Pedro Gerardo Escalona Casanova
IT Systems Engineer & Administrator Network Specialist
FL 407-***-**** *************@*******.*** www.linkedin.com/in/pedroescalonacasanova Professional Summary
Highly accomplished and results-driven Senior Systems Analyst with 25+ years of progressive IT experience, specializing in the design, administration, and security of complex hybrid IT environments (Microsoft Azure and on-premises). Proven track record in managing and securing over 2,500 endpoints with Microsoft Intune, MECM/SCCM, and RMM platforms, and leading vulnerability remediation efforts with a 95% success rate. Managing and optimizing diverse virtualization platforms, including VMware vSphere and Microsoft Hyper-V. Expert in M365 administration, Identity and Access Management (IAM) with Entra ID, and PowerShell scripting for automation and enhanced security. A proactive problem-solver with exceptional communication skills, dedicated to driving infrastructure improvements, ensuring system reliability, and contributing to business goals. Experience
System Administrator Vulnerabilities - EVERTEC Inc., (Remote from Florida) – 04/2024 – Present
- Design, administer, and secure hybrid IT environments, leveraging extensive expertise in Microsoft Azure cloud infrastructure and on-premises systems.
- Manage and secure over 2,500 Azure-based and Desktop endpoints utilizing Microsoft Intune MDM, MECM/ SCCM, and RMM platforms, ensuring compliance and implementing endpoint protection strategies.
- Evaluate system performance and efficiency, making recommendations for upgrades and modifications to optimize Azure and endpoint infrastructure.
- Lead vulnerability remediation efforts across cloud infrastructure and endpoints, utilizing Tenable, Nessus, MECM, Intune, and PowerShell scripting to implement security best practices and achieve a 95% remediation rate.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues within MECM/SCCM, Intune, Windows Server, and related systems, ensuring high availability and minimal downtime for critical services like patch management and software deployment.
- Provide expert-level support and troubleshooting for Windows, macOS, and Linux environments, ensuring seamless operation for end-users.
- Collaborate on IT projects, apply strong organizational and project management, and change management skills to ensure successful implementation of new technologies and system updates.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive written documentation for system configurations, processes, and troubleshooting guides.
Technical Director – Bries Comsys C.A.– 09/1999 – 12/2024
- Provided IT leadership for 25 years, overseeing strategic planning, project management, change management, and team supervision for 85+ diverse infrastructure projects.
- Established a robust foundation in endpoint management and security by successfully implementing Symantec Antivirus on over 1500 systems using MECM/SCCM, a pivotal experience that fueled my proficiency in complex infrastructure administration and vulnerability remediation.
- Administer the Microsoft 365 suite for 3 years for 150 users, focusing on identity and access management (Azure AD / Entra ID), security configurations, and endpoint protection integration (PIM, Pureview, EOP, Conditional Access)
- Designed, implemented, and managed network security infrastructure, including SonicWall firewalls (configuring site-to- site VPNs, content filtering) and email security gateways, achieving significant threat reduction and improved security posture.
- Organized and executed migrations, including 300 users to Outlook/Exchange and 200+ endpoints to cloud-managed Symantec Antivirus, enhancing security and user experience.
- Developed an Azure Storage account with File share container to create a File share endpoint on-Premise AD with Entra ID Sync permissions. Backup on Azure of the shared folders.
- Managed multi-site network infrastructure (Cisco routers, core switches), implementing VLANs and STP for segmentation, security, and performance optimization.
- Oversaw server administration across Windows Server environments, including virtualization (Hyper-V, VMware), Active Directory, Exchange Server, and SQL Server.
- Led Azure cloud migration projects for critical servers, ensuring zero downtime and enhanced security.
- Implemented and managed data protection strategies using Nakivo Backup, NAS, and Robotic Tape Libraries for disaster recovery and long-term archiving.
- Managed and optimized VMware vSphere ESXi 6.x environments, including ESXi hosts, vCenter Server, and virtual machines (VMs). Performed routine maintenance, patching, and monitoring to ensure high availability and performance.
- Contributed to the design and implementation of virtualization strategies, including the deployment and provisioning of VMs and resources. Assisted in planning and executing disaster recovery and business continuity initiatives for virtualized infrastructure with Nakivo Backup and Replication. IT Manager & Technology Instructor - Win Tech C.A.– 01/1996 – 12/2001
- Structured customized training curricula for various technical roles, including end-users, systems analysts, and IT managers, achieving a 100% satisfaction rate on the goals taught, demonstrating ability to develop and deliver training.
- Enabled over 500 technology professionals to acquire the skills needed to effectively manage Windows Server, Exchange Server, and SQL environments, showcasing experience in supporting server environments and Microsoft products.
- Consulted 27 clients on security best practices for a robust infrastructure solution, highlighting experience in security.
- Led 100% hands-on workshops and labs to reinforce theoretical knowledge, demonstrating a practical approach to knowledge transfer and skill development.
- Provided expert guidance on troubleshooting and optimizing IT systems to 95% of companies in the region, showcasing strong system administration skills and problem-solving abilities. Education
- B.A. Electronic Engineering – Universidad Simón Bolívar (09/1989 – 05/1995) Certifications
- Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
- Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- SonicWall Certified Network Specialist (SCNS)
- Symantec Certified Specialist (SCS)
- QNAP Certified Technical
- Azure Fundamentals
- Nakivo Technical Solution Professional
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Technical Skills
- Cloud Security: Azure Administration (Azure AD, Azure Sentinel), AWS Administration (AWS IAM), Cloud Migration, Virtualization (Hyper-V, VMware), O365 Security, Email Cloud Security, Cloud Edge Secure Access
- Cloud Platforms: Microsoft Azure (Azure AD/Entra ID, Azure Sentinel, VM Management), AWS (IAM, Security Hub), Cloud Migration, Entra ID, O365/M365 Administration
- Operating Systems: Windows Server (All versions), Windows 10/11, macOS, Linux
- Endpoint Management & Security: Microsoft Intune (MDM), Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM/SCCM), RMM Platforms (AnyDesk, LogMeIn, others), Symantec Cloud SES Advanced (EDR), Patch Management (Patch My PC), Endpoint Provisioning
- Security: Firewall Administration (SonicWall, others), Site-to-Site VPNs, Client VPNs, Identity & Access Management (IAM), Vulnerability Management (Tenable, Nessus), Threat Assessment & Mitigation, SIEM/SOAR (Azure Sentinel), Network Segmentation, Encryption (TLS), IT Security Best Practices, Compliance Standards (NIST)
- Networking: TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, STP, Routing (Cisco), Wireshark
- Microsoft Ecosystem: Active Directory, Group Policy, Exchange Server, SQL Server administration, PowerShell, Batch Scripting
- Virtualization: Experience with Hyper-V and VMware for managing virtualized environments.
- Backup & Recovery: Nakivo, Backup Exec, Tape Libraries, Disaster Recovery Planning Soft Skills
- Strategic Leadership & Impact: Over 25 years leading technical teams and complex projects, driving strategic planning and changing management to positively impact future operations.
- Advanced Problem-Solving & Critical Analysis: Demonstrates strong analytical and problem-solving skills, coupled with reflective critical thinking to overcome complex challenges.
- Collaborative Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication, adept at fostering strong relationships and clearly articulating technical details to all stakeholders.
- Proactive & Organized Execution: A self-starter with exceptional organizational and time management skills, consistently driving projects forward and thriving on new challenges with a growth mindset.