Resume

Table of Contents

About

Senior Cloud Architect (IT-04) and open source advocate working for the Government of Canada.

Passions include leveraging Cloud Native (CNCF) technologies such as Kubernetes, Argo CD and Cilium.

Highlights

Open Source contributions on GitHub

Senior Cloud Architect (IT-04) at Statistics Canada

  • Managed diverse Kubernetes clusters across the entire Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
    • Currently 5+ years, including critical business workloads running on production clusters.
  • Senior Cloud Architect (IT-04) of Cloud Native Solutions @ Statistics Canada
  • Successfully obtained Authority to Operate (ATO) for the Cloud Native Platform (Kubernetes)
    • Worked with Cyber Security Division and external security vendors to meet stringent security and compliance controls
    • Developed the Concept of Operations for the Cloud Native Platform
  • Secured GCEARB approval for the Cloud Native Platform, ensuring adherence to standardized government architectural principles

Senior Drupal Technical Architect (IT-03) at Statistics Canada

  • Successfully migrated and deployed the Statistics Canada Website onto Drupal
    • Open sourced this work which eventually become the Drupal WxT distribution in use by numerous others departments
    • Demonstrated longevity and resilience, continuously evolving for almost a decade, with multiple successful upgrades and enhancements
  • Successfully launched the Open Government Portal onto Drupal
    • Achieved seamless integration between the project and both CKAN and its underlying Solr layer
    • Ensuring efficient data management and robust search / faceting capabilities

Presentations

  1. Presented the Data Analytics as a Service Platform at Stratosphere 2020

Education

Honors, Bachelor of Computer Science, Carleton University

// September 2006 – August 2010
// Minor in Psychology

I graduated from the Computer Science program at Carleton University, specializing in software and computing with a minor in Psychology. Throughout my studies, I focused on two key areas: human-computer interaction and software engineering. Notably, my Honors project was carried out in the HCI lab, where I developed a mobile app using Cordova that delivered an engaging narrative-based geo-locative storyline that also leveraged QR codes. Additionally, I found great interest in courses such as Computer Graphics and Programming Paradigms, which further enriched my academic experience.

Game Development, Algonquin College

// September 2004 - June 2006

Completed half of a three year program in the game development program at Algonquin College, before I made the decision to transfer into the Bachelor of Computer Science program at Carleton University. During my studies, I delved into subjects such as DirectX, OpenGL, and Object-Oriented Programming with C++, while engaging in projects that involved developing various games. One of the notable projects was the re-creation of a chess game from scratch and implemented both the design and rule-sets.

Language Proficiency

  • Bilingual in English and French (Second Language)
  • BBB assessed by the Public Service Commission

Security Clearance

  • Secret (Level II)

Technical Skills

  • Languages: Go, PHP, HTML, CSS, TypeScript, SQL, C#, C/C++, Python
  • Tools: Git, GitLab / GitLab CI, Helm, Kubernetes, Terraform
  • Frameworks: Drupal, CKAN, Solr, Vue.js
  • Operating systems: Linux (Alpine, Debian/Ubuntu), Mac OS and Windows

Work

Statistics Canada

[2019-11 to Present] Cloud Native Solutions Team

Senior Cloud Architect (IT-04) for the Cloud Native Solutions (CNS) team, specializing in enhancing the Kubernetes-based Cloud Native Platform (CNP) and empowering Solution Builders for greater innovation and efficiency.

Cloud Native Platform:

  • Enhanced the Cloud Native Platform (2.0) through comprehensive architectural improvements and robust security measures
  • Achieved Authority to Operate (ATO) for the CNP and its components by collaborating closely with the Cyber Security Division (CSD)
  • Facilitated independent security audits and penetration testing to ensure platform resilience
  • Led the transition to an updated GitOps deployment model for the CNP using Argo CD
  • Enhanced the security, networking, and observability of the CNP by leveraging Istio (service mesh) and Cilium (networking layer)
  • Implemented a Zero Trust architecture at the namespace level using Fortigate and Azure SDN connector
  • Streamlined security compliance for developers by inheriting security controls from the platform, easing the SA&A process

Advanced Analytics Workspaces:

  • Creation of an advanced data analytics environment on top of the CNP using Kubeflow via Argo CD
  • Creation of custom container images built for Kubeflow providing support for SAS, RStudio, and Jupyter Notebooks
  • Extended the capabilities of Kubeflow by developing custom controllers to enhance automation for ML-related deployments.
  • Collaborated with data scientists and analysts to tailor the environment for specific analytics and machine learning needs
  • Optimized resource allocation and scaling to handle large-scale data processing tasks efficiently

DevSecOps:

  • Enhanced the developer experience for all solution builders through continuous improvements to the CNP, establishing it as the organizational standard
  • Collaborated on DevSecOps-oriented CI/CD pipelines, streamlining onboarding processes and ensuring efficient code integration and delivery
  • Maintained and enhanced automation and onboarding processes for Horizontal Services, including Artifactory, Argo CD, GitLab (CI), and Vault
  • Conducted research on Backstage, progressing towards a self-service developer portal for common tasks to improve developer productivity and autonomy
  • Provided ongoing expert guidance on best practice application architecture to Solution Builders, ensuring optimal design, performance, and security
  • Implemented security-as-code practices, integrating security measures directly into CI/CD pipelines to ensure compliance and reduce vulnerabilities
  • Developed comprehensive documentation and training materials to support developers in adopting DevSecOps practices and utilizing the CNP effectively
  • Leveraged infrastructure as code (IaC) tools to automate the provisioning and management of cloud resources, ensuring consistency and reducing errors

[2018-06 to 2019-11] Enterprise Cloud Services Division

Cloud Architect (IT-03) for the Enterprise Cloud Services Division (ECSD) with a focus on open source and proving how Cloud Native (CNCF) technologies such as Kubernetes can help to improve service delivery for Canadians.

Cloud Native Platform:

  • Built an enterprise-level, Protected B Cloud Native Platform (PBMM) using Kubernetes and CNCF technologies
  • Obtained an interim Authority to Operate (iATO) by working closely with the Cyber Security Division (CSD)
  • Answered hundreds of Security Controls and completed the full Security Assessment and Authorization
  • Created a detailed Concept of Operations document that was shared across many departments
  • Started to plan the organizational structure of what a Cloud Native Solutions team would benefit the department
  • Designed, deployed, secured, and operated Kubernetes clusters across the SDLC
  • Leveraged both infrastructure and configuration as code technologies to enable internal operations

Improved Application Onboarding:

  • Deployed and maintained Horizontal Services such as Artifactory, Argo CD, GitLab (CI), Jira / Confluence and Vault
  • Assisted solution builders on building net new distributed applications adopting DevSecOps and Containerization
  • Provided guidance and application templates for applications across various programming stacks
  • Assisted with the creation, modification, and deployment of applications using tools such as Helm or Kustomize

Knowledge Sharing as a Pathfinder:

  • Presented at numerous government events including Stratosphere multiple times
  • Taught at the Public Service’s Digital Academy a full 2 day course
  • Open Sourced the majority of our work in the GC Accelerators and StatCan GitHub organization
  • Provided ongoing support for any questions asked by departments in Cloud Native development

[2011-06 to 2018-06] Web Content Management System Team

Technical Architect (IT-03) within the WCMS team at Statistics Canada, specializing in open source solutions and playing a key role in the development of the government-wide Drupal distribution known today as Drupal WxT.

Development of the open.canada.ca for the Government of Canada’s Open Data initiative:

  • Integration of Drupal with Solr using Views for an improved search
  • Integration between Drupal and CKAN through REST
  • Creation of interactive components including blog, comments, ratings and app submissions
  • Improve the access to information content and information architecture
  • Server load and performance testing to handle peak traffic
  • Work closely alongside members from TBS and implementing their vision

Development of the New Dissemination Model for statcan.gc.ca :

  • Focus on improving the UX to make finding data on the main portal easier to find
  • Work on enhancing Drupal as an output metadata framework powered by REST
  • Tight integration between Drupal and CKAN through REST
  • Coordination with business clients to integrate the new GIS mapping system

Development and migration of statcan.gc.ca to Drupal:

  • Successfully led the migration of the main website to Drupal and then later to Drupal 8
  • Collaboration with a large team to implement features on both Internet / Intranet
  • Migration of 100,000+ HTML pages into Drupal with markup and data cleansing
  • Implementation of a reliable and secure content staging model using REST and UUID
  • Compliance to WCAG2 AA and Government of Canada web standards (C&IA)
  • Improved multilingual support on both the front / back-end interfaces
  • Drupal bug fixes and security updates along the full SDLC
  • Supported the various theme updates to wet-boew
  • Perform RCA for any system degradations and outages
  • Utilize GitLab (CI) for source code management and CI/CD
  • Development of multiple web applications to support business clients

Open Plus

[2011-03 to Present] Technical Consultant

Technical Consultant for Open Plus where initially my focus was on leveraging Drupal and Solr to craft websites for an array of clients, including government departments. However, my responsibilities have since evolved and now I focus more on the Cloud largely working with Microsoft Azure and integrating modern DevOps practices. In addition I have helped the development of a managed Drupal platform powered by Kubernetes and other CNCF technologies to deliver highly efficient and scalable solutions for the business clients.

Open Source

[2013-09 to Present] Open Source Developer

  • Led and maintained the Drupal WxT distribution, a widely used Open Source solution in the Government of Canada, for over a decade
  • Supported upgrade paths from Drupal 8 to 10 within the Drupal WxT distribution
  • Ensured ongoing compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) AA standards
  • Collaborated with a diverse team of often remote developers, designers, and stakeholders to implement new features, fix issues, and enhance the overall functionality
  • Actively participated in the Drupal community by contributing code, sharing knowledge, and engaging in discussions to improve Drupal
  • Stayed up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in Open Source development, Drupal, and web technologies
  • Mentored and onboarded new developers to the Drupal WxT project, fostering a collaborative and supportive development environment

Awards

Excellence in Service Delivery Award

// 2021

Received the Excellence in Service Delivery Award as part of the Cloud Team in recognition of outstanding service that has enhanced Statistics Canada’s work and reputation amount Canadians.

Employee Recognition Award

// 2019

Received the Employee Recognition Award as part of the Cloud Team for a distinguished contribution to the effectiveness of Statistics Canada upon moving many Production workloads including the main website to the Cloud.

Public Service Excellence Award

// 2014

Received the prestigious Public Service Excellence Award in the Excellence in Citizen Focused Delivery category from the Governor General. The award was a recognition of exceptional contributions to the development of the Open Data platform (open.canada.ca ).

Team of the Year Award

// 2014

Received the team of the year award at Statistics Canada for the work the team has contributed to the Open Data platform (open.canada.ca ) and Statistics Canada’s main website (statcan.gc.ca ).

GTEC Winner

// 2014

Won for Excellence in Public Service Delivery for the Next Generation Open Data Portal. A joint submission between Statistics Canada and the Treasury Board Secretariat.

GTEC Honoree

// 2013

Received an Honoree nomination at GTEC under the category of “Collaboration around a Web Content Management Framework for Government and Public Institutions”. This was a joint submission by Statistics Canada, Canadian Transportation Agency, University of Ottawa, and the City of Ottawa.

Merit Award

// 2013

Recieved the merit award at Statistics Canada in recognition of an exceptional and distinguished contribution to the effectiveness of Statistics Canada

A+ Certified Professional

Years of experience leading to a designation as a computing certified technician from COMPTIA.

References

References are available upon request.