Cyber Security Team Lead
Resume:
MARISSA JAMES
Jacksonville, FL
*************@*****.***
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-toepfer-559585140 PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Cyber Security Team Lead and IT specialist, with over 16 years of leading cross-functional teams in planning, designing, and implementing highly complex technical solutions. Career supported by a bachelor’s degree in network Infrastructure and Cybersecurity, along with Certifications in CASP+, Security + CE, Linux+, and VMware. Ability to communicate highly technical concepts in both oral and written channels. Ability to manage teams in fast-paced environments with strong leadership capabilities.
● Cloud Architecture
● System Engineer
● Program Management
● Modernization
● Microsoft 365
● Microsoft Azure
● Hyper-V
● Vmware
● Policy Implementation
● Cyber Security Specialist
● Process Improvement
● Technical Writing
● Risk Management Framework
● STIG and SCAP
● IT Security
● Microsoft Office Suite
● Server 2016/2022
● Windows 10/11
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Pace Center for Girls. October 2024- Present
Jacksonville, FL
Azure Hybrid Lead System Engineer
• Led the foundation for sustainable growth by developing and implementing technology and infrastructure strategies aligned with Pace's Mission and Guiding Principles.
• Collaborated with the Technology Services team to design and execute IT strategies that enhance organizational efficiency and scalability.
• Developed unified communications systems, improved infrastructure, and implemented a standardized IT architecture to support operational consistency across 22 locations.
• Provided IT support for approximately 500 end users across multiple locations, ensuring seamless technology operations and user satisfaction.
• Designed, implemented, and optimized IT infrastructure and communication technologies to support organizational growth and efficiency.
• Managed Office 365, Azure Entra, Intune, and Exchange environments, ensuring security, compliance, and system performance.
• Led enterprise system upgrades and deployments, developing structured plans for execution, governance, and accountability.
• Established and enforced IT policies for security, data access, and Office 365 usage to ensure compliance and operational efficiency. Implemented backup and disaster recovery strategies, minimizing downtime and guaranteeing business continuity.
• Automated system administration tasks using scripting to improve efficiency and reduce manual workloads. Provided advanced troubleshooting and support for complex technical issues, mentoring teams, and training end-users.
• Maintained awareness of industry trends and regulations to ensure the IT infrastructure complies with evolving security and compliance standards.
MARISSA JAMES
*************@*****.***
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-toepfer-559585140 Sentient Digital Inc. October 2022- September 2024 Norfolk, VA – Military Sea Lift Command
Cybersecurity Team Lead
● Participated in requirement meetings and stakeholder discussions to identify and define all cyber engineering requirements for the modernization of the MSC Maritime Shipboard Enterprise Network.
● Creating and maintaining cybersecurity documentation that aligns with the Risk Management Framework
(RMF), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines, and assessment and authorization (A&A) requirements is essential for obtaining an Authority to Operate (ATO). This process applies to both existing systems and modernization efforts within the afloat enterprise network.
● Oversee the creation, testing, and deployment of processes and tools needed to develop secure applications that comply with the cybersecurity requirements specified in the overall project guidelines.
● Monitoring the lifecycle and modernization requirements of multiple IT systems, to verify the implementation of ongoing vulnerability assessment & remediation efforts following the System Configuration Management Plan defined in all project requirements.
● Creating and reviewing relevant cybersecurity test procedures, applying best security practices (e.g., STIGs), and monitoring and enforcing policies and guidance from the DoD to reduce cybersecurity risks to existing systems and all modernization task orders.
● Collaborating with Systems Engineers and Network engineers to ensure that cybersecurity controls are implemented throughout the lifecycle of the IT system and documented in eMASS during the Certification & Accreditation (C&A), A&A, PRA process to include security control development, implementation, execution, and reporting.
● Assessing compliance with all applicable RMF Controls for an assigned DOD system, including developing the appropriate test procedures if necessary, executing the test procedures, and documenting the results of security testing in eMASS.
● Collaborating with Systems Administrators to conduct compliance and vulnerability assessments of IT systems utilizing automated DOD cybersecurity tools including Assured Compliance Assessment Solution
(ACAS), Secure Content Automation Protocol (SCAP) Compliance Checker (SCC), and DISA STIG Viewer.
● Collaborating with Systems Administrators to maintain a detailed inventory of all software and hardware components within a C&A/A&A/PRA package for systems.
● Required to Interpret Information Assurance (IA) and CS policies and apply these to manage risks. Provides advice and guidance to ensure adoption of and adherence to IA/CS architectures, strategies, policies, standards, and guidelines. Contributed to the development of policies, standards, and guidelines.
● Configuration Management (CM) activities were carried out, focusing on documenting and guiding the cybersecurity implications related to proposed CM changes. In addition, we took responsibility for creating test cases after conducting a thorough analysis of both functional and non-functional specifications. Furthermore, we developed traceability records to effectively link the test cases to their corresponding requirements.
United States Government December 2021-October 2022 Norfolk, VA - Naval Information Warfare Training Group Technical Team Lead/Network Manager
● Selected to oversee multiple complex projects. Focus on enterprise architecture, technology upgrades, implementation of emergent technologies, and business applications.
● Managed virtual, domain, and networking teams to ensure the highest availability of intelligence products on the NIODB network, ensuring fleet intelligence capabilities.
● Direct the management, development, and troubleshooting of all enterprise network servers, and network MARISSA JAMES
*************@*****.***
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-toepfer-559585140 devices across two security enclaves in a virtual environment supporting Naval fleet.
● Supervise the completion of over 5,000 STIG line items across two security enclaves resulting in increased network integrity and hardening, while upholding DOD standards across the network.
● Reported to the chain of command real-time network outages and status resulting in increased network reliability.
• Reviewed the information systems to ensure compliance with the organization's legal, regulatory, contractual, and agreed standards/policies, as well as alignment with the overall strategy. Provided specialized advice to governance stakeholders to address any non-compliance issues compliance issues. Alion Science and Technology December 2018-December 2021 Norfolk, VA - Naval Surface Warfare center Corona
System Engineer
● Responsible for administration, maintenance, and cybersecurity defense of all Navy's Enterprise Tactical Training Network (NETTN) client and server infrastructure used to support developing, testing, and delivering enterprise-wide modeling and simulation applications and services.
● Works as part of the Enterprise Engineering team to update, monitor, and maintain servers and workstations used throughout the enterprise
● Performs Microsoft Windows server administration, manages GPOs, creates/modifies DHCP reservations, manages DNS, performs patching and STIG'ing, as well as authors standard operating procedures, trains junior personnel, and performs Tier 3 technical support
● Responsible for leading and standing up the Devnet Tier one Vstack and WAN in support of SIGINT training capabilities in support of Fleet Forces training capabilities
● Provided accreditation package standards and protocols to allow networks to remain authorized to operate. Responsible for all package documentation for accreditation
● Created and maintained ACAS servers and scanners, and conducted all remediation as required for DEVNET to meet security protocol implementation standards across the WAN Cambridge International Systems Incorporated February 2018-December 2018 Norfolk, VA – Military Sea Lift Command
Network/System Engineer
● Responsible for engineering and testing all Windows 10 SHB images that are required to be deployed to the MSC fleet for AR2 systems, ACGv2 systems, and PPTS systems. Ensuring all design specifications are DoDD 8500.1/DoDI 8500.2 compliant.
● Perform a comparative analysis of network and system management, monitoring, and security solutions. Administer system and network updates IAW Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs).
● Ensured the ability to provide development, software integration, and validation testing for the MSC Shipboard Management Information Systems (SMIS) Afloat classified and unclassified environments, including all COTS and GOTS applications that are required within the lab environment and MSC Afloat fleet networks.
● Provided delivery of all project Deliverables in a timely matter in conjunction with project plans, including schedule changes and network and hardware testing documentation of an immediate nature outside of the scope of project outlines. Project deliverables include SOPs, System Design Specifications, System Requirement Specifications, and Risk Vulnerability Traceability Matrix documentation.
● Working knowledge of the Enterprise Project Management 2.0 process.
● Perform ACAS scans and remediation as required for MSC systems. MARISSA JAMES
*************@*****.***
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marissa-toepfer-559585140 United States Navy September 2009- February 2018
Norfolk, VA – Multiple Commands
• Highly skilled in the management and troubleshooting of a range of military information systems, with expertise in VLANs for network segmentation, VMware for virtualization, and both Unix and Linux operating systems. Proficient in the operation and maintenance of the Global Command and Control System – Maritime (GCCS-M) and the Automated Digital Network System (ADNS), ensuring seamless communication and data integrity across military operations.
• Designed and implemented robust security protocols to effectively safeguard sensitive data, including classified information and personal identifiable information (PII). Conducted regular audits and thorough risk assessments to ensure compliance with stringent military standards and regulatory requirements. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop security training programs, raising awareness and preparedness among personnel regarding potential cyber threats and best practices in data protection.
• Provided practical training and support to team members on IT systems and software applications, improving overall operational efficiency.
• Oversaw the upgrade and integration of Windows 10 and new IT systems, ensuring seamless transitions and minimal disruption to operations and providing increased cybersecurity posture through upgrading all hardware and software.
• Skilled in analyzing and interpreting data to inform decision-making, using software tools to track performance metrics and logistics operations.
• Trained and mentored junior personnel to foster teamwork and accountability, enhancing mission readiness, while leading key initiatives that improved operational efficiency through the implementation of streamlined processes
• Recognized for outstanding leadership and problem-solving abilities in high-pressure environments. Ensured compliance with military standards and protocols while evaluating operational needs and deploying targeted strategies to meet organizational objectives.
• Demonstrated a strong commitment to values such as excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement throughout the career.
EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS
Masters of Science, Systems Engineering, 2026
Bachelors of Science, Networking and Cybersecurity - 2021 Associate of Science, General Studies Cisco Junior College - 2008 VMware Certified Associate, Data Center Virtualization – 2015 Internetworking Technician Apprentice – 2014
Computer Operator Apprentice - 2015
Computer Programmer Apprentice - 2016
CompTIA Security+ CE Certified – Expires November 2026 CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner – Expires 2026
Contact this candidate