recovery procedures. Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance overall disaster recovery capabilities.

-Collaborate with auditors to ensure that disaster recovery plans comply with industry standards and regulations, and complete pre-planned DRs as scheduled.

Systems Performance Analyst: Responsible for monitoring, measuring, reviewing, tuning, and adjusting Mainframe, Cloud, and Network systems to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.

-I’m required to have a deep understanding of system architecture, performance metrics, and the ability to implement adjustments to enhance overall system functionality. If documentation is missing, develop the necessary documents.

-Collaborate with System Administrators, Network Engineers, and Cloud Architects to implement performance-related improvements.

-Participate in cross-functional teams to address performance challenges, conducting resource measurements, analysis, and implementing corrective actions.

-After careful review and obtaining necessary permissions, actively tune mainframe (zOS, zVM, or zTPF), cloud, and network systems to ensure optimal performance by reducing latency. Plan, get approval, and installed performance enhancements, followed by comprehensive post-reviews to assess the impact and effectiveness of the optimizations.

Systems Operations Engineer Specialist: Play a crucial role in monitoring, maintaining, and optimizing Mainframe, Cloud, and Network systems to ensure their seamless operation. This position involves a comprehensive understanding of each system type, as well as the ability to implement and oversee day-to-day operational procedures.

-Monitor the performance and health of Mainframe, Cloud, and Network systems using appropriate tools and technologies. Respond promptly to alerts and incidents, taking corrective actions to maintain system availability.

-Conduct routine maintenance activities to ensure the reliability and efficiency of Mainframe, Cloud, and Network systems. Optimize system configurations, parameters, and settings for improved performance.

-Investigate and troubleshoot incidents related to system functionality. Collaborate with relevant teams to diagnose and resolve issues promptly. Maintain detailed documentation of operational procedures, configurations, and incident resolutions.

-Coordinate with other IT teams, including System Administrators, Network Engineers, and Cloud Architects, to address system-related challenges. Participate in cross-functional teams to ensure effective collaboration.

-Implement and maintain security measures for Mainframe, Cloud, and Network systems. Assist in the implementation and verification of automation processes to streamline routine operations.

-Verify and install automation tools to support hardware operations and other functions. Follow and verify proper change control procedures, ensuring required documentation is complete.

-Coordinate with relevant teams to implement changes while minimizing disruptions.

Site Swap Sr. Engineer Specialist: Responsible for leading and coordinating seamless site swap procedures, including storage swapping and network switching activities. This role involves meticulous planning, execution, and verification to ensure minimal downtime and uninterrupted operations during site transitions.

-Develop (or assist) comprehensive plans for site swap procedures, considering storage swapping and network switching requirements. Collaborate with relevant teams to identify critical components and prioritize tasks for a smooth transition.

-Lead and execute site swap procedures, ensuring adherence to established plans and timelines. Verify the successful completion of storage swapping and network switching activities.

-Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including System Administrators, Network Engineers, and Storage Specialists, to facilitate site swap procedures. Communicate effectively with stakeholders to provide updates and address any challenges.

-Participate in incident response activities during site swap procedures, addressing issues promptly to minimize disruptions. Collaborate with relevant teams to troubleshoot and resolve any unexpected challenges.

-Maintain detailed documentation of site swap procedures, configurations, and verification results. Update documentation to reflect changes in system architecture or processes.

-Oversee network switching activities, ensuring the seamless transition of network components between sites. Collaborate with Network Engineers to verify and optimize network configurations.

-Lead storage swapping procedures, including the migration of data between storage systems. Collaborate with Storage Specialists to ensure data integrity and optimal performance.

-Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency and reliability of site swap procedures. Stay informed about industry best practices related to site swaps, storage swapping, and network switching.

Change Control and Security Sr. Engineer Specialist Played a pivotal role in managing system change control procedures and ensuring the security of systems across sites, networks, cloud, Windows / Linux and mainframe environments.

-Change Control Planning - Developed and oversaw comprehensive change control plans for system modifications across sites, networks, cloud, users and mainframe environments, integrating Linux and windows systems into the planning process. Collaborated with relevant teams, prioritizing and scheduling changes to align with business objectives and minimize disruptions. Utilize REXX scripting for automation, optimizing the change control process and ensuring seamless transitions across different platforms.

-Execute Change Control Procedures - Led and executed change control procedures, ensuring strict adherence to established plans and minimizing disruptions to operations. Implement zSecure solutions to enhance security controls during change implementations, contributing to the overall resilience of the systems. Then verify the successful completion of changes and conducted thorough post-implementation reviews to refine processes continuously.

-Security Measures Implementation - Implement and maintain robust security measures for systems across sites, networks, cloud, and mainframes, utilizing IDAM principles to control access and permissions effectively.

-Collaborated with security teams to address vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with security standards, incorporating zSecure features for enhanced security on mainframes.

-Cross-Functional Collaboration - Worked closely with cross-functional teams, including System Administrators, Network Engineers, Cloud Architects, and Security Specialists, to facilitate seamless change control procedures. Effectively communicated with stakeholders to provide updates and address any security concerns, incorporating IDAM principles to ensure secure access across various environments.

-Documentation and Incident Response - Maintained detailed documentation of change control procedures, configurations, and security measures, updating documentation to reflect changes in system architecture or security protocols. Participated in incident response activities related to changes, promptly addressing security incidents and collaborating with relevant teams to investigate and resolve issues. Utilize zSecure logs for incident response activities related to changes, addressing security incidents promptly to minimize risks.

-Continuous Improvement Initiatives - Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency and reliability of change control and security procedures, staying informed about industry best practices related to system changes and security measures, including Linux & Windows environments.

Site Security Sr. Engineer I was responsible for managing and ensuring secure access across sites, systems, networks, users and data, as well as overseeing job security clearances and collaborating with auditors.

-Access Controls Implementation and Management - Implement and maintain access controls for physical site entry, ensuring that only authorized personnel have appropriate access to facilities, incorporating both Linux and Windows environments. Administrate user accounts, permissions, and authentication mechanisms for diverse systems, including networks, cloud, mainframes, Linux, and Windows, and following IDAM principles for effective access management.

-Collaboration with Facility Management - Collaborate with facility management to enhance site security measures, ensuring a comprehensive approach to physical and digital security. Oversaw access controls for systems across all various environments, including networks, cloud, mainframes, Linux, and Windows.

-Data Security and Compliance - Managed access to sensitive data, ensuring appropriate levels of authorization and encryption for both Linux and Windows environments. Collaborate with data owners to enforce data security policies, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.

-Job Security Clearances and Audits - Coordinated and managed job security clearances for personnel, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements for both Linux and Windows environments. Worked closely with HR and relevant authorities to process and validate security clearances, collaborating with auditors to conduct regular security audits across sites, systems, users and data.

-Incident Response and Continuous Improvement - Participated in incident response activities related to unauthorized access or security breaches, promptly investigating and addressing incidents for Linux and Windows systems. Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance access controls and security measures, ensuring alignment with industry best practices for Linux and Windows environments and leveraging zSecure / RACF or other security features.

-Documentation and Compliance - Provided documentation and evidence to demonstrate compliance with security standards, maintaining thorough records of security measures and access controls.

-Industry Best Practices - Stayed informed about industry best practices related to security access management, continuously testing and verifying security measures for both Linux and Windows environments.

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DevOps and Mainframe Automation Sr. Engineer: Responsible for integrating DevOps practices and implementing automation solutions for Mainframe systems. This role involves collaborating with development and operations teams to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and optimize Mainframe operations through automation.

-DevOps Integration: Collaborate with development and operations teams to integrate DevOps practices into Mainframe/Cloud operations. Implement continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipelines for Mainframe applications.

-Automation Implementation: Design and implement automation solutions for Mainframe processes, including deployment, configuration, and testing. Identify opportunities for process automation to enhance overall operational efficiency.

-Scripting and Coding: Develop scripts and code for automating routine tasks and processes on Mainframe systems. Leverage automation tools to streamline repetitive operations and reduce manual intervention.

-Version Control: Implement version control systems for Mainframe code repositories to facilitate collaboration and change tracking. Ensure consistency and reliability in versioning practices.

-Monitoring and Alerting: Set up automated monitoring and alerting systems for Mainframe applications and infrastructure. Add proactive measures to address issues before they impact operations.

-Collaborate with Mainframe system administrators and architects to ensure seamless integration of automation solutions. Provide support and training on automation tools and practices.

-Maintain detailed documentation of automation procedures, scripts, and configurations. Create documentation to facilitate knowledge sharing and on-boarding of team members. Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the effectiveness of automation solutions. Stay informed about emerging technologies and best practices in DevOps and Mainframe automation.

-Show experience as a DevOps Engineer with a focus on Mainframe automation. Demonstrate proficiency in scripting languages such as JCL, REXX, or others used in Mainframe environments. Become experience with automation tools and frameworks relevant to Mainframe systems. Show knowledge of Mainframe development, deployment, and operations processes and detailed documentation.

-Responsible for overseeing projects, initiatives, or programs to ensure their effective and efficient execution, including lead/assistance in cross-functional teams, managing timelines, budgets, and resources, and ensuring successful project delivery within specified constraints.

Sr. Systems Administrator for Windows and Linux - Leveraged 15+ years of Linux expertise, with a focus on SUSE Linux, Red Hat Linux, and IBM z/Linux, exceeding the required 10+ years specified in the job description. Collaborate and conducted capacity planning, optimization, and scaling of high-traffic servers, ensuring seamless operations and optimal performance.

-Demonstrated proficiency in handling diverse tasks within a dynamic environment, emphasizing multitasking abilities to meet tight deadlines and maintain efficiency.

-Excelled in creating and maintaining comprehensive project plans and documentation, contributing to streamlined workflows and efficient project execution.

-Function as a system architect role, providing strategic insights and technical leadership to ensure the successful implementation and maintenance of complex systems.

-Exhibit strong communication and documentation skills, fostering clear and concise information exchange within the team and across departments, Adhere to a flexible schedule, including after-hours on-call responsibilities and weekend work, to address critical system issues and ensure continuous operational stability.

-Apply learned knowledge of network protocols, including DNS, FTP, HTTP, SMB, and NFS, contributing to the robustness and security of network operations. Possess expertise in a large mainframe environment running on z/OS 2.1 sysplex, showcasing versatility in managing complex infrastructures.

Sr. Project Management Specialist – be responsible for overseeing projects, initiatives, or programs to ensure their effective and efficient execution, including lead/assistance in cross-functional teams, managing timelines, budgets, and resources, and ensuring successful project delivery within specified constraints.

-Project Planning and Stakeholder Collaboration - Develop comprehensive project plans outlining scope, objectives, timelines, and resource requirements, considering both Linux and Windows environments. Collaborate with stakeholders to define project goals and deliverables across diverse platforms.

-Team Leadership and Collaboration - Led cross-functional project teams, providing guidance and direction to team members with expertise in both Linux and Windows. Foster a collaborative and productive team environment to achieve project objectives across different technologies.

-Timeline and Budget Management - Develop and manage project timelines, identifying critical milestones and dependencies for projects involving both Linux and Windows. Monitored progress and implemented adjustments to ensure adherence to timelines.

-Create and manage project budgets, tracking expenses and ensuring financial objectives were met, taking into account the unique requirements of projects involving Linux and Windows systems.

-Risk Management and Quality Assurance - Identified potential risks and issues that may impact project success, implementing risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans for the projects – be they be Site, Storage, Network, Cloud, Mainframe (zOS, zVM, zTPF) or User (Linux, Windows or Other) projects. Implemented quality assurance measures to ensure project deliverables met established standards, conducting reviews and audits to verify project compliance with requirements across different operating systems.

-Communication and Change Management - Facilitate effective communication among project team members, stakeholders, and leadership, ensuring regular project status updates and reports that covered the projects for the systems, site, network, cloud, storage, Mainframe, users (Linux and Windows) aspects of the projects.

-Managed changes to project scope, schedule, and budget, ensuring proper documentation and communication for projects assigned and cover the customer’s requests. Evaluated the impact of changes on project objectives and adjusted plans accordingly.

-Documentation and Continuous Improvement - Maintained detailed project documentation, including plans, schedules, reports, and meeting minutes, ensuring accessibility and updates for assigned projects. Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance project management processes, gathering feedback from project teams and stakeholders for process optimization for project environments.

-Team Leadership and Collaboration - Led cross-functional project teams, providing guidance and direction to team members with expertise in both Linux and Windows. Foster a collaborative and productive team environment to achieve project objectives across different technologies.

-Timeline and Budget Management - Develop and managed project timelines, identifying critical milestones and dependencies for assigned project(s) involving the customer’s account. Monitored progress and implemented adjustments to ensure adherence to timelines.

-Create and manage project budgets, tracking expenses and ensuring financial objectives were met, taking into account the unique requirements of the customers’ projects.

-Risk Management and Quality Assurance - Identified potential risks and issues that may impact project success, implementing risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans for both Linux and Windows projects.

-Implemented quality assurance measures to ensure project deliverables met established standards, conducting reviews and audits to verify project compliance with requirements across different sites, operating systems, cloud servers, networks, storage, tape, users, etc.

Throughout my tenure, I emphasized strategic leadership, effective collaboration, and a proactive approach to automation and change control, contributing to the success and continuity of critical operations.

My specific contributions were:

Optimizing Mainframe, Network, Windows / zLinux and Cloud & WAN Systems and Attachments:

Mainframe Optimization:

-I spearheaded the installation of the most powerful IBM Z15 CPUs at primary, secondary, and disaster recovery (DR) sites.

-Collaborated on the utilization of dynamic Z15 engine adds, strategically channeling utility work to idled engines to maximize standby capacity. This innovative approach not only reduces latency for the mainframe but also lowers the operating costs of allocated (consumed work) engines. The idle (standby) engines performed “storage usage” and are no longer counted as consumed work, resulting in cost savings..

-Using the standby engines achieved a dual impact of lowering mainframe operating costs while concurrently increasing efficiency and shortening run times.

-Overall latency was significantly reduced, contributing to substantial improvements in processing times.

-Led performance measurements and data reductions activities to tune and operate the various mainframes, solve problems and regulate security and ensured backups.

Cloud, Network Optimization:

-Collaborated with various stakeholders to fine-tune and adjust attached mainframe users to leverage the faster processing capabilities of Z15.

-Conducted data captures and analysis, sharing the results with stakeholders to collectively tune or adjust findings as required.

-Achieved a notable reduction in overall latency, leading to significant shortening of processing times in both cloud and network environments.

Security and Operational Integrity Management:

-Implemented robust security measures for Mainframe using RACF and employed other security tools for cloud and network, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality in complex mainframe, cloud, and network environments..

-Refreshed and maintained AMEX’s test beds, ensuring proper usage of Service Now and other AMEX-required support procedures.

-Monitor, collect data, and tuned systems or applications using reporting tools.

-Utilized support & diagnostic tools to provide 24 x 7 support across mainframe, cloud, and WAN, including

-Disaster Recovery, storage, tape processes, procedures, and equipment, with all required audits.

Collaboration and Vendor Engagement:

-Collaborate with diverse software and hardware vendors, contributing significantly to the advancement of both cloud and mainframe businesses. Identified and incorporated cutting-edge technologies, leading to enhanced operational efficiency in mainframe security.

System Design and Integration:

-Keep proven track record in system design, maximizing system availability, and fine-tuning. Integrate products from multiple vendors to optimize system performance, managing user access controls, configuring authentication mechanisms, and implementing encryption standards within RACF (mainframe). Cloud, Network and Tape Storage.

Project Management Skills:

-Throughout my career, I have consistently demonstrated robust project management skills, encompassing a diverse set of competencies. Proficient in developing detailed project plans using Microsoft Project Management, I excel in creating comprehensive frameworks that guide project execution. Regularly updating and refining these plans, I ensure they align seamlessly with evolving project requirements.

-My proficiency extends to meticulous minute-taking and effective meeting facilitation, contributing significantly to project progress tracking and adherence to management standards. Beyond these core skills, I actively engage in the development of detailed reports, leveraging my analytical capabilities to provide insightful project updates.

-In addition to my expertise with Microsoft Project Management, I bring a range of supplementary project management skills and activities. This includes adeptly coordinating cross-functional teams, conducting risk assessments, and implementing mitigation strategies to ensure project success. My commitment to precision, efficiency, and continuous improvement in project management has consistently yielded successful project outcomes and high levels of stakeholder satisfaction.

Enhancement in Mainframe System Processing Power:

-Orchestrate initiatives resulting in an 18% enhancement in Mainframe system processing power. Optimize security configurations, including RACF access controls, to achieve improved performance.

Expansion of Support Staff:

-Optimized workload distribution, reduced operational disruptions, and maximized system availability by expanding support staff. Provide proper training on RACF & SNOW procedures, systems tool usage, and security protocols for support, operations, and applications teams for DR, Data Collection & System/App Tunings, Proper change control, Business Continuation, Site Swap, etc.

Customer Satisfaction and Secure Storage:

-Ensured high system availability and secure storage solutions, emphasizing RACF best practices. Implemented and maintained access controls to protect customer data, leading to maximum customer satisfaction.

Successful Installation and Maintenance:

-Installed an average of fifty zTPF APARS annually, showcasing expertise in system

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