Jason Cobden

• An IT Generalist with over 25 years of experience
• Is just as comfortable supporting the technology needs of employees from the front line through the C-Suite.
• Continues learning, not just from traditional sources but also enjoys learning from those he is mentoring.
• Has extensive experience designing and implementing simple to complex solutions ranging from:
  • Microsoft 365 & Azure / Entra management and security
  • Simple POS systems to engineering workstations. Including global deployments.
  • Small Office building to complex Campus Area Networks and SD-WAN deployments spanning the globe.
  • Wi-Fi networks from simple to complex spanning miles of outdoor coverage

Skills

Cloud – Implementation and Management: M365 - Exchange, Security Center, Intune, SharePoint, Teams. Azure/Entra - MFA, Security, Hyper-V, Virtual Networking. Limited Management of AWS 

OS – Windows, Windows Server, MacOS, iOS, iPad OS. Some experience with various flavors of Linux

Server Management – Microsoft Active Directory, Azure / Entra Active Directory & Directory Domain Services, SQL

Networking – LAN, Campus Area Networks, WAN, SD-WAN, VPN, WiFi – Ubiquity, Unifi, Cisco Small Business, Meraki

Project Management – Designed complex systems, Managed teams for implementation of those systems including co-workers, stake holders, consultants and vendors.

Other – If you need someone to design & implement a network and systems in the middle of the forest with no utility infrastructure; look no further.

Experience 

Senior Systems Engineer | Pivot International | Lenexa, KS                                                                        09/2022 – Present

Pivot is an international company made up of many recently acquired companies that needed IT integration to more effectively work together, share data and share resources to reduce IT expenditures.

• Managed an international Meraki SD-WAN network with 15 locations: 7 in the US, 1 in Mexico, 2 in the UK, 1 in China, 2 in Taiwan, 2 in the Philippines. Approximately 800 devices. Implemented Cisco AnyConnect VPN.
• Led efforts to harden the Cloud infrastructure and reduce the number of active security threats.
  • Implementation of Modern MFA and password-less authentication for all users
  • Configuration of M365 Security Center and Azure / Entra security policies.
• Consolidated four M365 Tenants into a single tenant with about 500 active accounts, 10 email domains.
• Implemented Microsoft Azure (Entra) Connect Cloud Sync to sync 5 Active Directory domains user accounts and passwords to a single M365 Tennant.
• Trained IT staff on M365 & Azure AD and assisted with Level 3 support needs as well as created end-user training documents.

Advanced Network Specialist | Ortega National Parks | Overland Park, KS                                            02/2020 – 07/2022

ONP has been another opportunity to stretch and use the breadth of my experience. Starting as a small recently purchased concessionaire operating in State and National Parks. During the challenges of COVID-19 the company had more than doubled in size.

• Established and maintained M365 Tenant, including migration to Exchange Online
  • Migrated all Windows systems to Authenticate to Microsoft 365 for enhanced security, implementing security policies, MFA, Intune Management.
• Designed & Implemented:
  • Nationwide phone system utilizing Microsoft Teams with interactive prompts and voice menus connecting callers to internal M365 Groups and outside phone systems.
  • LAN, WAN and Campus Area Networks in National and State parks across the country utilizing Ubiquity/Unify equipment for Enterprise and ISP networks.
  • Designed and installed systems to provide internet to undeveloped areas. 
    • Used Peplink routers to consolidate multiple cellular providers and satellite at the same time. To provide bandwidth and reliability. 
    • Performed an emergency rebuild and redesign of an outdoor Wi-Fi guest network at beach clubs in Breezy Point, New York servicing 1,800 cabanas consisting of 17 switches, 80 access points and a 1.6-mile Ubiquity Air Fiber Link all of which has survived a hurricane and two tropical storms.

IT Specialist | BNIM Architecture | Kansas City, MO                                                                                     05/2018 – 07/2019

Working with BNIM was a phenomenal opportunity for me to learn more about the Architecture industry, experience the applications used and to get to know and work with some amazing people. 

Helpdesk operations supporting about 100 employees at BNIM. Helpdesk operations had been truly unique here because the users are well versed in the computers and the technology they use. Rarely was there a “level 1” type of ticket, most things require some type of research to resolve something truly unique or are a result of pushing aged equipment a little further than it should be.

IT Field Technician | Missouri Department of Conservation | Lee’s Summit, MO                                 02/2012 – 02/2018

The breadth and depth of past experiences were put to the test in great ways with MDC. The role is responsible for the IT needs of 200 employees in fifteen offices spread out over 12 counties as the only IT technician. From setting up waterproof tablet computers in boats to use a towed sonar array. Or creating materials and conducting training classes for various projects and new technologies. I have had amazing opportunities to manage projects, stretch my skills, work with unique technologies and people.

• Support statewide disaster recovery site. SAN, Servers, WAN, LAN
• Consulting with co-workers to translate unique needs of office workers, scientists, educators, retail and first responders into appropriate technology solutions.
• Manage and support regional 2-way radio communications infrastructure for first responders/law enforcement.
• Statewide Audio-Visual modernization and standardization project – Design and implementation
  • Mobile cart-based system - reduced the number of devices per building and saved taxpayer funds while maintaining simple operation. 
  • Auditorium Systems - significant reduction in components resulting in reducing costs, complexity and support needs. Introduced new features to encourage use of Power Point presenter’s view. Prepared and presented materials to executive management to plan for future proofing by utilizing a 4K video wall. Thus, improving usability of system projected to last up to 10 years.

• CompTIA - A+ & CompTIA - Network +
• Apple Certifications - Help Desk, Desktop Technician, Portable Technician
• Joliet Junior College
• Southern Illinois University - Visual Communications