Paul S.

Career Summary: Paul Smith is a versatile server administrator, data center engineer, self-published author, and freelance writer with a proven track record in high-stakes IT environments and creative content creation. His expertise spans independent projects and collaborations with large corporations, delivering results in IT infrastructure management, secure data handling, and award-winning writing. When not freelancing, he focuses on crafting innovative fiction and staying ahead of emerging technologies. As a Systems Administrator: With extensive technical support expertise, I managed on-site data centers and remote servers for KBR, supporting over 1,000 physical and virtual servers on modern Windows Operating Systems (including Server 2008, 2012, and beyond). My daily responsibilities included VM server optimization, backups, email systems, file/print sharing, and hardware maintenance. I also monitored uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), coordinated with facilities teams on HVAC and generator upkeep to ensure data center reliability, and handled HP SAN management, NetApp node installations, and VMware host server setup and support. My focus is on delivering scalable, secure solutions that minimize downtime and enhance performance. As a Data Center Engineer/Work Director: • Managed risks for secure data center access and seamless project execution. • Processed change records, work orders, and requests efficiently within tight timelines. • Coordinated device installations and decommissions to align with project standards. • Collaborated with clients to define and achieve goals, attending meetings for strategic planning. • Scheduled vendor work to meet deadlines while adhering to data center policies. • Completed mandatory corporate training to stay current on best practices and policies. • Communicated project requirements and best practices to teams for optimized outcomes. • Supported multiple platforms, including layer 1 infrastructure, network equipment, and device lifecycle planning. • Handled site discovery, requirement reviews, quote processing, and purchase orders for agile project delivery. As a Fantasy Fiction Self-Published Author: • Self-published 10+ fantasy books, achieving bestseller status on platforms like Amazon KDP, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Apple Books. • Active member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA), with Nebula Awards nominating and voting privileges. • Recipient of multiple writing awards, including SCWC Best Short Story and Fantasia Reviews Book of the Year (twice). • Manages a professional website and newsletter to engage readers and build community. As a Freelance Writer: • Delivered ghost-written business content for diverse clients, ensuring high-quality, tailored results. • Provides author development services, including bios, book/series descriptions, and brand-market alignment strategies to help creators succeed.