Josh Brade | IT, Admin & Security Portfolio

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I'm passionate about translating complex tech into clear, accessible concepts. With nearly two decades across IT Support, Systems Administration, and IT Management, I built this space to anchor useful documentation, drop troubleshooting tips, and share tech insights. If I can decode it, so can you. Take a look around.

[CORE_OPERATIONAL_COMPETENCIES]

[■] Enterprise Infrastructure & Lifecycle Management
[■] IT Governance, Policy Enforcement & Compliance
[■] Breach Monitoring, Log Analysis & Impact Assessment
[■] Identity & Access Management
[■] Enterprise Systems Administration & Team Mentorship

CRITICAL_DATA_DUMP: SYSTEMS_&_SECURITY_LOGS

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[MAIL]: me@joshbrade.com | [LINKEDIN]: linkedin.com/in/joshbrade

[0x01] Core IT & Admin Toolset

Identity & Endpoint Management:

Active Directory (ADUC), GPO, Local Security Policy, SCCM, BeyondTrust, RustDesk, ScreenConnect, RDP, mRemoteNG

Cloud & SaaS Administration:

Microsoft 365 Admin, Entra SSO, Azure Portal/CLI, AWS Portal/CLI, PowerSchool, Enrich

Infrastructure & Virtualization:

VMware (ESXi), Hyper-V, Proxmox, Unraid, Docker, K8s, UniFi Cloud Controller, SSH, VPN

Scripting & Automation:

PowerShell, Python, Bash, Batch, Terraform, HTML/CSS/JavaScript, jq parsing, API interactions

Backup & Recovery:

Symantec Backup Exec & Ghost, Macrium, Unitrends, CloneZilla, SCCM

Security Frameworks:

CIS Critical Security Controls, OWASP Top 10, MITRE ATT&CK

[0x02] Security Skills (via GIAC Cert Training)

Recon, Vuln Assessment & Exploitation:

NMAP, Nessus, OpenVAS, Burp Suite, Metasploit, SQLMap, Nikto, Nuclei, Hashcat, John the Ripper — developed through GPEN, GWAPT, GCIH certification work

// Note: skills built through GIAC certification labs (GPEN, GWAPT, GCIH, GCFE, GCPN). See CREDENTIALS tab for verification.

[0x04] Mission Records (Professional Experience)

02/2018 - PRESENT

IT Manager & Special Programs Manager

Palmetto Unified School District (SCDOC)

Directing technology infrastructure across 21 correctional institutional facilities while also managing special programs, including post-secondary program data and district-wide technology audits.

Breach Monitoring & Log Analysis: Monitor third-party breaches affecting agency PII, analyze logs for impact assessment, and coordinate remediation with vendors.
Identity & Access Management: Led PowerSchool hosting migration with Entra SSO integration within the Azure tenant, centralizing authentication.
Endpoint Hardening & Modernization: Migrated all district endpoints from Windows 7 to 10 and upgraded lab servers to Windows Server 2016, enforcing compliance via Group Policy. Later built a custom Python GUI to replace the standard Windows desktop environment on student lab machines, deployed district-wide via GPO for a locked-down, purpose-built interface.
Windows 11 Fleet Compliance: Led full fleet replacement and removal of all non-Windows 11 compatible machines district-wide, using PowerShell automation to audit hardware compatibility and drive replacement planning, bringing 100% of endpoints into Windows 11 compliance.
Secure Capital Procurement: Managed $1M+ in USDA and federal COVID grant funds to design, purchase, and deploy distance learning infrastructure on schedule.
System Provisioning & Automation: Built PowerShell automation to image and provision GED testing computers, maintaining 100% compliance across 21 sites.
Application Development: Built a Django-based offline library system enforcing hardware access controls, and developed a custom tool to auto-generate graduation programs from school-provided data.
Web Development: Rebuilt the district website from the ground up using custom PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, then converted the build into a WordPress theme to align with the district's existing hosting structure.
Post-Secondary Program Data: Compile student enrollment data for post-secondary programs and produce quarterly data reports, serving as technical subject matter expert in related planning and stakeholder meetings.
GED Voucher Management: Maintain GED voucher allocation across all sites, ensuring accurate distribution and availability for testing candidates.
Software Budgeting & Consultation: Provide consultation and budget planning for educational software procurement across the district.
Cross-Team Network Security Coordination: Collaborate with SCDC's central Networking and Security teams to maintain site allow-listing and facilitate approval of new sites for district use.
Technology Audits: Conducted annual technology audits across all 21 institutions for the school year, assessing infrastructure and compliance district-wide.

2014 - 2018

Senior Support Engineer

Munsch Network Solutions

Restructured ticketing and billing hour practices, driving a 20% increase in revenue.
Trained and supervised IT interns; 100% went on to industry certification or corporate placement.

2015 - 2016