Resume
Thor G. Draper Jr
Professional Summary
Cybersecurity professional with a dynamic career trajectory that began in sales, advanced through management, branched into entrepreneurship, and culminated in a focus on IT. Developed a profound interest in IT, not only as a tool for future-proofing career but also to complete academic qualifications.
Early career stages were dedicated to networking in both on-premises and cloud settings, coupled with teaching cybersecurity fundamentals to individuals embarking on career changes. Actively seeking roles that merge a strong aptitude for relationship building and presentation skills with opportunities for ongoing enhancement of technical abilities.
Education & Certifications
Degrees
Bachelor of Professional Studies in Applied Cybersecurity
SANS Technology Institute - Spring 2024
Associate in Applied Science in Information Technology, Cloud and Virtualization
Central Piedmont Community College - Fall 2021
Professional Certifications
CompTIA
- CySA+
- Cloud+
- Linux+
- Server+
- Security+
- Network+
- A+
- ITF+
Microsoft
- SC-200
- SC-900
- AI-900
VMware
- VCP-DCV
Cisco
- CCNA
GIAC
- GOSI
- GPCS
- GCIA
- GPYC
- GCLD
- GCIH
- GSEC
- GFACT
- GISF
Professional Experience
Sr. Security Solution Engineer
Microsoft Corporation | April 2024 - Present
The Security Specialist is focused on the full security stack for the Modern Workplace suite. Encompassing Protection, Detection and Remediation of security vulnerabilities and ensuring data retention and loss prevention for US Healthcare payors, providers and Life Sciences organizations. The role provides Pre-Sales technical support to enable customers and partners to architecture, develop, deploy and use our identity and security solutions.
Azure Network Support Engineer, ARR
Microsoft Corporation | April 2021 - March 2024
In the Rapid Response team at Microsoft Corporation, played a key role in supporting and managing 18 IaaS technologies in Azure, focused on rapidly addressing critical severity situations and managing service request backlogs. As ARR Team Lead, was instrumental in coordinating with teams to proactively review Azure’s architecture and security posture. Enhanced skills in client-facing interactions, effectively conveying and implementing Azure’s best operational and security practices. Proactively guided clients in their Azure journey, ensuring optimal use of tools like Microsoft Sentinel and Log Analytics.
Prided in delivering exceptional customer experiences and preemptively assisting peers. Beyond formal job responsibilities, engaged with the IT community in Charlotte by organizing mentoring events for students and hosting educational events at the Charlotte campus, enriching the local IT industry through roles such as the ISSA education director.
Cyber Security Instructor
Trilogy Education | January 2020 - March 2024
At Trilogy Education, served as a cybersecurity instructor, playing a crucial role in shaping the next generation of IT professionals. Delivered hands-on teaching in areas such as Windows/Linux administration, ethical hacking, and SIEM management, equipping students for real-world challenges. This contribution to education was recognized with top accolades, including the highest Net-promoter score in 2020. Additionally, this role enhanced consulting skills at Microsoft, fostering a rich exchange of theoretical and practical knowledge.
Information Systems Engineer
Biz Technology Solutions | November 2020 - May 2021
At Biz Technology Solutions, led client communications for on-premises to cloud migrations across various sectors, including healthcare and real estate. Demonstrated expertise in using PowerShell for identifying synchronization issues and corrupted profiles. Conducted initial network audits in the capacity of a sales engineer, focusing on identifying technological gaps and arranging follow-up appointments to secure prospective clients. Routinely handled tier-two client issues, showcasing problem-solving skills and technical proficiency.
Network Administrator
Nucentric Solution | January 2020 - December 2020
At Nucentric Solutions, held multiple positions and received three promotions, a testament to exceptional performance and dedication. Recognized for actively pursuing certifications and using a home lab to simulate production environments. Demonstrated expertise in deploying ESXi and Hyper-V environments, along with developing PowerShell scripts and modules to automate administrative tasks, enhancing operational efficiency.
Technical Account Manager (NC/SC/VA)
G-Net Solutions Inc. | July 2019 - January 2020
At G-Net Solutions, Inc, specialized in Aternity from Riverbed, playing a key role as a VAR (value-added reseller) sales representative. Responsibilities included identifying and closing business opportunities, coupled with providing technical guidance on best practices for deployment and integration into client environments.
Additional Experience
Entrepreneurship & Leadership
Owner, Stay Fit CLT | 2020
Founded and operated fitness facility in Charlotte before successful exit to escape-room operator.
Mid-market Consultant, Paychex | 2019 - 2020
Specialized in payroll solutions for small and medium businesses.
Branch Manager, Enterprise Rent-A-Car | 2013 - 2019
Managed operations at largest non-airport location, focusing on customer experience excellence.
Military Service
E-4 Infantryman, Army National Guard | 2010 - 2016
Developed leadership, teamwork, and resilience skills through military service.
Special Roles & Recognition
Apprentice Handler
SANS Internet Storm Center | 2023
The role of an ISC handler is to deploy DShield sensors and web application honeypots to continually monitor. The data is processed, interpreted, analyzed and very quickly reported to the global information security community. The handlers effectively write and communicate about the issues seen in the data and turn them into short blog post write ups, “diaries”. View ISC Diary Archive.
Core Competencies
Cloud & Infrastructure
- Microsoft Azure
- Microsoft Sentinel
- Log Analytics
- ESXi & Hyper-V
- Cloud Migrations
Security
- Threat Hunting
- SIEM Management
- Ethical Hacking
- Security Architecture
- Incident Response
Leadership & Communication
- Technical Training
- Customer Relations
- Team Leadership
- Sales Engineering
- Community Engagement
Technical Skills
- PowerShell Scripting
- Windows/Linux Administration
- Network Architecture
- Automation & Scripting
- Problem Solving