Blake Vargen

In this role, I am responsible for maintaining and optimizing enterprise IT infrastructure across multiple environments and locations. Key responsibilities include:
Infrastructure Management: Oversee and maintain VMware environments (Dell and HP hosts), ensuring stability and performance of virtualized systems.
Network & Security Oversight: Administer Meraki stack across remote sites, including firewalls, switches, access points, and security cameras. Support DUO two-factor authentication systems and enforce access control policies.
System Administration: Manage and support Microsoft 365 (M365), including licensing, user provisioning, and service optimization. Handle Azure and Entra administration to ensure seamless integration and secure cloud operations.
Asset & Patch Management: Assist in the implementation and ongoing support of IT asset tracking systems. Conduct regular patch management to maintain system integrity and compliance.
End-User Support & Buildouts: Execute end-user workstation buildouts and maintain inventory of IT assets. Participate in office buildouts and Autopilot deployment for device provisioning.
Telecommunications: Lead VoIP implementations and manage cutovers to ensure minimal disruption and effective communication services.
This role requires a hands-on approach with a strong understanding of modern enterprise IT systems, excellent troubleshooting skills, and the ability to manage projects across multiple disciplines and locations.

Hazardous Materials Response: Certified Hazmat Technician Level 2 with advanced training in identifying, containing, and neutralizing hazardous substances.
Biological Detection Operations: Operate and maintain the Biological Integrated Detection System (BIDS) to identify and assess biological threats in real time.
CBRN Threat Mitigation: Conduct reconnaissance, detection, and decontamination procedures for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents, ensuring safety and mission readiness.
Security & Compliance: Hold an active Department of Defense Top Secret (TS) security clearance, enabling me to handle sensitive information and operate in secure environments.
This role demands quick decision-making, technical expertise in hazardous environments, and strict adherence to safety and security protocols under high-pressure conditions.

Network & Endpoint Support: Delivered hands-on support for client networks, user endpoints, and day-to-day IT operations, resolving issues efficiently and ensuring high availability.
Firewall & VPN Administration: Upgraded and managed firewalls including Meraki, WatchGuard, and Fortigate. Configured and supported VPN solutions (WatchGuard SSL VPN, Cisco AnyConnect) for secure remote access.
Wireless & VoIP Systems: Installed and administered enterprise Wi-Fi networks using Meraki and Ruckus. Managed VoIP systems with Jive/GoTo for seamless communication infrastructure.
Switching & Network Hardware: Administered switches from Meraki, HP, Cisco, and Fortinet, maintaining efficient and secure network traffic flow.
Server & Host Management: Supported both virtual and physical server environments (VMware, Hyper-V, and standalone hosts—HP/Dell), ensuring system performance and uptime.
Data Backup & Storage: Deployed and configured Synology NAS systems. Administered Veeam Backup & Replication to ensure secure and reliable data protection strategies.
Remote Monitoring & Ticketing: Utilized ConnectWise Automate and Manage for remote system monitoring, ticketing, and service management to streamline client support.
Security & MFA Configuration: Implemented and managed multi-factor authentication (MFA), including SonicWall integration, to enhance network security.

Multi-Site IT Support: Provide remote support and maintenance for all IT systems across 7 school campuses, ensuring high availability and minimal disruption for end users.
Network Design & Deployment: Designed, cabled, and installed robust network infrastructures for schools, including Meraki APs and switches, optimizing performance and reliability.
Firewall & Security Administration: Managed SonicWall firewalls, configuring and monitoring to ensure secure, compliant network access across all sites.
Endpoint & Asset Management: Oversaw the full lifecycle of over 2,000 devices across schools—including ordering, imaging, repurposing, and secure destruction—using structured asset inventory systems.
Cloud & Directory Services: Administered Microsoft 365 (Office O365, ECP) and Azure Active Directory for user provisioning, access control, and identity management.
Backup & Cybersecurity: Maintained Webroot antivirus solutions and Acronis backup systems, ensuring robust endpoint protection and reliable data recovery.
Remote Management Tools: Utilized ConnectWise Automate and ScreenConnect for remote troubleshooting, patching, and support, maintaining high levels of user satisfaction and uptime.

Patient Triage & Care Coordination: Assessed patients in emergency scenarios to determine severity and prioritize treatment. Delegated tasks to team members to ensure efficient care delivery to multiple patients simultaneously.

High-Pressure Decision-Making: Maintained composure and clear thinking in high-intensity situations, balancing urgency with accuracy to administer effective medical care.

Pre-Hospital Care: Controlled bleeding, stabilized injuries, and prepared patients for transport to medical facilities. Ensured patients remained stable en route and communicated critical information to receiving hospital teams.

Operational Readiness: Conducted routine checks on medical equipment and emergency vehicles to ensure functionality, safety, and compliance with emergency response standards.

Network Infrastructure & Administration: Managed Server 2008 domain controllers, overseeing DHCP, DNS, terminal services, and overall domain operations. Ensured stable VPN and remote access solutions for secure connectivity.
Exchange & Application Support: Maintained and troubleshooted Exchange Server 2010 to ensure continuous email communication. Supported business-critical applications including Microsoft Dynamics SL 2011 and Microsoft CRM 2011.
User Account & Resource Management: Handled account provisioning, deactivation, recovery, and access controls for network resources. Maintained strict information access policies and monitored file sharing protocols.
Device & Endpoint Management: Oversaw all end devices connected to the network, including printers, cabling, cell phones, and workstations. Deployed and configured new workstations and managed inventory tracking across the organization.
Disaster Recovery & Backups: Implemented and maintained backup strategies for servers and VMs, including failover planning and data recovery to ensure business continuity.
Firewall & Security: Led the implementation of a new firewall and ensured ongoing network health, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and enhancing security protocols.
Virtualization & Uptime: Maintained virtual machines with automated backups and failover capabilities, ensuring minimal downtime and system resilience.
Technical Support & Troubleshooting: Provided day-to-day support for all IT-related issues, responding quickly to user-reported problems and proactively maintaining systems to avoid downtime.

Information Access & Control: Managed user permissions and access across multiple systems to ensure secure handling of sensitive information. Processed data and information access requests in accordance with university policies.
Account & System Administration: Maintained user accounts, including password resets, account lockouts, and access provisioning for various campus-wide platforms.
Learning & Document Management Systems: Supported users on key systems such as Blackboard (LMS), Novell Vibe, GroupWise, and OnBase, assisting with both technical issues and system navigation.
Network & Device Support: Provided hands-on and remote support for workstations, laptops, and Wi-Fi-connected devices.
Help Desk Operations: Utilized iTracker ticketing system to document and resolve technical issues. Worked both remotely and face-to-face with users to address problems ranging from simple troubleshooting to complex system configurations.
Tiered Technical Support: Delivered comprehensive support through Tier 1 and Tier 2 operations, resolving a wide range of hardware, software, and network-related issues.
NOC Operations: Participated in Network Operations Center activities, monitoring infrastructure health and escalating critical issues as needed.
Training & Education: Conducted training sessions for both employees and customers on system usage, new devices, and troubleshooting basics to empower users and reduce recurring issues.

Software & Operating System Support: Installed, upgraded, and maintained operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Provided software troubleshooting and support for antivirus solutions, data recovery, and virus removal.
System Tools & Utilities: Supported critical tools such as GroupWise, PUTTY, Pinnacle, iTracker, FTP, and VPN connections. Assisted users with password resets and access issues.
Hardware Installation & Repair: Performed hands-on hardware support including hard drive, memory, monitor, and keyboard replacement. Built and configured custom desktops and laptops based on specific user requirements.
Backup & Recovery: Executed system backups and restorations to safeguard user data and ensure business continuity.
Mobile & Remote Support: Set up and configured smartphones including email (via Mobility Connector) and mobile apps. Utilized Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to resolve user issues remotely.
Customer & Help Desk Support: Delivered exceptional customer service through phone support, remote troubleshooting, and face-to-face interactions. Assisted end users with technical issues, system configuration, and training on new systems.
New System Deployment: Installed, configured, and delivered new machines, ensuring they met operational and security standards before deployment to users.