Daryl Smith

DevSecOps | Release Manager | AWS Cloud Practitioner

Welcome to my Cloud Resume Challenge (AWS) site.

Overview

What's the Purpose?

Hello, my name is Daryl Smith. I am a senior level IT Professional.

These days I have been met with scepticism about how up to date my technical skill could be at this point in my career. So I decided to take on the Cloud Resume Challenge to prove that I have the skills and knowledge required to work with modern cloud and devop technologies.

This site is hosted on AWS S3 and CloudFront, with an AWS Lambda function using a python script involked by an API Gateway counting visitors and stored in a DynamoDB table, all deployed using Terraform.

Details of the Cloud Resume Challenge can be found here

Code can be found here

Resume

SENIOR LEADER – SOFTWARE ENGINEERING & DEVOPS

Technology leader with 15+ years of experience driving software release management, DevSecOps adoption, and modernization initiatives for high-profile federal and commercial clients. Adept at implementing CI/CD pipelines, microservices architectures, and cloud-first strategies to accelerate delivery and ensure security compliance across large-scale, mission-critical programs. Recognized for building collaborative, cross-functional teams, optimizing release processes, and delivering innovative, scalable solutions.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

• Modernized the DEA’s software development efforts by instituting CI/CD, DevSecOps practices, and microservices architectures across multiple applications, improving release efficiency and cross-team collaboration.

• Implemented automated release and configuration management processes for Fortress Information Security, reducing deployment timeframes while improving the quality, reliability, and security of software releases.

• Led high-impact performance and modernization initiatives for The State of Mississippi's Medicaid Eligibility System, including a 70% performance improvement project that secured the contract and ensured compliance with federal and state integration partners.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

GOVCIO (U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE)

RELEASE MANAGER | SENIOR ARCHITECT - SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT & DEVOPS

Lead modernization of the DEA’s software development ecosystem by implementing CI/CD pipelines, DevSecOps principles, and microservices architectures to drive secure, scalable software delivery. Orchestrate strategic release planning, execution, and risk

• Leadership & Development: Mentor, coach, and lead a team of DevSecOps, Information Systems, Test and UI/UX Engineers.

• Modernized Delivery Ecosystem: Spearheaded the implementation of CI/CD, DevSecOps, and microservices architectures across many applications, reducing release complexity and enabling faster, more secure deployments.

• Strategic Release Leadership: Orchestrated end-to-end release management for high-impact projects, aligning cross-functional teams and resources to deliver enterprise-level modernization outcomes.

• Scalable Framework Design: Developed and standardized release management templates and rollout calendars, expediting onboarding for application development teams and improving process consistency across the agency.

• Risk & Compliance Excellence: Instituted Go/No-Go protocols, automated testing workflows, and documentation standards to enhance release stability, minimize operational risks, and ensure compliance with federal requirements.

FORTRESS INFORMATION SECURITY

RELEASE MANAGER | SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT & DEVOPS

Directed the planning and execution of software releases and integrations for multiple enterprise security applications, ensuring delivery of high-quality, secure solutions on time and within scope. Collaborated with engineering, product, QA, and DevOps teams to optimize release processes, automate workflows, and align technical delivery with business objectives.

• Standardized Release Processes: Designed and implemented consistent release frameworks across applications, improving collaboration among cross-functional teams and enhancing software quality.

• DevOps & CI/CD Enablement: Automated critical release workflows and integrated CI/CD pipelines, accelerating deployment timelines and reducing manual errors.

• Strategic Project Alignment: Defined project goals, milestones, and success criteria, ensuring seamless communication between technical teams, leadership, and external stakeholders.

• Risk & Readiness: Led Go/No-Go meetings and risk assessments, ensuring readiness and reducing post-deployment issues.

IMRI (U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE)

CONFIGURATION MANAGER | TECHNICAL SITE LEAD - SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT & DEVOPS

Guided configuration and change management for the Defense Supercomputing Resource Center, ensuring the availability, reliability, continuity, and compliance of mission-critical defense systems. Partnered with senior leaders to integrate change management into enterprise-level projects, driving organizational readiness, risk mitigation, and operational efficiency.

• Enterprise Change Leadership: Oversaw the configuration management portfolio and change load, improving organizational agility and ensuring adherence to DoD standards.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Conducted change impact assessments and coached managers and teams, fostering alignment, minimizing resistance, and enhancing adoption of process improvements.

XEROX SERVICES

TECHNICAL LEAD - SOFTWAWRE DEVELOPMENT LEAD - CONFIGURATION MANAGER | SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT & DEVOPS

Directed end-to-end release management, software architecture, and configuration control for enterprise-level applications, ensuring seamless deployments and minimal operational disruption. Led cross-functional teams to design, integrate, and optimize application and web services software, while managing client relationships and driving performance improvements.

• Performance Transformation: Spearheaded a performance improvement initiative that achieved a 70% increase in system performance, saving a major state contract and restoring client confidence.

• Enterprise Release Management: Orchestrated complex release cycles for software, database, and web services updates, ensuring high availability and compliance with regulatory requirements.

• System Optimization: Designed and maintained build automation, CI/CD pipelines, and batch processing systems, enhancing efficiency and reducing deployment risks.

• Cross-Agency Collaboration: Developed and managed web service interfaces with federal and state agencies (DHS, SSA, FDSH), strengthening partnerships and improving system interoperability

EDUCATION

OLE MISS (UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI)

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - COMPUTER SCIENCE

Graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Mississippi. Was invited and accepted memberhip in Upsilon Pi Epsilon (the International Honor Society for Computer Science). I worked for the Computer Science Department as a Unix System Administrator. I also was a member of the Ole Miss Linux User Group (OMLUX) and developed a strong foundation in programming, algorithms, and software development principles, complemented by hands-on experience in various programming languages and technologies. Actively participated in coding clubs and tech communities, honing problem-solving skills and fostering a passion for continuous learning in the field of computer science.