Ray Wilkerson

I am a security and infrastructure specialist with over 20 years of experience in IT. I have successfully designed and deployed solutions for various technologies and platforms, including Microsoft M365 E5, Azure, VMware vSphere, SAN, firewalls and intrusion prevention systems. I have also supported office and remote workers with voice communication, identity management, security and backup solutions. I have designed and implemented SIEM and SOAR solutions, and designed the log correlation systems they require. I have experience with bringing organizations into compliance with regulations such as SOC1/2, NIST 800-56, and NIST 800-171 rev2. I can draft policies and procedures, from instructions to install software through Incident Response plans and Acceptable Use policies. I can produce video training, design security awareness programs and implement real-world testing of the concepts they teach. 

I excel at solving complex problems under pressure and preventing issues with proactive maintenance and monitoring. I am a US Navy veteran who held a Secret NOFORN clearance. I have a strong work ethic. I am confident in my abilities, eager to learn new skills and passionate about protecting intellectual property and assets from cyber threats. I have excellent communication skills and a sense of humor and strong interpersonal skills. I can make a positive difference in your organization and help you achieve your goals. 

Competencies

NIST Cyber Security Framework (CSF) - ability to align your organization’s cybersecurity program with the standards and best practices of the NIST CSF.

Incident management - planning, coordinating, executing and evaluating incident response activities.

Business continuity - ensure that critical business functions can continue during and after an incident.

Information security policy development - ability to create and implement a set of rules that ensure the security of data stored digitally within an organization.

Information governance - ability to establish and maintain a framework to provide assurance that information security strategies are aligned with business objectives and consistent with applicable laws and regulations.

Cyber security auditing - ability to examine and evaluate an organization’s cybersecurity policies, procedures, controls, and evidence of implementation.

Azure cloud administration - plan, deploy, maintain and support various Azure cloud services and platforms such as Conditional Access, ARC, Log Analytics, Sentinel, Cloud App Security, Virtualization, Teams, Exchange, Active Directory, SharePoint, Defender ATP, Intune, SQL, Kubernetes, Data Factory and Logic Apps.

Network security - design and implement security policies and controls for network devices and systems such as firewalls (Palo Alto Firewall, Cisco’s ASA, SonicWALL, FortiGate), VPNs (Citrix ADC), intrusion detection and prevention systems (Defender ATP) and network monitoring tools (Log Analytics, Azure Sentinel).

Linux administration - install, configure and manage Linux operating systems such as Redhat and Ubuntu on physical or virtual servers.

Virtualization - create and manage virtual machines and containers using technologies such as VMware vSphere (on-premises) or Azure Virtualization (cloud).

Citrix applications - deploy and support Citrix applications such as Citrix ADC (formerly NetScaler) for load balancing and application delivery or Citrix Virtual Apps (formerly XenApp) for remote access to applications.

Microsoft server administration - install, configure and manage Microsoft server operating systems such as Windows Server 2000 through 2022 on physical or virtual servers.

Network infrastructure - design and set up network devices and systems such as switches and routers (Cisco, Brocade, Ruckus, HP), wireless access points (Ruckus or Meraki).

Work history

Co-Owner/Partner, The Local Pond August 2018–Present

Promote application TrustListing as a default-deny strategy for application execution control at trade conferences and technical events for a small security firm in Texas.

Build security practices from scratch using M365 E5 Security licensing for a mid-market chemical firm. This involved integrating on-premises and cloud identity systems, centralizing logging and reporting, creating and delivering training, implementing document protection and DLP policies, drafting the incident response plan, and providing guidance and support to the technical team and the director of information services.

Build production and development environments in hybrid-domain for Azure Data Factory, SQL Managed Instances, API Management Services, Kubernetes Services, and more for the same chemical firm.

Act as virtual CTO for a startup biotech firm that was preparing to go public on the UK stock exchange. This involved drafting all IT policies, security processes and procedures, and planning their SOC 1 attestation while complying with relevant privacy laws.

Found forestfarmfoods.com, a project that aims to increase CO2 capture per acre while increasing the land’s perpetual food production capacity. This project teaches how to grow foods from multiple climates in a sustainable way without cutting down the forest.

Founder/CTO, Secure Vizion March 2006–August 2018

Developed a maintenance structure that enabled a small team of 6 to manage thousands of devices for 30+ contract customers (business networks), including firewalls, switches, routers, and security systems.

Volunteered our IT services for over 7 years to EvoNexus’ Incubator program, which supported 40+ startups in their IT needs.

Consulted customers on data management, storage, performance optimization, and data protection. Designed and implemented solutions for switching, routing, compliance, virtualization, log correlation systems, intrusion prevention, firewalls, and IT processes.

Drafted and reviewed policies to support business changes and new regulations. Assessed and chose vendors. Evaluated IT posture and merged identity and communication systems during mergers & acquisitions.

Industries supported included finance, biotech, manufacturing, semiconductor, oil and gas, and bio-engineered chemical firms.

Professional Associations

InfraGuard, Houston Texas

Testimonials

“Ray is a joy to work with, he is both knowledgeable and customer service oriented. He has superior technical ability and great people skills.” -Curt Wells, former colleague at TIG

“When I became IT Director here in 2007, I was in a position to establish new relationships with vendors based on my assessment of which would best benefit our organization. In a very short time Ray proved to me through his actions that he was very dependable, knowledgeable and trustworthy. His responsiveness, technical expertise, sensitivity to our company's needs and willingness to share knowledge make Ray an extremely valuable asset in our technological bag of tricks.” -Geoffrey Singer, Director of IT, former client at Relational Investors

“I've had the honor of knowing Ray for 10 years. Ray is a brilliant engineer, a true visionary, and a top notch person. Ray provides an example, both professional and personal, which inspires all those around him. Frankly he does not need my recommendation, but I offer my highest.” -John Gharineh, friend and mentor, Tele-Express Business Systems