Infrastructure Architect - Cloud, Storage & DR Strategy

Gaurang (Gary) Patel

301-***-**** **** Sweet Cherry Ln. Laurel MD 20723 *******@***.***

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gary-n-patel

Professional Summary

Results-driven Infrastructure Architect with extensive experience designing, implementing, and leading enterprise infrastructure and storage initiatives in highly regulated financial institutions and Fortune 500 environments. Adept at developing and executing cloud and hybrid infrastructure strategies, integrating new technologies, and driving architectural transformation to achieve scalability, resiliency, and operational efficiency. Proven leader in multi- datacenter design, modernization, and automation.

Core Competencies

• Infrastructure Architecture & Cloud Strategy

• Enterprise SAN Storage Design & Deployment

• Multi-Datacenter Modernization & Migration

• IT Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity

• Capacity Planning & Performance Optimization

• Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership

• Team Development & Mentorship

Technical Expertise

• Infrastructure & Cloud: AWS, Azure, VMware vSphere, Hyper-V, Kubernetes (foundational), Ansible automation, Infrastructure as Code principles

• SAN/NAS: EMC PowerMax 8000/2000, VMAX AFA 950F/250F, VPLEX Metro, Unity 600F/450F, Isilon

• Backup & DR: SRDF, VPLEX Metro, Snapshots, synchronous/asynchronous replication

• Networking: Cisco MDS-9396/9513/9509, DCNM, Fibre Channel, iSCSI, TCP/IP

• Operating Systems: Windows Server, Linux, UNIX

• Programming/Scripting: PowerShell, Bash, Python

Projects & Achievements

• Architected and maintained storage environments supporting millions of transactions per day with industry-leading uptime.

• Directed multi-datacenter SAN migrations for Charles Schwab, achieving seamless cutovers and business continuity.

• Led storage team at Freddie Mac through major capacity expansions and compliance initiatives.

• Implemented secure network infrastructures for Standard Chartered Bank across the Middle East. Awards

• Received multiple awards during tenure at Charles Schwab/ TD Ameritrade, including the Company's Top Performer Annual Award for exceptional contributions to storage engineering excellence and business success.

Professional Experience

Charles Schwab / TD Ameritrade Columbia, MD - Systems Engineering Lead / Infrastructure Architect July 2007 – Present

• Architected enterprise-scale infrastructure solutions across multiple datacenters supporting trading, back office, and institutional applications.

• Designed hybrid cloud integration strategies leveraging AWS and VMware for scalability and cost efficiency.

• Directed modernization of SAN and compute environments, ensuring secure, resilient infrastructure for mission-critical systems.

• Collaborated with senior technology and business leaders to define target state architecture and migration roadmaps.

• Led cross-functional initiatives for automation and operational optimization using Ansible and Infrastructure as Code concepts.

• Mentored junior engineers and promoted adoption of architectural best practices across teams.

• Delivered infrastructure initiatives on time and within budget, aligning with strategic enterprise objectives. Freddie Mac, McLean, VA - System Administrator Lead November 2005 – July 2007

• Led a team of 8 storage engineers managing Freddie Mac’s enterprise storage infrastructure.

• Designed storage environments, planned and executed storage replications and capacity management initiatives.

• Prepared comprehensive management reports and technical presentations for stakeholders and executives.

• Oversaw the implementation of storage provisioning, monitoring, and compliance procedures. Verizon, Silver Spring, MD - Storage Engineer September 1999 – November 2005

• Senior Storage Engineer overseeing provisioning, support, and troubleshooting for Verizon’s enterprise Storage Area Networks.

• Provided LUN provisioning, performance monitoring, upgrades, and troubleshooting for mission-critical business platforms.

• Supported disaster recovery and backup systems, and coordinated with application teams for storage allocation.

Standard Chartered Bank, Dubai, UAE - Sr. Network Consultant July 1998 – August 1999

• Implemented IT network infrastructure solutions for Middle East headquarters and remote offices across five countries.

• Installed and configured Cisco routers and switches; monitored LAN/WAN traffic and ensured secure, optimized network operations.

• Provided support for IT projects, infrastructure upgrades, and remote connectivity initiatives. Education and Trainings:

• Diploma, Computer Technology

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

• Sun Solaris 9 Basic and Advanced System Administration

• Symmetrix Performance Workshop

• Symmetrix Configuration Management

• Symmetrix Business Continuity Management

• SRDF/Star and Cascaded SRDF - Implementation and Management Certifications

• EMCPA- EMC Proven Professional

• CCNA – Cisco Certified Network Associate

• MCSE – Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer

• CNE– Novell Certified Netware Engineer

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