James A. Coleman
Certified Cybersecurity Professional
​
Email:
Location:
Georgia, U.S.A
A Personal Framework
In my pursuit of discovering my "why," I've identified a compelling personal framework rooted in my three core passions: Technology, Knowledge, and Security. When applying this framework to my work experience, you will see that each role served as a stepping stone leading me to a field that would be the perfect arena for me to harmonize and apply these three driving forces. That field is Cybersecurity. My resume is available for download that contains specific details, but here I wanted to share what I learned, skills I developed in each role, and my success in each opportunity.
Experience
January 2024
November 2023
December 2022 - July 2024
August 2021 - December 2022
May 2021
June 2020 - November 2020
May 2019 - May 2021
January 2018 - September 2018
October 2011 - January 2018
September 2008 - October 2011
FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS): ICS-100c Certification.
I wished to understand more about incident management and how it could apply to cybersecurity.
CompTIA Security+ Certification.
I acquired this certification in less than 60 days of self-study.
IT / Network Support Technician - Forsyth County Schools
Managed multi-site IT system support and equipment deployment impacting over 500 employees. Accountable for providing additional layers of network security to safeguard sensitive data against sophisticated cyber threats. Implemented and configured multi-factor authentications (MFA) ensuring enhanced security protocols meet the school district’s rigid requirements.
Autotech Level II - Best Buy/Geek Squad
As a technician, I focused on providing skillful and secure installations of automotive technology, including telematic systems and Internet of Things (IoT) technology. I made myself available to share my knowledge by training and onboarding new technicians and providing technical support across the company. I obtained contracts from high-end clients by building strong relationships and demonstrating a level of dependability and skill not expected within the department or organization.
Graduated - University of North Georgia
B.S. in Criminal Justice & Intelligence. 3.9 GPA, Summa Cum Laude. Focus areas of the degree included intelligence analysis, criminal analysis, investigations, and technical writing. While attending, I was invited into the Criminal Justice Society. In my final year, I was selected to be Vice President. We developed a project on the Wayne Williams serial murder case which earned an invitation to CrimeCon in Orlando, Florida. My contribution to the project was analytics on the geographical data to create a geographical profile.
Field Supervisor - U.S. Census Bureau
(Position eliminated due to operation being dissolved)
This position required quickly learning the information, processes, and tools required to successfully collect data for the Decennial Census. From there, that information was to be taught to field enumerators within your team. Because of aptitude of acquiring the knowledge and being able to disseminate the information quickly, I went from not only training my direct team, but the entire North Georgia enumeration team. I was given over $100,000 of field assets to be deployed to the field teams, and asked to train them on the usage as well. Training included how to use tools, best practices for engaging citizens, and how to properly handle PII. After initial in-person training, all work was conducted remotely, using MDM when needed. Because 100% closure rates were imperative to Bureau goals, I actively sought out-of-the-box open source research methods to find and contact individuals for data collection. My methods earned me a special assignment in a region that was unable to have data collected in the standard procedure, requiring me to design a systematic and unique approach to the zone. Because of my knowledge base and intellectual approach, I was open used as a point of contact for other supervisors requiring assistance.
Enrolled at University of North Georgia
Full-time student pursuing Bachelor's degree.
Lifestyles Supervisor - Best Buy/Geek Squad
(Position eliminated due to corporate restructure)
I took over leadership of a struggling department and applied my same process for success. The department was averaging a bottom 1/3 performance month to month when I took over. Within a few months, the department saw rapid improvement peaking to a top 50 performance company wide. The secret to the success was the power of people and technology. I again dug deep into business performance metrics to identify areas of opportunity. Because I was unfamiliar with the products sold in the department, I leveraged both internal and external experts to help train myself and others within the department. I developed best practices with the department, while the experts taught specific knowledge. I developed a passionate team by understanding the drive and desires of each member, and sought team building activities outside the provided options within the store. This led to multiple district accolades won by team members, and later promotions for them. I was accepted by and completed a competitive leadership program, designed to prepare future next-level leaders in the district.
Mobile Electronics Supervisor - Best Buy/ Geek Squad
I started with Best Buy as a seasonal computer associate, but my drive for success and ability to learn on the fly secured a permanent position. Within six months I was promoted to leadership of a technical role that I had very little experience with. Here I acquired advanced industry certifications on my own time, and built relationships with vendors, eventually allowing me access to alpha and beta level software for installations. Because of my technical skills and the ability to share this knowledge tactfully, I was asked to onboard new technicians across two districts in installation skills, best practices, and safety compliance. I harnessed available business data to strengthen behaviors that lead my department to a top 10 company wide finish in a fiscal year, while continuing to develop the district's talent pool.
Store Associate - Radioshack
My first job in high school. I wanted something challenging, and educational. It was here I first learned about basic electrical components, and how to use them. A retired Lockheed-Martin employee would stop by on the weekends to teach me. I took on any job the owner would let me, including, in-home A/V setups, computer troubleshooting, and network installations. All of it, including building my own PC, was learned on the fly and through the use of manuals. Youtube was barely around back then!
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