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Ray Wilkerson
M365/Azure Cloud/Infrastructure/Cyber Security Architect
Fort Payne, AL
Professional Summary
Ray Wilkerson is an M365/Azure Cloud/Infrastructure/Cyber Security Architect with 27+ years of direct IT experience across diverse industries. A US Navy veteran who held a Secret NOFORN clearance, he specializes in designing and implementing secure, scalable solutions for hybrid and cloud environments.
Since founding Secure Vizion in 2006, he has led teams supporting 30+ contract customers across finance, biotech, manufacturing, government, and defense sectors.
Technical Expertise & Competencies
Cloud & Infrastructure
Microsoft Azure
- Azure Key Vault
- Networking, VPN, Firewall
- Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
- Azure SQL, Data Factory, Databricks
- API Management
Microsoft M365
- M365 E5/G5 licensing
- Exchange Online
- SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive
Virtualization
- VMware vSphere/ESXi
- Citrix, Parallels
- Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
Security & Compliance
Identity & Access
- Azure Entra ID with Lifecycle Management
- Privileged Identity Management (PIM)
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
- SSO & MFA
- Conditional Access
Microsoft Security Suite
- Microsoft Defender (Endpoint, ATP, Cloud, Identity)
- Microsoft Purview (DLP, Insider Risk, Info Protection)
Compliance Frameworks
- NIST (800-53, 800-171)
- CMMC (Levels 1 & 2)
- SOC, ISO 27001
- HIPAA, SOX, GLBA, PCI-DSS
- GDPR, CCPA, International Privacy Laws
Network & Storage
Networking
- Switching/Routing: Cisco, Meraki, Aruba, HP
- Firewalls: Palo Alto, Fortigate, Sonicwall
- VoIP: Audiocodes, Avaya
Storage
- SANs: NetApp, Compellent, Tegile, Pure
- Enterprise backup solutions
SIEM/SOAR
- Splunk
- Microsoft Sentinel
- Log Analytics & Logic Apps
Industries Served
Delivering secure, scalable infrastructure across diverse sectors
Work Experience
M365/Azure Cloud/Infrastructure/Security Architect
The Local Pond • August 2018 – Present • Fort Payne, AL
Major Government Migration Project
US Government - Department of Energy Center for Nuclear Security • 15,000 users
Project Details:
- Led migration team for secured US government site
- Transitioned 15,000 users from Skype for Business to Microsoft Teams
- Migrated 15,000 user mailboxes + 2,000 shared mailboxes to M365 Exchange Online
- Deployed on GCC (Government Community Cloud)
Achievements:
- Teams migration completed by 7/15 (2.5 months ahead of 9/30 deadline)
- 90% mail data migration to Exchange Online by 8/15 (1.5 months ahead of schedule)
- Drafted comprehensive migration plans, schedules, and communication strategies
- Created scripting and support documentation
- Guided team through complex security requirements
Infrastructure, Cloud & Security Architect - Biotech Chemical Firm
Company Growth: 16 employees → 250 employees worldwide
Key Achievements:
- Security: 90% attack surface reduction through conditional access
- Access Control: 98% reduction in lateral movement exposure
- Cloud Migration: 25% of Windows servers migrated to Azure
- Azure Services: Deployed AKS, Data Factory, SQL Managed Instances, Databricks
Compliance Leadership:
- Led CMMC certification efforts (L1 & L2)
- Implemented NIST 800-171 compliance
- Ensured international privacy law compliance (GDPR, PIPEDA, PIPA, APPI, POPIA, CCPA)
- Drafted Organization System Security Policy
- Established Incident Response Team and comprehensive IR plan
Founder/Chief Technology Officer
Secure Vizion • March 2006 – August 2018 • Cerritos, CA
Business Growth & Service Excellence
Solo operation → 9-person team serving 30+ contract customers
Industries Served: Finance (hedge funds managing $8B+), Biotechnology, Manufacturing, Semiconductor, Medical/Healthcare, Government, Defense Contracting
Notable Projects:
- Hedge fund infrastructure upgrade: Chassis blade servers, VMware vSphere, GLBA compliance
- Biotech M&A integrations: Complex LIMS preservation and adaptation
- Defense contractor data protection: NIST 800-171, DFAR compliance, automated backup verification
- Manufacturing custom IVR system for remote gate access
- Healthcare HIPAA-compliant prescription refill system
Innovation:
- Developed custom maintenance platform using Kaseya with 3,000+ automation scripts
- Designed unique SLA system based on business needs
- Volunteered IT services for 7+ years to EvoNexus Incubator supporting 40+ startups
Client Testimonials
What industry leaders say about working with Ray
Ray has provided services for several years. When I became IT Director in 2007, I assessed vendors based on organizational benefit. Ray quickly proved dependable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy through action. His responsiveness, technical expertise, sensitivity to company needs, and willingness to share knowledge make him an extremely valuable asset in our technological resources.
I recommend Ray for any IT role where his exceptional technical expertise and professional qualities would shine. After 10 years collaborating on over 100 projects, I know Ray as a determined problem-solver who takes initiative, managing projects independently with minimal direction. His reliability, adaptability, and ability to master new technologies make him invaluable. Beyond technical prowess, his work ethic and collaborative nature enhance team productivity.
Ray is a joy to work with—both knowledgeable and customer service oriented. He possesses superior technical ability and excellent people skills.
Ray is a top-notch engineer with excellent customer skills. He was our engineer for difficult technical problems. He always found root causes and provided customer satisfaction.
I am continually amazed at his breadth of knowledge, his unrelenting focus on customer satisfaction, and his ability to create opportunity and synergies with clients. From my industry view, any client would be well served by engaging his services and safe knowing Ray's expertise is working for them.
I've known Ray for 10 years. Ray is a brilliant engineer, true visionary, and top-notch person. Ray provides an example, both professional and personal, which inspires all around him. Frankly he does not need my recommendation, but I offer my highest.
Get In Touch
Ready to discuss your cloud architecture and security needs?
Business Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8am – 6pm
Friday: 8am – 12pm
Saturday-Sunday: Closed