JULIAN YATESWORK EXPERIENCE

At the heart of a major healthcare provider's transformation, I designed a private cloud infrastructure spanning multiple US data centers, a venture that transcended technical prowess to become a commitment to protecting the sanctity of healthcare data. I led the development of a hyper-converged infrastructure and a robust virtualization-cluster framework, ensuring the provider remained resilient against economic shifts while maintaining high service standards. This infrastructure was engineered not just for current needs but as a future-proof foundation, adaptable to a range of workloads from management services to high-demand applications.

In a separate strategic initiative, I conducted an in-depth assessment for a leading energy utility company, evaluating their infrastructure and application landscape across five enterprise data centers. The disaster recovery and high availability audit I performed aimed at identifying and reinforcing any weak points to prevent outages and ensure uninterrupted utility services. Meanwhile, for a large financial investment firm, I directed two critical projects, enhancing monitoring systems and leading a data center consolidation that spanned continents, all while managing a diverse team to evaluate cutting-edge solutions. My ongoing journey with Accenture is marked by a relentless pursuit of technological mastery and an unwavering commitment to client success in an ever-evolving digital world.

In an era where digital security is crucial, a specialized team was tasked with a daunting three-week global mission to design and deploy advanced firewall systems to protect a classified network across four strategic national and international sites. The initiative began with the meticulous design and deployment of Palo Alto Networks PA-5260 firewalls configured in an active-passive high availability setup, ensuring continuous protection of the network's integrity, even during potential disruptions. The team further enhanced network security by leveraging the Palo Alto Networks Panorama virtual appliance, which facilitated the rapid deployment of additional PA-5260 firewalls across the sites, achieving a highly standardized and resilient security posture.

Expanding their protective measures, the team also installed four Cisco ASR1001 routers to serve as the primary gateways for the classified network, effectively managing external access and securing internal communications. They established a robust mesh of site-to-site IPSec VPN tunnels to interlink the four sites securely, enabling seamless communication free from external threats. To manage the complex data flow, they implemented the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) and the Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) routing protocols to dynamically control both external and internal IP traffic across the network. This strategic implementation was not merely a technical exercise but a demonstration of profound strategic foresight and technical prowess, marking a significant advancement in securing sensitive data against modern digital threats.

As a Senior Systems Architect with Elevate Technology Solutions at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), my tenure from July 2014 to May 2016 was marked by a series of strategic and pivotal technological initiatives aimed at expanding and optimizing USAID's digital capabilities. I led the design and implementation of a robust Virtual Private Network (VPN) Remote Access Solution, enabling secure and flexible remote connectivity for the agency's global workforce. This project was complemented by my oversight of a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) zero client deployment, significantly streamlining and enhancing user access and experience. I also spearheaded a comprehensive VDI troubleshooting and optimization effort, ensuring high performance and reliability of the virtual desktop environments.

My commitment to innovation was further demonstrated through the creation of the Center for Innovation (CFI) Engineering Lab, a state-of-the-art facility designed to foster technological advancements and collaborative engineering efforts. Additionally, I directed a crucial Enterprise Disaster Recovery (EDR) project, establishing resilient systems and protocols to protect vital data and maintain operational continuity in the event of unforeseen disasters. These projects collectively advanced USAID’s technological infrastructure, reinforcing its mission-critical operations and global development initiatives.

At the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) under General Dynamics Mission Systems in Arlington, VA, I served as the Principal Solutions Architect from May 2016 to December 2017. My role involved orchestrating a comprehensive overhaul and modernization of network security and infrastructure systems both in the lab and production environments. Key initiatives included the design and implementation of Palo Alto Networks firewalls, Cisco Nexus switches, and a secure connectivity framework for endpoints. Additionally, I created secure, compliant templates for major operating systems and deployed advanced VMware NSX security technologies and Citrix-based virtual desktop infrastructure across multiple classified networks.

This extensive project also included the deployment of a range of security and management systems, such as the Cisco Identity Services Engine for robust network access control, Pivot3 hyper-converged infrastructure for enhanced storage and compute capabilities, and Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager for efficient system management. Advanced monitoring and security measures were put in place using tools like SolarWinds and Splunk Enterprise. To ensure high security and compliance, I implemented a two-tier Public Key Infrastructure system, the Department of Defense Assured Compliance Assessment Solution, and the Host-Based Security System. Regular updates and briefings were provided to senior government stakeholders, including the Department of Defense CIO and directors from the Air Force and Navy, ensuring transparency and alignment with strategic objectives.

Navstar Inc., a leader in technology solutions, was instrumental in a significant network and security modernization for the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FINCEN). Embarking on the initiative dubbed "Digital Fortitude," a Navstar-led Principal Solutions Architect and Operations Manager drove an array of sub-projects that significantly upgraded FINCEN's tech capabilities. This strategic overhaul blended meticulous planning with top-tier technical skills, reinforcing Navstar's ethos of innovation and a deep commitment to operational excellence.

The overhaul included a series of technical migrations and security enhancements that marked Navstar's adept handling of complex IT challenges. By implementing leading-edge Palo Alto Networks firewalls and optimizing network management with Cisco Nexus solutions, Navstar fortified FINCEN's cybersecurity landscape. In concert with these enhancements, Navstar orchestrated a forward-thinking redesign of FINCEN's Microsoft Active Directory and conducted rigorous compliance audits, showcasing its proficiency in managing specialized teams and contributing to the national security mission.

In the vast expanse of the digital world, where the twin pillars of security and efficiency tower above all, my journey as the founder and CEO of NetStable, LLC, unfolds—a saga of relentless innovation, unwavering resilience, and visionary leadership. From the vibrant community of Woodbridge, VA, this adventure began in June 2009, a commitment to not just navigate the tumultuous seas of cyber threats but to redefine them, laying the foundation for a future where digital fortresses are not merely shelters but bastions of progress and innovation.

As the architect of NetStable's vision, my role transcends the boundaries of traditional leadership. Here, we don't just respond to the digital era's challenges; we anticipate them, crafting solutions that safeguard our clients' aspirations. Each strategy, each decision, is infused with a forward-looking ethos, ensuring that NetStable stands as a beacon of security, efficiency, and ingenuity in an ever-evolving digital landscape.