Chris Kennedy 972-***-**** • *****@*****.*** • LinkedIn Profile
Network System Analyst
Driving Enterprise IT Excellence Through Advanced Network Infrastructure & Global Technology Leadership Dynamic IT professional with extensive experience in network infrastructure engineering, system optimization, and cross-functional team leadership across diverse global environments. Proven track record of designing high-availability IT infrastructure, implementing zero-trust security frameworks, and managing complex technology initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, security, and scalability. Demonstrated expertise in leading technical teams, vendor relationship management, and multi-site IT operations supporting international business operations.
Expertise:
• Network Infrastructure & Engineering: Network Design - System Architecture - Infrastructure Optimization - Network Troubleshooting - Performance Analysis - Backbone Infrastructure - Global Connectivity - High-Availability Systems
• Cloud & Digital Transformation: Microsoft 365 Migration - Azure Implementation - Hybrid Cloud Solutions - Digital Transformation - Cloud Integration - Disaster Recovery - System Uptime Optimization - Data Backup Automation
• Cybersecurity & Compliance: Zero-Trust Security Frameworks - Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) - Endpoint Protection - Encrypted Communications - GDPR Compliance - Data Privacy Regulations - Cybersecurity Risk Management
• Project Management & Operations: Technical Project Leadership - Client Onboarding - Knowledge Transfer - Project Planning - Team Leadership - Vendor Management - SLA Management - Technical Documentation - Standard Operating Procedures
• Business Development & Client Relations: Client Relationship Management - Technical Consultation - Solution Architecture
- Business Needs Assessment - Executive Support - VIP Technical Services - Contract Negotiation Professional IT Leadership Achievements
Successfully designed and maintained high-availability IT infrastructure across five international locations (U.S., Switzerland, London, Costa Rica, and Italy), ensuring seamless global connectivity and 99.9% system uptime
Led comprehensive Microsoft 365 and Azure migration initiatives, implementing hybrid cloud solutions that improved operational efficiency, security, and scalability across all regions
Implemented zero-trust security frameworks with multi-factor authentication and endpoint protection, ensuring compliance with GDPR, Swiss data privacy laws, and U.S. cybersecurity regulations
Expanded business operations to 80 clients and six engineers within 3 years through strategic business development and superior technical service delivery
Directed network infrastructure refreshes from end-of-support hardware to redundant 10G backbone infrastructure using enterprise-grade Meraki hardware solutions
Executive Career Progression
Labora Group, Inc., Dallas, TX 2023 – 2025
IT Manager
• Architected and maintained enterprise-grade IT infrastructure across five international locations, including the U.S., Switzerland, the U.K., Costa Rica, and Italy, ensuring seamless remote access, cloud integration, and network reliability for global stakeholders
• Implemented comprehensive zero-trust security frameworks, enforcing multi-factor authentication (MFA), endpoint protection, and encrypted communications to safeguard sensitive financial and operational data while ensuring compliance with GDPR, Swiss data privacy laws, and U.S. cybersecurity regulations
• Led strategic cloud and digital transformation initiatives through Microsoft 365 and Azure migration, implementing hybrid solutions that improved operational efficiency, security, and scalability across all regions while achieving 99.9% system uptime through automated data backup and disaster recovery processes
• Integrated and optimized financial systems and business intelligence platforms, enhancing portfolio management and accounting platform data synchronization while supporting AI-driven analytics to provide real-time financial insights
• Negotiated and managed global IT service contracts, optimizing costs while ensuring high service levels from cloud providers, cybersecurity firms, and software vendors, establishing uniform IT governance policies for all locations
• Provided executive-level technical support for leadership and UHNW family members, ensuring secure access to financial systems, communications, and travel IT security through implementation of secure mobile device management (MDM) for encrypted messaging and confidential transactions
DKB Innovative, Frisco, TX 2020 - 2022
Tier 3 Network Engineer Sr. Onboarding Engineer
• Served as Lead Engineer on complex customer projects, conducting comprehensive knowledge transfer meetings with clients and facilitating strategic project planning meetings with internal teams and stakeholders
• Managed high-priority technology projects from initial design through completion, providing day-one support and technical oversight for Support Desk teams while working directly with clients and internal management to review project closure and satisfaction metrics
• Advanced to Senior position and client onboarding lead engineer within the vCTO Team, formulating standard operating procedures and strategic workflow checklists for accurate network documentation collection and implementation
• Executed network infrastructure refreshes, transitioning end-of-support hardware to redundant 10G backbone infrastructure using enterprise Meraki hardware solutions
• Led Microsoft 365 tenant migrations with Single Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) integration, ensuring seamless user experience and enhanced security protocols
• Implemented Remote Desktop Services (RDS) Farm deployments and federation projects, optimizing remote access capabilities and system performance
• Orchestrated comprehensive client onboarding processes, including complete documentation and solution architecture development in collaboration with vCIO teams
• Managed complex on-premises network transitions to virtual and cloud environments utilizing Microsoft Azure, VMware, and Hyper-V technologies
Corporate Data Solutions, Inc., Richardson, TX 2007 - 2020 Engineer Manager
• Oversaw comprehensive corporate financial operations, including budget creation, invoice preparation, and purchase order management, to ensure seamless organizational workflow and fiscal accountability
• Led cross-functional teams comprising operations managers, business managers, and senior engineers to achieve strategic organizational objectives and operational excellence
• Collaborated with commercial clients to identify business requirements and deliver optimal technology-based solutions for PC and server maintenance, voice/telephony support, and comprehensive employee training on software and systems
• Evaluated pending service reports and assessed network engineering plans to ensure compliance with defined technical standards and organizational requirements
• Identified technical errors, performed advanced troubleshooting, and optimized installed systems while upgrading existing infrastructure according to modern technology requirements
• Monitored system uptime and maintained operational functionality to secure both on-premise and cloud functions and data integrity
• Streamlined business operations by establishing technical standards and providing expert-level support for migration efforts to future technology infrastructure
• Expanded business operations to 80 clients and six engineers within 3 years through strategic business development and superior service delivery
• Designed and executed comprehensive client onboarding to cloud services while implementing secure operational environments
• Established specialized business units providing direct support for petroleum field technologies and industry-specific requirements
ITWorks365, Addison, TX 2004 - 2006
Director Healthcare IT Services
• Directed comprehensive team operations, including six field technicians, two sales engineers, and one voice services agent, providing guidance and leadership to ensure timely project completion and quality service delivery
• Spearheaded complete project lifecycle management from conception to completion within specified time, quality, and budget parameters to achieve anticipated organizational objectives
• Established and maintained strategic business relationships with corporate executives from leading technology companies, including Microsoft, AT&T, Verizon, Dell Business, and HP, enhancing overall business effectiveness and partnership opportunities
• Successfully designed comprehensive IT solutions for medical practices, developing and implementing project matrices tailored to each client's specific requirements and operational needs
• Documented client requirements and provided executive leadership to field engineers for designing innovative technology concepts for new client onboarding and medical practice implementations Technical Proficiencies
Network Infrastructure:
• Enterprise Networking: Cisco/Meraki, SonicWall, Fortinet
• SMB Solutions: Ubiquiti Networks, SMB HP
• Physical Infrastructure: Network rack and stacking, Low Voltage cabling (Cat5/6)
• System Hardware: PC/Server assembly and maintenance Monitoring & Management:
• IT Service Management: ConnectWise, Kaseya, Automate
• Network Monitoring: Auvik, Liongard, SolarWinds, SCOM, WhatsUp Gold
• Collaboration & Documentation: IT Glue, Monday.com, Slack, Zoho Security & Compliance:
• Security Tools: Darktrace, ArcticWolf, SentinelOne, AutoElevate, ThreatLocker, Perch
• Infrastructure Security: PKI Infrastructure, SSL/TLS
• Compliance: PCI DSS, HIPAA
Cloud & Storage:
• Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure, Microsoft 365
• Backup & Storage: Datto, Wasabi, HPE Storage Technologies Enterprise Applications:
• Business Systems: NetSuite, Salesforce
• Design & Development: Adobe Suite, Autodesk
• Databases: Microsoft SQL Server
Virtualization & Remote Access:
• VMware Suite: vCenter, ESXi
• Remote Solutions: Citrix, Remote Desktop Services
• Unified Communications (UC)
Infrastructure:
• Operating Systems: Windows Server 2008-2019, macOS
• Network Services: TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP
Education
University of North Texas, Denton, TX, Bachelor of Arts (BA), Business Computer Information Systems Certifications
• CompTIA Fundamentalist – InfoSec
• Microsoft Small Business Specialist
• VMWare Certified Reseller / Sales Engineer
• 3CX Certified Reseller / Sales Engineer