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Damon Henderson

Senior DevOps/SRE Architect | Observability & Performance Engineering Specialist

📧 ddigitech@gmail.com | 📱 608.282.5491
🔗 LinkedIn | 💻 GitHub: ddigitech

Professional Summary

Senior DevOps/SRE Architect with 20+ years of experience in complex cloud platforms, observability, and performance engineering. Proven expertise in enterprise-scale migrations, monitoring solutions (Dynatrace, Datadog, AppDynamics, Splunk), and infrastructure automation. Specialized in Oracle HCM, SAP environments, and legacy system modernization including COBOL/mainframe migrations.

Core Competencies:

Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure, GCP - multi-cloud architecture and migration
Monitoring Tools: Dynatrace, Datadog, AppDynamics, Splunk, New Relic, Grafana, OpenTelemetry
Container/Orchestration: Docker, Kubernetes, microservices architecture
Automation: Terraform, Ansible, Jenkins, GitHub Actions, Python scripting
Application Servers: WebLogic, WebSphere, Tomcat, JBoss
Legacy Systems: COBOL development, mainframe migration, InterSystems Caché/IRIS

Technical Certifications

Cloud & Observability:

Python Django Development | Observability Administration | OpenTelemetry
AWS Cloud Computing | Microservices & Serverless Architecture
Grafana Certified | AppDynamics Administrator

Full-Stack Development:

Python for AI Development | JavaScript/HTML5/CSS3/React.js
MERN Stack Development | Node.js/Express Backend Development

Networking & Infrastructure:

Cisco Certified Network Associate 2.0 | Riverbed Certified Solutions Professional
SilverPeak SD-WAN Administrator | Oracle Fusion Middleware Administration

Specialized:

Dynatrace Full-Stack Monitoring | Blockchain/Solidity Development
IBM WebSphere Administration | Sun Certified Solaris Administrator

Professional Experience

5/3 Bank - Dynatrace/SRE Observability Consultant

January 2025 - April 2025

Led enterprise-wide Dynatrace deployment and AI-driven observability implementation for Oracle HCM cloud migration initiative.

Key Achievements:

Architected comprehensive Dynatrace monitoring across Oracle HCM environments, on-premise systems, and multi-cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP)
Designed executive dashboards tracking Oracle HCM performance metrics (payroll cycles, talent management modules) with 40% improvement in visibility
Implemented automated monitoring of Oracle HCM cloud migrations using Python/PowerShell scripting, reducing manual effort by 60%
Collaborated with Oracle HCM functional teams to ensure observability of critical business processes during cloud transitions
Utilized Dynatrace Davis AI and Smartscape dependency mapping to identify HCM-specific bottlenecks and optimize performance by 35%
Created comprehensive documentation and training materials for Oracle HCM monitoring patterns and SLA tracking

Technical Environment: Dynatrace, Oracle HCM Cloud, AWS/Azure/GCP, Python, PowerShell, Docker/Kubernetes

Techezee IT - AWS Systems Integration Specialist

June 2024 - December 2024

Orchestrated large-scale legacy system migration to AWS with focus on database modernization and comprehensive monitoring implementation.

Key Achievements:

Database Migration Excellence: Migrated 100+ legacy systems to AWS RDS/Aurora PostgreSQL with 30% performance improvement and zero data loss
Security Implementation: Deployed SSL/TLS encryption, IAM authentication, and fine-grained access controls, reducing security vulnerabilities by 40%
Automation & Monitoring: Established automated backup/disaster recovery with CloudWatch monitoring, decreasing downtime by 25% and MTTR by 30%
Performance Optimization: Implemented parameter tuning and auto-scaling strategies, increasing operational efficiency by 35%
Multi-Platform Integration: Configured comprehensive Datadog monitoring across AWS services (EC2, ECS, EKS, Lambda) with custom dashboards and intelligent alerting

Datadog Administration Highlights:

Integrated multi-account AWS environments with automated resource tagging and centralized observability
Deployed Lambda log forwarders for CloudWatch/S3 to Datadog integration
Created executive-level dashboards for infrastructure metrics and cost optimization
Implemented automated Datadog API key rotation using AWS Secrets Manager

Jira Administration:

Configured enterprise Jira workflows, custom fields, and automation rules improving team productivity by 45%
Integrated Jira with development tools (GitHub, Jenkins, Dynatrace) for end-to-end traceability
Managed user accounts and permissions ensuring compliance with organizational policies

Technical Environment: AWS (RDS, Aurora, EC2, ECS, EKS, Lambda), PostgreSQL, Datadog, CloudWatch, Terraform, Python, Jira

Centene Corporation - Senior SRE/DevOps Architect

June 2022 - February 2023

Led enterprise observability strategy for large-scale SRE team (75-100 members), implementing comprehensive monitoring across Datadog, Dynatrace, and Splunk platforms.

Major Accomplishments:

Observability Leadership:

Aligned 200+ microservices with corporate monitoring strategies, reducing MTTD by 35%
Orchestrated Dynatrace instrumentation deployment reducing troubleshooting time by 40%
Designed 15+ executive Datadog dashboards featuring SLI/SLO tracking and real-time KPIs

Advanced Datadog Implementation:

APM Integration: Deployed distributed tracing across 200+ microservices, reducing debugging time by 50%
Infrastructure Monitoring: Configured monitoring for 500+ hosts across multi-cloud environments
Synthetic Monitoring: Implemented proactive user journey monitoring, achieving 99.9% uptime visibility
Machine Learning Integration: Deployed Datadog Watchdog for automatic anomaly detection with custom Python reporting scripts

Automation & Performance:

Developed JavaScript/Python automation scripts reducing manual interventions by 60%
Integrated Datadog monitoring into CI/CD pipelines with automated deployment validation
Implemented LoadRunner/Grinder performance testing with Datadog RUM analysis, improving application response times by 25%

Cloud Migration & Optimization:

Led multi-cloud migration projects with unified Datadog monitoring strategy
Implemented cost optimization strategies identifying $2M+ in annual savings opportunities
Managed hybrid environments with 40% improvement in system scalability

Technical Environment: Datadog, Dynatrace, Splunk, Python, JavaScript, GitHub Actions, Ansible, Terraform, LoadRunner, AWS/Azure/GCP

IBM/United Healthcare (Optum) - DevOps Architect/SRE Engineer

January 2022 - June 2022

Led critical corporate initiative migrating from on-premises/AWS to consolidated Azure cloud environment with comprehensive observability implementation.

Key Achievements:

Observability Excellence: Implemented comprehensive Dynatrace instrumentation with OpenTelemetry architecture, reducing MTTD by 40%
Performance Engineering: Established Golden Signals and KPIs improving system reliability by 30%
CI/CD Optimization: Designed Jenkins pipelines increasing deployment frequency by 50% while maintaining stability
High Availability: Engineered Docker-based WebLogic HA clusters improving uptime by 25%
Predictive Analytics: Implemented machine learning for predictive analysis with 85% accuracy in system issue forecasting
Load Balancing: Architected F5 GTM strategies optimizing traffic distribution and improving performance by 20%

Jira Administration Excellence:

Configured advanced automation rules and workflow optimization across multiple teams
Integrated Jira with CI/CD tools and monitoring platforms for complete traceability
Delivered custom executive dashboards and comprehensive team training

Technical Environment: Dynatrace, OpenTelemetry, Jenkins, Docker, WebLogic, F5 GTM, Azure, Python, Splunk SignalFX, Kubernetes, MongoDB

AIG - Performance Architect/Infrastructure Engineer

September 2020 - September 2021

Specialized in SAP environment monitoring and performance optimization using AppDynamics and comprehensive observability solutions.

SAP Monitoring & Observability Leadership:

End-to-End SAP Monitoring: Deployed AppDynamics agents for SAP application servers, ABAP code, and database query monitoring
Performance Analysis: Monitored critical SAP components (IDocs, DB locks, work processes, RFCs) with dynamic baseline anomaly detection
Business Process Optimization: Tracked Order-to-Cash and Procure-to-Pay processes with automated root cause analysis
Cloud/Hybrid Support: Monitored SAP workloads across on-premises and cloud environments during S/4HANA migrations
Security & Compliance: Implemented AppDynamics Secure Application for threat protection and regulatory compliance

Daily Administration Excellence:

Managed SAP system health monitoring, batch job oversight, and performance metric analysis
Implemented centralized monitoring dashboards with automated alerting and remediation workflows
Conducted proactive capacity planning using historical data and load test results

Technical Environment: SAP HANA, S/4HANA, AppDynamics, Solution Manager, ABAP, PostgreSQL, AWS/Azure

IBM/U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service - APM/NPM SME

March 2018 - September 2020

Provided critical support for USDA network and application infrastructure with focus on cloud migration and performance analysis.

Key Responsibilities:

Cloud Migration Leadership: Validated infrastructure changes and led services migration from data center to cloud
Performance Engineering: Conducted comprehensive analysis of WebLogic, .NET, JBoss, Tomcat, and WebSphere applications
Monitoring Solutions: Designed Splunk dashboards for appliance and server log monitoring with API integrations
Multi-Cloud Expertise: Deployed complex infrastructures across Azure, AWS, and GCP
Automation Excellence: Implemented CI/CD pipelines using Selenium testing and Jenkins deployment tools
Network Analysis: Performed network packet performance analysis and SAN performance optimization

Technical Environment: Splunk, Terraform, Docker, ReactJS, Selenium, Jenkins, Riverbed Suite, AppDynamics, Elasticsearch, GitHub, VMware

Geode Services (UK) - APM/NPM SME

February 2017 - March 2018

International consulting role implementing APM/NPM solutions for global clients with focus on proactive monitoring and performance optimization.

Key Achievements:

Client Portal Development: Created ReactJS and Angular-based monitoring portals
Multi-Platform Implementation: Deployed Dynatrace, AppInternals, New Relic, AppDynamics, DataDog, and Aternity solutions
Network Monitoring: Implemented NPM strategies with Live Action, Accedian SkyLight, and Riverbed products
Data Analytics: Migrated application metrics to MongoDB for big data analytics
Performance Analysis: Conducted Java/.NET application analysis with comprehensive database performance tuning

Technical Environment: ReactJS, Angular, MongoDB, Dynatrace, New Relic, AppDynamics, Riverbed Suite, Docker, VMware

Opsvision LLC (Germany) - APM/NPM SME

February 2016 - February 2017

International consulting focused on Riverbed product implementation and complex network/application troubleshooting.

Responsibilities:

Designed comprehensive monitoring dashboards and proactive solutions
Conducted performance analysis for Java/.NET applications and J2EE servers
Implemented SteelScript integration for NMS system migrations
Provided network packet analysis and performance optimization recommendations

Technical Environment: Riverbed SteelScript, NetProfiler, AppResponse, Wireshark, Splunk, Ansible, AWS

Riverbed Technologies - Sr. Application & Network Performance Engineer

March 2012 - February 2016

Core engineering role providing enterprise-scale application and network performance analysis with comprehensive technology stack management.

Major Responsibilities:

Cloud Migration Validation: Analyzed infrastructure changes and cloud migration impacts
Comprehensive Monitoring: Designed Splunk dashboards with API integrations for user management
Multi-Platform Analysis: Conducted performance analysis across Java, .NET, and various application servers
Infrastructure Management: Maintained Unix, Linux, Windows servers with comprehensive performance tuning
Database Optimization: Performed RDBMS and SAN performance analysis with optimization recommendations

Technical Environment: Riverbed Suite, Splunk, Java, .NET, WebLogic, WebSphere, Oracle, PostgreSQL, AWS, Docker, Ansible

cPanel Inc. - Sr. Systems Analyst

January 2009 - January 2012

Linux/FreeBSD infrastructure management with high availability focus for customer services and global server synchronization.

Key Achievements:

High Availability Management: Maintained customer update and licensing services with minimal downtime
Automation Excellence: Implemented CFEngine configurations for automated host management
Security Implementation: Managed anti-virus, intrusion detection, and vulnerability remediation
Directory Services: Implemented LDAP user management with RedHat Directory Server
Performance Optimization: Created Nagios monitoring with MySQL distributed environment management

Technical Environment: Linux, FreeBSD, CFEngine, MySQL, Nagios, Apache, OpenQRM, VMware, LDAP

EnTech Solution/Barclays Card Services - Migration Consultant

August 2008 - October 2008

Led critical Solaris to AIX migration project with zero downtime achievement.

Project Success:

Migration Excellence: Successfully migrated 100 systems from Solaris to Linux/AIX configuration
Performance Optimization: Provided comprehensive AIX/Linux tuning services
Infrastructure Implementation: Built VMware Linux infrastructure with SOA configuration
High Availability: Configured AIX HACMP and Oracle 10g RAC environments

Technical Environment: AIX, Linux, Oracle RAC, WebLogic, VMware, IBM PowerVM, Active Directory

MEDecision Inc. - Sr. Infrastructure Architect/Hosting Manager

March 2004 - June 2007

Led hosting initiatives bringing 18 Blue Cross organizations online while managing 10-person team (5 Java developers, 5 System Administrators).

Leadership Achievements:

Business Success: Led the single profitable business segment for 2005-2006
Team Management: Successfully managed cross-functional team delivering hosted care management solutions
Legacy System Expertise: Maintained COBOL programming and mainframe-to-distributed migration planning
Build Engineering: Automated software build/deployment pipelines with comprehensive CI/CD systems
InterSystems Administration: Managed MUMPS, Caché, and IRIS installations with performance optimization

Technical Environment: InterSystems Caché/IRIS, COBOL, MUMPS, WebSphere, WebLogic, JBoss, AIX, EMC CLARiiON, IBM p-series

Education

Bachelor of Science - Cloud Full Stack Development
Thomas Edison University, 2024

Interactive Multimedia Technologies
University of Delaware, 1995

High School Diploma
Laurinburg Institute, Laurinburg NC, 1991

Key Projects & GitHub Repositories

Codex - Lightweight Coding Agent
Terminal-based coding agent for automated development tasks

Dynatrace Predict
Predictive analytics integration with Dynatrace monitoring platform

References available upon request

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