Chris Swanda

Background

About

A consummate, battle-tested technical professional with over 20 years of industry experience ranging across multiple diverse disciplines - from the laboratory to the boardroom - I have the innate ability to discover and realize new opportunities for revenue generation, cost reduction, and innovation for both internal and external stakeholders. By utilizing uncommon knowledge, I am able to deliver exceptional results that go beyond the ordinary.

Work Experience

DevOps Dude, Torch.AI
May, 2022 - Apr, 202310 months
As a skilled DevOps Engineer, I managed the operation of more than 30 AWS accounts, covering AWS Commercial, AWS GovCloud, along with Google GCP. My key focus was on ensuring the highest levels of security and cost control, while continuously removing any obstacles that hindered the organization's potential. As a versatile team player in a startup environment, I played a pivotal role in successfully launching multiple proof-of-concept initiatives for our Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning platforms. My responsibilities included deploying AWS CDK and pipelines for the front-end teams, assisting with rapid prototyping of AWS products such as SageMaker, Lambda, and Step Functions for the back-end teams, and setting up necessary Kubernetes and EKS environments using Terraform and Azure DevOps pipelines for the entire organization. Additionally, I was responsible for administering various platforms, such as OIDC providers, hosted database providers, and NLP systems, to support the business's needs. I effectively implemented cost-saving measures, resulting in immediate reductions in annual AWS and GCP spend, and established guardrails using CloudCustodian (c7n) to secure our systems. As part of my continuous efforts to improve the organization's security posture, I also implemented a Zero Trust Networking proof-of-concept using Tailscale, allowing developers to access internal resources without internet exposure. And I was just getting warmed up.
DevOps Engineer, SelectQuote Insurance Services
Sep, 2020 - May, 20221 year 8 months
Maintained, operated and administered, 8 individual AWS accounts. Major focus is on controlling costs, streamlining networking between on- premise data centers and AWS accounts, simplification of domain and SSL certificate administration and issuance, creating best in practice security procedures surrounding networking, routing and firewall rules for cloud based infrastructure, user administration and access control improvements, automating virtual networks and network environments. Created a virtual desktop infrastructure consisting of +2000 virtual machines supporting annual training for external employees and contractors. This VDI was created in a matter of days, eliminated the need to ship physical hardware to users, reduced business costs and was secured behind a VPN with AD authentication, while still managed by a unified endpoint management (UEM) solution. These VDI's were administered via Lambda jobs to automatically provision and terminate based on AD group memberships. Implemented automated cost savings projects to maintain or eliminate wasteful costs. Created a testing environment to simulate production traffic to capture baseline application performance and pre-launch benchmarking of our name wide products and applications. We have recorded record uptimes across all platforms during seasonal campaigns and promotions, when the systems were experiencing twice the traffic as previous seasons. Implemented and enforced company wide communication procedures using GnuPG to eliminate sharing of sensitive data across communication channels in plaintext. Designed and implemented Wireguard VPN solution to help secure disaster recovery environment. Created and implemented security and cost guardrails using Cloud Custodian (c7n). Future goals are to implement Zero Trust Networking and Architecture as network architecture design decisions are made for future planning.
AWS DevOps, Infrastructure as a Service, Continuous Integration/Development, Technology Strategist, Pinsight Media+ (powered by Sprint), InMobi/TruFactor
Jul, 2013 - Sep, 20207 years 3 months
Administered our AWS infrastructure, that spanned 6 different accounts containing between 300 and 2000 AWS instances and all associated AWS resources to run our development, QA and production service delivery platforms. Created strict cost control measures that created savings in excess of +$1M per year. Designed and implemented a cutover strategy for our lift and shift of on-premise datacenter into the AWS cloud; moving all workflows and >60 petabytes of data. Was instrumental in site selection, design and maintenance of our on premises +600 node Data Management Platform and overall technical know-how for many company-wide initiatives. Created a highly secure and CFIUS compliant virtual desktop infrastructure to allow non-US based employees to perform data modeling on US based data while, ensuring best practices in consumer privacy, with strict adherence to DOJ oversight.
Advisory Board Member, Game Plan Experts
Jan, 2017 - Aug, 20192 years 7 months
Life can change in an instant. Prepare for anything. Your home for useful information, high-quality products and customized emergency planning. We have done the research on all of the tools, programs, and products available so that you do not have to.

The advisory board's mission defines our name's overall strategy and focus and how it aligns to what matters most to our name and our clients.

To solicit feedback and guidance on our offerings, solutions and service levels in order to better meet our clients' needs while co-defining the future of scalable and cost effective growth.

The Game Plan Experts Advisory Board will improve our competitive advantage by serving as a sounding board for Game Plan Experts on subjects including name business strategy, new and potential products and services, and marketing strategies.
On Camera Talent, TV Host - Survival Expert, Discovery Channel - Discovery Communications
Apr, 2014 - May, 20151 year 1 month
On camera talent with my fellow Dudes from Dude You're Screwed.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dude,_You're_Screwed

The show is a competition between survival experts who take turns dropping each other in dangerous areas of the world. For each episode the goal is to find civilization within 100 hours, using only the survival kit provided and whatever they can sneak in with them. Air date was December 2013 and currently re-runs are airing.
Co-Founder and Vice President, The Malawi WiFi Project Inc.
May, 2011 - Apr, 20142 years 11 months
Malawi WiFi Project Inc. is a registered non-profit corporation in the State of Kansas that has applied for 501(c)3 tax exempt status for the limited purposes of bringing wireless internet and computers to the people of Malawi in SE Africa. We are a Christian-based charitable organization focused on developing affordable community-operated wireless networks with access to online educational, medical, and other resources in coordination with people of the Peace Corps and JoinAfrica. We aim to bring doctors to remote health centers, expand the horizon and educational opportunities for children, and train entrepreneurs to build sustainable economic opportunities.
Technology Architect, Sprint
Oct, 2011 - Jun, 20131 year 8 months
Technology Architect for the technology infrastructure partnership between Sprint and Chrysler's Uconnect services and connected vehicles. Provided network, CAN bus, telematics, headunit and NGTP design and support through a collaborative effort among various Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive OEMs. Served as Lead Architect for Sprint Mobile Wallet; a contactless NFC implementation that allowed Sprint wallet work alongside Google Wallet. Worked closely with Sprint internal device stakeholders, external TSMs and payment processors; on standards, R&D, testing and pre-launch strategies.
International Consultant - Global Device Manager, Sprint
Aug, 2009 - Oct, 20112 years 2 months
Created new revenue streams and high margin global partnerships with other CDMA and WiMAX operators, monetizing Sprint know-how and intellectual property. Self driven and self funded cost center with 83% operating margins. Strategically drove the adoption of products and devices, to steer consumer product portfolios and assist the integration of new devices or technologies into global partner networks. Worked closely with device OEMs to develop device roadmaps and created global economies of scale along with Sprint's wholesale and MVNO channels.
Network Certification Manager, Sprint
Nov, 2000 - Aug, 20098 years 9 months
Responsible for a team of 16 engineers for the testing, R&D, Q&A of network certification of CDMA, GPS and WiMAX devices operating on the Sprint PCS network. Over 10,000 test cases were performed manually and automated, on a development cycle, resulting in an increase from 82% successful test commitments to 93% test commitments. Ensured FCC, industry and Sprint compliance prior to consumer launch. Extensive development and network experience regarding over the air provisioning, downloadable content, subscriber devices and RF technologies. Provided the highest level of white glove, personal, one on one customer care for high profile Sprint NFL, NASCAR, media and celebrity accounts.

Skills

System Administration
Scripting Bash / Python

Linux

Datacenter

Security

Cost Reduction
Devops
AWS

Azure

On Prem

Terraform

Kubernetes

Tailscale

Wireguard

CloudCustodian

Volunteer Work

House Captain, Christmas in October
Aug, 2009 - Aug, 2009
Christmas in October is the leading volunteer organization focused on rehabilitating the houses of low-income homeowners in the Kansas City area – at no cost to them. Our primary purpose is to rebuild houses, lives and neighborhoods so that needy families, the elderly, the disabled and the veterans may live in safety, warmth and dignity.
Volunteer, Ozanam
Aug, 2009 - Aug, 2009
Ozanam is part of Cornerstones of Care, a partnership of agencies providing therapeutic treatment services for children and families.

Interests

Cycling
Wilderness Educator
Botany
Open Source

References

Nate Dean
I worked with Chris directly on several occasions as he proficiently worked to set up new cloud infrastructure and DevOps pipelines, as well as debug production issues. He was always kind, patient, and persistent. He is very sharp and could solve complex problems quickly and was always nice to interact with. Chris has a great mix of technical and interpersonal skills and I recommend him highly!
Lance Gliser
Chris joined us at the time we were transitioning from Google, and Kubernetes to AWS native products. Across multiple stacks, vendors, and and toolkits he was an expert I knew would deliver on anything I needed. He asks smart questions to get his context right on what needs done, rather than just the immediate needs. The personality he brought to the group was a huge help through many stressful events. While professionally collected and a bit unflappable, he brings humor and authentic connection. He could make friends with a rock while banging it together to fix a server. If you're lucky enough to have him, you need Chris.
Brooke Bobe
I had the pleasure of working with Chris for several years. Not only is he an incredibly talented technologist, he is great with clients. Chris has helped me painlessly resolve several issues with clients (that were actually on the client side), but he never made them feel that way. He would walk them through resolution of the issue and have them hang up smiling. He's also the type of guy that you want to have around. Get stuck in the elevator? Or run into a natural disaster? Having Chris around means guaranteed survival.
Dragan Davkovski
I had the privilege to work with Chris in the same group and I must say that he is very knowledgeable professional and engineer with broad experience in the wireless industry. Always friendly and ready to help makes him a pleasure to work with. His knowledge and personality makes him a great asset to any work environment. I highly recommend Chris without any reservations.
Raghava Karanam
Chris is one of the best managers I have ever worked her. He is technically very proficient, detail oriented , very outspoken and has excellent communication skills . He is a subject matter expert on telecommunication systems, CDMA protocols and has a vast experience working with handsets. He always encouraged his direct reports to think outside the box and come up with innovative and creative solutions. He is an excellent critic and provides unbiased and prudent feedback. His people skills are amazing and he supports the career goals of his direct reports. I have reported to him for an year working on handset certification, CDMA provisioning system administration and I would, without hesitation recommend him for a senior managerial position. I am very confident that he would be an asset to any organization and is definitely capable of improving the process and performance and transforming the organization in a positive way.
Tracey Feldkamp, MBA, PMP, PMI-ACP
I worked with Chris at Sprint in the STIC lab testing devices going thru the certification process . I immediately was impressed by him from the get go. He is extremely technical, detail oriented and an excellent problem solver. Plus, he's a natural leader with a great work ethic and can-do attitude. It would be a pleasure to work for or with Chris again someday. He'd make a great addition to any team.
Jake Jacobs
Chris Swanda is a top-notch engineer. His dedication to quality performance and his intuitive leadership made him one of the best leaders I've ever had the pleasure to work with and to report to as well. We were colleagues and during that time period he became our lead engineer due to his strength of character and his outstanding leadership skills. He drove others around him to improve and with his engaging personality he made it enjoyable to engage in the most difficult tasks and do it with a smile. I highly recommend his work ethic and him as an individual regardless of the task. He is an asset to any organization and his skills will instantly improve team cohesion and bring a work ethic and knowledge base that is outstanding. No matter the task, Chris is one engineer I would always want on my side to troubleshoot, repair or re-engineer. His dedication is unmatched and his enthusiasm his contagious as well. I recommend him without reservation, no matter the job or task set before him.
Greg Rajkovic
Chris is a versatile individual with strong backgrounds in RF (radio frequency), networking, customer service, management, and certification engineering.

When I on-boarded with Sprint Nextel as a Telecom Design Engineer in 2007, I was immediately floored by Chris's professionalism and expertise. So much so, that Chris effectively proved to be a mentor to me in my professional development without purposefully attempting to do so. Chris has always focused on improving the brand, customer experience, and the products and services we offer.

Since that time, Chris has shown me several things within the name. First and foremost, he holds exemplary knowledge of every element in our lab network infrastructure. Our lab infrastructure is a mirror of Production - Chris's end-to-end knowledge of this has enabled him to spearhead and develop the name's first Customer Experience Test Plan. This test plan has proven to be indispensable; it has been used extensively to find pre-launch issues in our devices and network infrastructure. Since this test plan's implementation, our brand has improved considerably. Our devices have improved, our networks have improved - overall, our customers are very happy; our subscriber churn is the lowest it has been since 2005.

Chris has also proven to be a leader, having been promoted to interim manager in the midst of a name-wide reorganization and reduction in 2008. During that time, Chris radically changed the way we certify and identify issues by working collaboratively with each individual contributor to augment and improve test planning and execution. Since then, our team has functioned much more efficiently - having adopted conventions enabling us to plan and execute concurrently, all while having the independence to do so without being micromanaged. Chris enabled us to understand what we are truly capable of; his positive attitude and drive to improve the brand were quintessential personal aspects of this accomplishment.

Chris's RF expertise is linked to his genuine care for humanity. People depend on their mobile devices to function properly, especially in the event of an emergency. Chris has shown this by focusing on radio integrity and core functions in both device and network. Moreso, Chris shows this on a personal level as well; he has been a longstanding Amateur Radio operator, and has also co-founded the Malawi Wi-Fi project to enable communications for people otherwise without, ensuring their safety and well-being.

It is for these aspects (and countless others) that I recommend Chris for any technological or engineering position, as an individual contributor, manager, or higher - his intelligence shows in his versatility, and his integrity shows in his genuine care for the customer.