Open to opportunities

John Zyla

@johnzyla

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Experienced Systems Administrator specializing in Microsoft, VMware, and infrastructure reliability.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek a hands-on infrastructure role where I can lead migrations, enhance reliability, and implement secure backup and monitoring in a collaborative team.

I am a seasoned Systems Administrator with extensive experience managing Windows Server, Active Directory, Exchange, Microsoft 365, and virtualization platforms like VMware and Hyper-V. I deliver stable, secure, and well-documented infrastructure solutions that support business continuity.

Across roles from level-2 support to senior systems engineer, I have led OS and Exchange upgrades, virtual migrations, and SAN and backup implementations while reducing downtime during transitions.

I proactively implement security, backup, and monitoring solutions — including Arcserve, Veeam, Commvault, SolarWinds, and endpoint protections — and have designed encryption and compliance solutions for regulated environments.

I enjoy solving complex infrastructure problems, mentoring engineering teams, and planning migrations and network reconfigurations to improve performance, resilience, and operational efficiency.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Network Support Specialist

Current

Moose International

Jun 2023 - Present (2 years 5 months)

Provided systems administration for Microsoft 365, Azure AD, Exchange Online, Active Directory and VMWare; upgraded vSphere from 6 to 8 and migrated Exchange 2010 to 2019 while implementing a new help desk ticketing system.

Azure Active Directory Exchange Online Active Directory VMware VSphere WSUS Cisco Help Desk Ticketing Systems

Network Engineer

J.S. Paluch Co., Inc

Jul 2019 - Jan 2022 (2 years 6 months)

Managed Active Directory, Exchange, Office 365/Azure and VMware VxRail migrations; redesigned network with VLANs, configured switches/QoS, and led Office365 hybrid and VPN deployments to reduce downtime during migrations.

Active Directory Office 365 Azure VLAN VPN RingCentral

Systems Engineer

Norwegian American Hospital

Jul 2018 - Mar 2019 (8 months)

Administered Active Directory and Exchange, managed server and desktop updates, and performed system troubleshooting and infrastructure maintenance to ensure reliable hospital IT operations.

Active Directory Patch Management Desktop Support IT Infrastructure Troubleshooting

Sr. Systems Engineer

Swedish Covenant Hospital

Mar 2004 - Oct 2017 (13 years 7 months)

Led systems and infrastructure administration, implemented virtualization (vSphere, Citrix), Exchange clustering and backup/encryption solutions, and authored scripts/policies to improve reliability and HIPAA compliance.

VMware VSphere Citrix Active Directory Backup Dell Data Protection Scripting

Network Administrator

J.S. Paluch Co., Inc

Apr 2002 - Mar 2004 (1 year 11 months)

Administered SQL, Active Directory and Exchange servers, performed imaging and deployments, and executed multiple OS and Exchange migrations to improve stability and manageability.

Active Directory SQL Server Imaging Patch Management Troubleshooting Software Deployment Group Policy

Systems Engineer

Alpine Consulting

Jan 2001 - Feb 2002 (1 year 1 month)

Configured and supported servers, Active Directory and Exchange administration, monitored backups and performed server deployments and migrations to Windows 2000 environments.

Active Directory Deployment Backup Windows Server Hardware Racking

Desktop Support Technician

RHI Consulting

Oct 1999 - Jan 2001 (1 year 3 months)

Provided Level III support for user accounts, Exchange mailboxes, file permissions and printer maintenance across 2,000 users and multiple remote sites, and maintained hardware inventory.

User Account Maintenance Troubleshooting Inventory Management Printers Remote Support

Computer Field Technician

RHI Consulting

Aug 1998 - Oct 1999 (1 year 2 months)

Installed network adapters and configured TCP/IP, cable modem setups and client systems across Windows and Mac environments, and provided customer education for connectivity services.

TCP IP Windows 95 98 NT Cable Modem Configuration Customer Support

Level II Technical Support Analyst

Kelly Services

Aug 1997 - Aug 1998 (1 year)

Delivered Level I/II product technical support for PalmPilot software/hardware via phone and email, resolving installation and data issues to maintain product reliability.

Technical Support Troubleshooting Customer Support Installation Email Support

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Moraine Valley Community College

Attended Moraine Valley Community College; coursework and credentials not specified in the provided information.

Microsoft Certifications

Professional Certifications, Information Technology

Holds multiple Microsoft certifications including Azure Fundamentals, MCSE (2003/2000/NT4), MCITP Enterprise Messaging Administrator on Exchange 2007, and MCTS Windows Server 2008 tracks.