Avron Gray

Experience

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  Duffoto Process Company Ltd

  Jan 1990 - Jan 1994

  Desktop Publishing Specialist

  Maintained the network infrastructure of a mixed Macintosh, PC, and UNIX environment. Assisted with the implementation of OPI process and technology to address network bandwidth limitations faced when working with large digital images.Performed desktop publishing roles - primarily as the "runout operator". Repaired / rebuilt files that proved difficult for the technology in use to properly render - occasionally hand editing PostScript files. Became intensely familiar with most desktop publishing software. Show less

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  Cornerstone Communications Society

  Sept 1990 - Oct 1995

  IT Consultant / Sr. Computer Skills Instructor

  Developed and implemented technology plan. Defined policies for resources utilization and configuration. Developed a computing environment that was reliable and effective. Utilized diskless workstations running Windows 3.11 on LanTastic.As Senior Computer Skills Instructor, provided students with the skills required to re-enter the workforce. Worked closely with project manager to ensure that the individuals received the skills that they required to complete other portions of their training at the appropriate times. Show less

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  The Calgary Sun

  Jan 1994 - Jan 1997

  Systems Support Specialist / Pre-press Assistant Manager

  Senior support role (Macintosh, Windows and UNIX), WAN and LAN network administration.Developed training material and provided instruction for users.Designed, implemented and managed the "Service Bureau", resulting in large gains in press readiness times.Responsible for press scheduling for commercial print operations.Assistant manager of pre-press department – team of 35+/-.Responsible for identifying and resolving workflow and quality control issues.Conflict resolution

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  Calgary Herald

  Jan 1997 - Jan 1999

  Systems Support Specialist

  Senior support role (Macintosh and Windows).Developed training material and provided instruction for users as well as coordinating third party training services for users.

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  DMR

  Jan 1999 - Jan 2000

  Consultant

  Served as senior desktop support & MS Access database remediation.

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  Northgate Minerals Corporation

  Jan 2000 - Jan 2002

  Information Systems Manager

  • Developed and managed the IS department at Kemess Mines ensuring high availability of all computing, networking and telecommunication resources• Lead discussions with multiple business units – ranging from Engineering, through purchasing, mine operations, safety, maintenance, et al. Identified significant gaps in operational requirements vs. capabilities. Deployed back-end systems and enterprise applications to provide agility, just-in-time warehousing, safety plans, streamlined purchasing, enhanced communications, and more. Solutions include: enterprise asset management (Maximo), Ceridian insync for payroll and HR, and Oracle financials. Show less

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  CCSI

  Jan 2002 - Jan 2006

  Consultant

  Client: Encana• Provided operational support in a heterogeneous UNIX environment consisting of Solaris, HP-UX, AIX, and Red Hat Linux. Support included, but was not limited to, Apache instances, working with LDAP, and NIS, working with storage team or application teams to resolve client concerns, automount configuration, IPMP, MySQL administration, CGI scripts to connect to database instances, etc. Responsible for effective script writing utilizing perl and other tools to simplify systems administration.• Migrated UNIX servers and services (including infrastructure components) from PanCanadian Place to hosted facility. Worked closely with business units, application owners, network and storage resources to ensure limited service interruptions during scheduled outage windows. Technology used: UNIX (Solaris, HP-UX, AIX & IRIX), Linux (RedHat), Windows 2000, 2003 NIS/LDAP/ActiveDirectory/DNS, ODS/SDS, kickstart/Jumpstart/FLAR, network/routing/virtual interfaces/IPMP/bonding, NFS/lofs/NAS (NetApp) /SAN (EMC), analysis/tuning/sar/*stat/dtrace, VMware/containers, sh/ksh/bash/perl scripting, Veritas tools - Volume Manager/NetBackup, monitoring tools - HP OpenView/Nagios/BigBrother/snmp/nnmp Show less

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  Telus

  Jan 2006 - Jan 2007

  Consultant

  I provided Sr. UNIX and Linux support for their Neteller and Netbanx clients.Technology used: UNIX (Solaris), Linux (RedHat & Debian), Windows 2003, DNS, ODS/SDS, kickstart, Jumpstart/FLAR, network/routing/sunscreen/iptables/virtual interfaces/IPMP/bonding, NFS/lofs, analysis/tuning/sar/*stat/dtrace, VMware/containers, sh/ksh/bash/perl scripting, Veritas tools - NetBackup, monitoring tools - BMC

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  1268976 Alberta Inc.

  Oct 2006 - Jun 2012

  President & Principal Consultant

  Provided consulting services spanning all areas of IT (strategy, architecture, design, implementation, operation, documentation and support).Created process, policy, plans and conceptual solutions that leverage technology to address business needs, as well as managing product and service implementation projects.Developed, documented and/or promoted standards, policies and procedures that conform to ITIL, SOX, NERC CIP, and/or PCI frameworks.Managed and deployed virtualization technologies (VMWare, OVM).Provided mentoring, direction, support and training to UNIX and Linux teams.Managed and leveraged block and file based storage arrays (NetApp, HP). Show less

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  CNRL

  Jan 2007 - Jan 2007

  Consultant

  I was heavily involved in the decommissioning of the Anadarko data centre.Technology used: UNIX (Solaris & HP-UX), Linux (RedHat & Oracle Unbreakable), Windows (2003)NIS/NIS+/LDAP/ActiveDirectory/DNS, ODS/SDS,lvm, Jumpstart/FLAR, kickstart, network, routing, sunscreen, iptabes, virtual interfaces, IPMP, bonding, NFS/lofs/NAS(NetApp)/SAN(HP EVA), analysis/tuning, sar/*stat/dtrace, containers, sh/ksh/bash/perl scripting, Veritas tools - NetBackup, monitoring tools - nnmp

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  Petro-Canada

  Jan 2008 - May 2008

  Consultant

  I provided Sr. UNIX support and analysis for their complex heterogeneous computer network.Technology used: UNIX (Solaris, HP-UX & AIX), Linux (RedHat),NIS, BoKS, RSA, DNS, ODS/SDS,lvm, Jumpstart/FLAR, routing/virtual interfaces/IPMP, NFS, SAN (EMC), analysis/tuning/sar/*stat/dtrace, containers, sh/ksh/bash/perl scripting, Veritas tools - Volume Manager/NetBackup, monitoring tools - HP OpenView & snmp

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  AESO

  Jul 2008 - Dec 2011

  Consultant

  Senior operational UNIX, Linux & Windows consulting servicesResponsibilities include security, administration, configuration management, documentation and performance analysis of UNIX and Linux environments.Accomplishments include the implementation of Oracle RAC, implementation of central logging, Red Hat Satellite Server implementation, external DNS servers, Kerberos upgrades, samba upgrades. Implemented a patch management program, developed and deployed a UNIX/AD Integration pilot project, and developed a web-based dashboard to augment current monitoring tools Show less

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  Shaw Communications

  Jan 2012 - Apr 2017

  Deployed infrastructure services and business functions into AWS, Azure, and Oracle Cloud – enabling greater business agility and improving visibility of costs related to service delivery.Provided guidance to leaders regarding cellphone technologies (physical infrastructure, software, protocols, capabilities, integrations, etc.), to enable effective conversations for senior leaders during decision making re: cellphone technology viability.Infrastructure architect on Customer Care Call Recording project for Shaw Communications. Heavily involved in all stages from RFP and vendor selection through to implementation. Technical lead for infrastructure services, including integration with telecom systems, sizing of compute, data volume, bandwidth and latency. Worked with 3rd party hosting provider to describe target environment, deploy hosts, and enable vendor to deploy application stack. Identified ports, protocols, and data paths, and worked with security and networking to enable that communication.Solution architect and technical lead on application development project to upgrade and enhance FFM (Field Force Management) tools to track field staffing levels, skills, locations (across Canada), contracts with service technicians, contracts with customers for equipment and channel delivery, equipment inventories, etc. Directed mainframe developers and C# and Java developers to ensure that customer data could be leveraged by new application stack; security team to ensure that privacy rules were being considered; vendors to ensure that the incumbent SaaS services could leverage data, and ensured that custom code would provide the integration between all pieces. Show less

  • Architect

    Jun 2012 - Apr 2017

  • Consultant

    Jan 2012 - Jun 2012
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  A.G. Business & IT Consulting

  May 2017 - May 2020

  Principal Consultant

  Providing consulting services across Canada. Working with large and small business clients in areas spanning enterprise architecture, AWS cloud implementation, infrastructure architecture, process mapping, process improvement, change management, and service management!Current client: AvailablePrevious clients:TransCanada Pipelines (Infrastructure Designer / Architect)• Infrastructure architect and technical lead on project to upgrade legacy application stack and deploy into Amazon cloud. This complex application stack leverages, or is leveraged by, multiple application stacks which are in turn supported and leveraged by multiple business units (distribution, SCADA, finance, IT operations, cloud architecture). Lead consultation with stakeholders and technical resources to align project outcomes and solution with revised enterprise strategy. Provided infrastructure architecture (including decision documents, risk matrices, cost benefit analysis, etc.), modifications to scope and charter, stakeholder validation, et al. Solution implemented as designed, aligning with business requirements, cloud architecture constraints, and operational support considerations. Identified +/-$500,000 cost savings and shortened estimated project delivery by 3 months.Nutrien (Consultant – IT Strategy & Infrastructure Architecture)• Lead discussions with multiple business units to determine interface requirements with IAM (and SAP), security (cardkey access systems, security cameras), telecom and video conferencing in support of new building construction project Show less

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  Nova Scotia Power

  May 2020 - now

  Delivering impactful cyber security capabilities that align with Nova Scotia Power’s long-term architecture to reduce risk and enhance its overall security posture. Leading high-performing, cross functional teams to execute complex initiatives on time, within budget, and with maximum business value. Introducing and operationalizing cyber security capabilities, policies, practices and procedures in the IT and OT environments.Optimizing resources, addressing roadblocks, and balancing technical solutions with business drivers like speed, flexibility, and regulatory compliance. Advancing the organization’s security through innovative solutions and continuous improvement. Responsible for cyber security metric improvements – either directly through program outcomes, or through influence and guidance where ownership lies within other parts of the organization. Show less

  • Manager, Enterprise Cyber Security Initiatives

    Jan 2022 - now

  • Technology Operations Lead

    Jul 2021 - Jan 2022

  • Senior Infrastructure Analyst

    May 2020 - Jul 2021