Mark Dean Larson

Achievements:

• Setup and tested a POC of the Action1 product for software distribution and patching of the server environment.
• Implemented Action1 to replace Microsoft WSUS for OS and third party patching of the server environment.
• Upgraded all Microsoft SQL servers to version 2019 and standardized the patching process with Action1.
• Upgraded all Windows 2012 servers to Windows 2019 and 2022.
• Vulnerability management across the Windows server environment.

Responsibilities:

• Administration setup and support of all server infrastructure spanning across two hospital ships and the headquarters.
• Administration setup and support of all VMware vSphere infrastructure.
• Administration setup and support of all Azure infrastructure in both US east and France regions.
• Administration setup and support of all Microsoft SQL servers.
• Administration setup and support of all Windows infrastructure and application servers including AD and GPO management.

• Continued providing enterprise Citrix and virtualization expertise to Bluestem Brands through outsourcing transition, maintaining seamless operations during organizational change.

Achievements:

• Orchestrated comprehensive Citrix infrastructure evolution from Windows 2008R2 to 2022 using App Layering (70+ app layers, 2 platform layers) and full stack upgrades (DDC, Storefront, Director, PVS, WEM, Netscalers).
• Achieved 20% memory savings across 50-server XenApp farm through Citrix Workspace Environment Management implementation.
• Architected secure PCI-compliant XenApp environment and deployed enterprise Lastpass with Azure AD federation.
• Modernized infrastructure by migrating thin clients (HP to Dell/Wyse), VPN (Juniper to Netscaler), and profiles (UPM to FSLogix).
• Enhanced monitoring capabilities with comprehensive suite: VMTurbo, ControlUP, Edgesight, EG Innovations, and Netscaler Insight.
• Improved redundancy through ESXi cluster upgrades across multiple blade chassis and TMG to Netscaler migrations.
• Delivered XenDesktop with Netscalers to replace underperforming VMware View in low-bandwidth environments.
• Evaluated emerging technologies through POCs: Amazon Workspaces/AppStream 2.0, Azure Citrix deployment, and VDI migration strategies (XenServer, Unidesk, Atlantis ILIO).
• Led cloud transformation by migrating traditional Citrix to Citrix Cloud (2019 VDAs, MCS provisioning) and transitioning to AWS CVAD environments.
• Optimized operations through PrinterLogic implementation and Citrix ADM deployment for managing multiple ADC HA pairs.

Responsibilities:

• Administration, setup and support of all Xenapp and XenDesktop infrastructure including DDC's, Storefront, Director, Workspace Environment Management, App Layering, MCS and netscalers for a 1000+ concurrent user environment.
• Administration, setup and support of windows infrastructure and application servers including AD 2008R2\2016 and GPO management.
• Administration, setup and support of Dell Wyse thinos configurations for the companies call centers with Dell\Wyse Management Portal.

Achievements:

• Delivered comprehensive Customer Interaction Center VOIP upgrade with virtual and physical server infrastructure deployment.
• Enhanced security posture through Symantec Endpoint migration and RSA SecureID 2FA implementation (Cisco ASA, VMware View, hardware/software tokens).
• Automated helpdesk operations by implementing AD Manager Plus for streamlined account creation processes.
• Modernized infrastructure through Rightfax v9-v10 upgrade and VMware View 4 desktop virtualization deployment.

Responsibilities:

• Managed complete Windows infrastructure stack: AD 2003/2008, Exchange 2003/2010, VMware vSphere, Blackberry Enterprise Server, MS Clustering, SQL databases, RSA SecureID, Rightfax, and Shavlik NetChk Pro patching.
• Administered HP Proliant hardware infrastructure (standalone and blade) for production and disaster recovery environments.

Achievements:

• Architected enterprise legal compliance solution with Symantec Enterprise Vault (Exchange) and Discovery Accelerator for case management.
• Orchestrated complex multi-domain migrations using Quest Migration Manager, establishing separate Petters Group domain while integrating Petters Consumer Electronics into Polaroid domain.
• Delivered comprehensive DotNetNuke 4 intranet solution with custom themes for multiple business units, including admin training for content management autonomy.
• Enabled seamless cross-platform operations by integrating acquired marketing company's Apple Mac infrastructure into Windows Domain environment.
• Designed and deployed complete IT infrastructure for new Petters Group organization, including MIIS and Interorg Replication for enhanced inter-company communications.

Responsibilities:

• Managed hybrid infrastructure: Windows (AD 2003, Exchange 2003, Blackberry, IIS, SQL) and Apple Mac 10.5 application servers with comprehensive litigation discovery oversight.
• Administered complete network infrastructure: Cisco switches/WAPs, Netscreen firewalls, DMZ, SSL VPN, routing, and internet connectivity with full backup/DR management.
• Developed and hosted Petters companies' web applications, ensuring business continuity through comprehensive backup and disaster recovery protocols.

Achievements:

• Redesigned www.fingerhut.com homepage and checkout experience with multiple payment method integration, significantly enhancing user conversion.
• Boosted search visibility through comprehensive SEO implementation: dynamic sitemaps and optimized product pages.
• Delivered personalized customer experience using Offermatica integration for account lifecycle-based content targeting.
• Modernized development operations by migrating from Visual SourceSafe to AccuRev with automated build processes and comprehensive workflow optimization.
• Established enterprise deployment automation for web, phone, and mail order applications, plus DotNetNuke intranet implementation and Linkshare affiliate marketing integration.

Responsibilities:

• Developed and maintained www.fingerhut.com using ASP.NET, VB.NET, JavaScript, and SQL while supporting web, customer service, mail, and phone order applications.
• Managed enterprise development infrastructure: AccuRev source control, Coremetrics analytics, automated build/deployment processes, performance monitoring, and developer workstation environments.

Achievements:

• Rapidly deployed clustered WebLogic infrastructure for www.oldpueblotraders.com eCommerce platform within one month deadline.
• Modernized corporate internet access by migrating from Netscape Proxy to ISA 2000/Chaperon 2000, enabling comprehensive access reporting and content filtering capabilities.
• Led enterprise OS migration from Windows NT 4 to Windows 2000 across multiple eCommerce properties and automated CCMail-to-Exchange transition using KiX scripting and SMS Installer.

Responsibilities:

• Administered enterprise messaging and application infrastructure: Exchange 5.5/2000, WTS with Citrix MetaFrame, ISA/Chaperon 2000, and IIS servers.
• Managed Fingerhut subsidiary websites (figis.com, pcflowers.com, popularclub.com on IIS; oldpueblotraders.com on WebLogic) and automated deployment systems using Ghost, Sysprep, KiX scripting, and SMS.
• Delivered enterprise desktop management through automated software deployment, testing/evaluation processes, and third-level support for all Windows-based servers and workstations.

Responsibilities:

• Provided comprehensive IT consulting services: NT/2000 server infrastructure (domain, file, print), email servers, web development, and network security (proxy servers, firewalls, modem pooling).

Responsibilities:

• Administered hybrid infrastructure: NT domain/Exchange 5.5/SQL servers and Novell systems with comprehensive backup/restore operations.
• Provided technical support for engineering workstations (MS Office, AutoCAD) and managed complete network infrastructure including printers, phones, and WAN connectivity.

Responsibilities:

• Advanced through multiple pre-press operations (proofing, plating, stripping) from entry-level press feeder, demonstrating strong technical aptitude and work ethic that led to IT career transition.