Download RESUME Allison H. Sutherland MCSE/MCSA/MCP

RESUME
Allison H. Sutherland MCSE/MCSA/MCP
Career Overview
With over 20 years in the IT industry, I am client-focused, versatile and well-qualified. I am an IT Project
Manager, IT Systems Analyst, Microsoft Applications Architect and Network Administrator who is practiced at
designing and implementing complex information technology solutions to meet business requirements. From
procurement to IT projects completion, I specialize in the deployment of Microsoft infrastructures, video
collaboration, networking and Microsoft Cloud services. I have strong organizational, presentation,
communication and customer service skills.
Qualifications
IT Project Management
I have been a Project Manager for various complex Information Technology Projects, for over 20 years.
My project management tasks for various projects included:
Review business goals/direction/vision and requirements; Identify project (s) scope; Create Project Plans
with milestones and deliverables; Define and Secure project resources and schedules; Create strategies for
project risk mitigation and contingency planning; Direct and prioritize the activities of the technical teams
and manage their project status conflicts and issues; Develop budgets and processes for external service
providers; Review or Create technical and project documentation; Solicit input from Project Sponsors and
stakeholders.
Strategic Planning & Business Analysis
Business Analysis and requirements definition are key success factors in applying the correct technologies. I
have been involved in many IT procurement plans, budgeting, product research and IT planning processes
with various clients for over 20 years that have led to successful IT solution implementations.
Microsoft Infrastructures Implementation
From early to current versions of Windows servers and workstations, I have been involved in many projects
that would include Design, Planning, Implementation, Support and Training for Microsoft infrastructures,
Server applications and Desktop deployments. I have been the Project Manager, architect and
implementation specialist for Data Center replacements, that included: clustered Physical and Virtualized
Windows 2008R2 Servers; Dell Servers, switches and Compellent SAN; Exchange 2010 Messaging; Systems
Center for Management and Deployment of servers and workstations; Active Directory and Group Policy
design and troubleshooting; Microsoft Remote Desktop Services and VPN remote access solutions. Other
projects included Records Management design and Multi-layer strategies for anti-virus and anti-malware
protection.
Cloud Services Migration
I have helped businesses design and move messaging and collaboration from on-premise email servers to
Office 365. Cloud products and services, including Windows Office 365, Intune and Azure are services that
will become key components in Information Technology Strategic plans and my services portfolio.
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Video Conferencing Networking and Management
I designed and implemented a multi-site Tandberg video conferencing solution, including WAN and VLAN
networking and a centralized video endpoint management solution. The video conferencing solution has
helped the customer reduce travel costs and improve inter-branch personnel collaborations.
Networking Design and Upgrades
My Networking experience includes:
• Design and implementation of LANs & VLAN Switches, with fibre optic network extensions
• Planning and Migrating WAN Routers to Cisco devices
• Design and Configuration of Wireless network security
• Remote Access solutions with VPN and Windows Remote Desktop /Terminal Services
• Security Review and Implementation of Firewalls for Internet access and published services
Unified Communications Integration
I have implemented Exchange Conferencing, video conferencing, fax gateways and desktop presence
software solutions. Microsoft Lync and IP Telephony are key elements of my exciting career objectives,
which will merge my messaging and networking skills that I have developed over many years.
Collaboration Solutions
Various projects I have completed included Design, Planning, Implementation, Migration and Support tasks:
• Microsoft Exchange 2010 and earlier versions
• Microsoft Office 365 for email and Microsoft Online services
• Sharepoint Server for document collaboration
• Blackberry servers for email connectivity
• Remote device accessibility – multiple devices configuration including, IPhones, IPads, Windows Phone
and Microsoft Surface Pro
Disaster Recovery Planning and Mitigation
Various projects have included the following activities: Performing Risk Analysis; development of Backup
and Restore procedures with quality technical supporting documentation; Documenting and Testing
Recovery Plans for Business IT Services Continuity and Disaster Mitigation projects.
Systems Management and Deployment Solutions
Performed duties including Project Management, Planning, Design and Implementation of Microsoft System
Center for workstation and server automated deployments, security and virtual servers management.
Customized Training
Various Training projects: Received excellent reviews resulting from Customized Instructor-Led Training for
network and server administrators, as well as end-user Microsoft Office training. Training activities also
included courseware selection, lesson design and preparation, classroom setup, technical support and
coordination of logistics.
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Work Experience
Valhalla Consulting Services, Nelson, BC
April 1994 - present
•
Business Owner, Information Technology Architect, Consultant and Trainer
My computer systems consulting, product sales and training business has been operating successfully since
1994. The focus of my work has been designing and implementing integrated Enterprise server and
network technology solutions for clients. Valhalla Consulting Services is a value-added hardware and
software reseller, which partners with Microsoft, Dell, Cisco, HP and other vendors, to deliver customer
solutions.
Microsoft Workgroup Canada, Inc., Vancouver, B.C.
May 1991 - January 1994 - Achieved above average performance reviews and held the following positions:
•
Program Manager - Program Management Department
Fulfilled project management role for a product development cycle, which included; product design
specification, initiation and supervision of processes, scheduling of tasks and resources, training and
management reporting. (Microsoft Workgroup Canada, Inc.'s Vancouver location was relocated to WA.)
•
Release Coordinator - Testing Department
Defined and managed product release processes. Fulfilled roles including project management, trainer,
mentor, technical writer and quality assurance during worldwide product pre-release/beta cycle.
•
Product Lead, Team Lead and Acting IT Manager - Product Support Services Department
Provided advanced MS Mail Gateway training to Microsoft PSS professionals worldwide. Provided planning,
configuration, administration, management and technical consulting services to customers in the roles of
network supervisors and Mail administrators. Performed IT management tasks for Product Support services.
•
Trainer and Courseware Developer
Developed Courseware and Training Programs for Microsoft technical support personnel. Managed a team
of 6 people to develop and deliver the technical support training program. Delivered the Instructor-led
courses at various Microsoft sites in U.S., U.K. and France.
Consumers Software, Inc., Vancouver, B.C.
April 1989 - April 1991
• Technical Support Representative
Provided technical support and training to worldwide Fortune 500 customers and internal professionals
(Consumers Software, Inc. was acquired by Microsoft Workgroup Canada Inc. in April 1991)
Price Waterhouse, Vancouver, B.C.
April 1987 - April 1989
• Microcomputer Consultant
Consulted with clients regarding microcomputer solutions for their business applications and processes;
needs analysis, recommendations, scheduling, purchasing, installation, training and support. Assistant
project manager and implementer for an in-house Local Area Network. I redefined policies and procedures
for documents, developed new file management system and trained users of the new systems.
Leslie Wright and Rolfe Ltd., Vancouver, B.C.
Dec. 1981 - March 1987
• Marketing Coordinator
Marketed Professional Liability Insurance risks to nationwide insurance companies for customers. Developed
client information and reporting system to track new and existing business contacts. Other positions held at
LWR included Bond Underwriter, Bond Processor, Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable.
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Education
Regularly attend technology Seminars and Conferences, including the Microsoft Management Summit
Proactively engage in professional development, self-study and on-going on-the-job learning for IT
technologies
CCNA - Completed the Cisco Certified Network Associate Course – April 2013
MCSE - Completion of Microsoft certification programs, including: Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE),
Windows Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) and Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP).
Effective Dec. 18/04. Re-certification for current 2012 technologies is in progress.
Northwest Digital, Richmond, B.C. January 1998
Completed Core Technologies of Microsoft Exchange Server
Friesen Kaye & Associates, Toronto, December 1995
Attended the Train-the-Trainer course. Received #1 Rating, excellent instructor. Instructor comments were
enthusiastic, creative, very interactive, good presentation skills.
Microsoft Workgroup Canada, Inc., Vancouver, 1993
Attended several job related courses including: Project Management - Shipping Software on Time, Interviewer
Training, Management Skills and Styles.
Protocol Standards & Communications, Inc. , Vancouver, 1992
Attended advanced technology courses on OSI, X.400, X.25, SNA and TCP/IP.
British Columbia Institute of Technology, Burnaby, June 1988
Completed the Certificate of Computer Technology - Business administration and computer technology diploma.
Niagara College, Ontario, June 1981, 1st year Business Administration
St. Catharines Collegiate, Ontario, June 1979, Completed Grade 12
Community Involvement
Sunshine Estates Water Utility Society, former Secretary/Treasurer - Developed 10 year financial plan
Nelson Curling Club, President, Director, League Organizer – Develop strategic plan and club management
Certificates & Awards
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator, Microsoft Certified
Professional – Achieved in December 2004 (Upgrading certification in 2013)
British Columbia Institute of Technology Management Certificate, Computer Systems June 1988
Microsoft “Climbing High Award” “In recognition of your individual skill, intelligence, determination and team
loyalty.” Microsoft Applications Division 1991
Microsoft “PSS Excellence Award” “For outstanding customer service, teamwork and technical superiority.
Microsoft Workgroup Canada Mail Support Team, Corporate and Product Support Services 1993
Sports and Interests
Skiing, Curling, Golfing, Kayaking, Hiking, Gardening, Scuba Diving, Sailing and raising my wonderful son.
REFERENCES AND PROJECT PORTFOLIO AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
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