experience
"I am what time, circumstance, history, have made of me, certainly, but I am also, much more than that. So are we all."
James Baldwin
biography
Reid Lewis (they/them) is a queer non-binary human studying counseling psychology. Reid is a hiker, photographer, tree-hugger, avid reader, writer, and technologist specializing in computer infrastructure and security engineering. They are working on their first book which is a collection of personal essays that explore their childhood, gender, chronic illness, and the beautiful and complex messiness of being human.
Reid has a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Liberal Arts from The New School, and is a graduate student in the Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program at The Wright Institute. They currently live in Oakland, California with their partner and elderly cat.
work
Consultant
April 2016 - present | Oakland, CA
- Technical writing and documentation services, including providing recommendations for improvements, generating technical documentation for existing processes and projects, reviewing existing documentation, and proofing proposals.
- Project management services, including project plan development and project management for short term projects.
- Computer infrastructure and security services, including automation development and implementation, infrastructure-as-code, security assessments, and security trainings.
- Other services include research, data analysis, general training, and presentations on issues of inclusion.
Senior InfraSec Engineer @ Truss
May 2021 - September 2022 | Oakland, CA
- Senior engineer on government projects, focused on process development, tooling, and infrastructure management. Supported and enabled other engineering teams in improving their own processes and applications. This included the use of AWS infrastructure, Terraform, CI/CD systems (Github Actions, Jenkins), configuration management (Ansible), general systems management and troubleshooting, automation, development of architecture diagrams, and improvement of documentation.
- Mentored and paired with engineers on a regular basis to help build skills and confidence across technical work, planning, and communications.
- InfraSec engineering manager, supporting multiple engineers across different phases of their careers. Worked closely with the Director of InfraSec and other InfraSec managers to improve management processes and training, partnered with another manager on developing a more diverse interview cohort model, supported the InfraSec practice through education and skills building, and implemented a version of LifeLabs’ CAMPS framework to help facilitate conversations that could help identify and address issues on a more proactive basis.
- Volunteer on the company benefits committee. Helped develop benefits usage survey, analyzed potential benefits changes (including insurance and wellness programs), provided recommendations for 2022 company benefits offered, and developed internal FAQ.
- Regularly outspoken advocate on DEI issues and education within the company, including vetting and recommending educational resources, and giving presentations on how to speak more inclusively about gender and how to build a non-performative relationship with allyship.
Senior Security Engineer @ Redox
June 2019 - January 2021 | Oakland, CA
- Lead for AWS and infrastructure security (CloudSec), working in close collaboration with IAM, CorpSec, and AppSec programs, and supporting Risk and Trust programs.
- Partnered with Infrastructure and CI/CD teams on building secure processes, managing infrastructure securely, and enabling those teams to build in security from the start by collaboratively developing security guidelines.
- Implemented Okta SSO for AWS console & programmatic access by scoping roles and building out configuration via Terraform, as well as planning and executing a migration of all users to SSO, which improved access management across AWS infrastructure.
- Brought visibility to AWS environments and PHI access by implementing consistent and easily accessible security logging. This included configuration of short term SIEM (Splunk) access as well as long term storage of security logs (in s3). Logging visibility was improved for all API and console events in AWS, human interactions with RDS, and s3 object level access. This improved the ability to monitor and alert on access to sensitive data as well as potentially dangerous changes to infrastructure.
- Managed infrastructure security tooling (CMD, Nessus, Splunk). This included configuration, deployment, and maintenance, as well as triage of results.
- Authored a long term roadmap for CloudSec program security goals and technical controls to enable better planning across teams and ensure security is prioritized throughout the organization.
- Regularly outspoken advocate on DEI issues and education within the company, including vetting and recommending educational resources and helping to educate the leadership team on responding to timely social issues.
Senior Security / Infrastructure Engineer @ Nuna
March 2017 - May 2019 | San Francisco, CA
- Project lead for improving stability of critical infrastructure and security systems. Stability efforts included refactoring deployments (bash, Cloud Formation), implementing CI testing (Jenkins, Goss), and creating thorough technical / process documentation.
- Project lead for implementing metrics exporting and monitoring/alerting, using our internal monitoring platform, on critical security services, including Vault/Consul, OpenVPN, and Duo DAG/DNG.
- Subject matter expert on Jenkins and CI/CD. Developed tools, processes, and documentation to improve security and stability.
- Championed infrastructure and security on T-MSIS and MACBIS government contracts, implementing/enforcing security procedures and infrastructure best practices. Managed CI and deployment systems, and updated project infrastructure to satisfy compliance.
- Regularly participated in security issue and alert triage, performing security reviews of tools and systems, and partnering with GRC on developing and implementing user education training and campaigns on phishing and physical security.
- Founder of the LGBTQ+ club and numerous cultural initiatives focused on diversity & inclusion. Co-organizer of the annual company retreat & unconference. Lightning talk organizer. Author of diversity & inclusion articles for the company blog. Awarded the “Explorer” Archetype Award.
Provisioning Engineer @ Packet Clearing House
November 2013 - February 2017 | Berkeley, CA
- Responsible for first-rack through PoP installation of equipment at internet exchanges worldwide to support DNS & root server operators. Responsible for coordinating and provisioning hardware, shipping, and installation around the world.
- Developed provisioning automation (Ansible, PXE, VMware) for Cisco server, switch, and router configuration, resulting in an 80% reduction in configuration time for new hardware.
- Implemented custom provisioning tracking in Jira to track site deployment progress across 8 stages and territories around the world, resulting in greater insight and project forecasting ability.
- Supported, upgraded, and/or newly deployed equipment to 100+ PoPs/IXPs worldwide over the course of 3 years.
- Lead developer & systems engineer on internal IT infrastructure automation using Ansible to manage VMs, including user & firewall management, and deployment of special ad-hoc projects.
- Developed a low-cost Raspberry Pi jumphost for secure remote configuration via serial cable of networking switches and routers.
- Contributing engineer to the Quad9 DNS resolver project, primarily responsible for writing Ansible configuration to automate provisioning.
- Attended industry conferences (NANOG, RIPE) and maintained relationships with donors, business partners, and performed outreach to IXPs.
- Recipient of the Abha Ahuja Fellowship from NANOG in 2014.
Research Manager @ Vision Critical
April 2013 - November 2013 | San Francisco, CA
- Managed and collaborated on research panels and projects for major technology companies and their marketing and engineering teams.
- Designed, authored, and programmed research studies focused on consumer perceptions of and interactions with current & emerging technology.
- Produced research reports on findings for client presentation.
Assistive Technology & Alternate Format Assistant @ The New School
October 2012 - March 2013 | New York, NY
- Managed technical and logistical material accessibility for students with visual impairments and learning disabilities for Student Disability Services.
- Created technical and procedural documentation for day-to-day operations and trained new staff on processes.
Project & Community Manager @ Ipsos
May 2010 - October 2011 | New York, NY
- Focused on utilizing mobile technology for a variety of research initiatives; consulted with client service teams on mobile pilot projects and worked with technology partners; developed mobile-friendly questionnaires.
- Managed an online research community focused on entertainment and technology (TV, Film, and Consumer Electronics) for use with select clients and to address internal research needs.
- Developed team social media strategy. Developed internal information management wiki, including bios, photos, and tags for client service team to enable better utilization of expertise across teams.
Senior Project Manager @ OTX
August 2005 - May 2010 | Los Angeles, CA
(Acquired by Ipsos in 2010)
Senior Project Manager, Innovation & Development
December 2008 – May 2010
Managed and executed virtual environment CPG research projects; coordinated with partners to develop and execute new research platforms and testing tools; managed OTX's video game tracking product; worked on OTX's international film tracking product; developed a wiki for internal information management; developed mobile research technology.
Senior Operations Manager
July 2006 - December 2008
Multi-departmental process and logistics expert. Key areas of focus included: translation process, localization, and international projects; development and documentation of processes, automation, tools, system enhancements, and new products; managed creative and engineering teams.
Online Community Manager
August 2005 - July 2006
Built and maintained community relationships with research panels for major organizations, including the development of research communities for major media entities. Responsible for respondent experience and communication across the organization.
Public Relations Intern @ The Jim Henson Company
December 2004 - June 2005 | Los Angeles, CA
- Drafted proposals, bios, press releases, and website content.
- Managed Sundance Film Festival itineraries for executives and filmmakers for the premiere of MirrorMask.
- Managed international & domestic festival and award consideration submissions for multiple projects.
- Helped organize and run various company events in the greater Los Angeles area.
volunteer
Board Member @ San Francisco Metropolitan Internet Exchange
April 2017 - June 2021 | San Francisco, CA
- Participation in board meetings and hackathons.
- Collaboration in ensuring the continued, sustainable operation of the organization.
- Technical & operational advisement.
Technical Advisor @ San Francisco Metropolitan Internet Exchange
July 2013 - June 2021 | San Francisco, CA
Technical and operational support, ranging from physical infrastructure to systems automation to security. Work has included:
- Website development (Flask/Bootstrap)
- Core Ansible automation (website, switch configs, etc.)
- Security, including patching & deployment
- Documentation & onboarding
- Organization of hackdays
NOC Volunteer @ Chaos Communications Congress
December 2016 - December 2018 | Germany
Part of the volunteer team responsible for the physical network deployment.
- Physical deployment of switches and cabling
- Post-event equipment inventory management
- Configuration, troubleshooting, and general network infrastructure assistance
Network Team Member & Technical Writer @ Burning Man
August 2014 - October 2014 | Black Rock City, NV
Responsible for technical documentation and creation of the Burning Man IT Network handbook, as well as hands-on installation of the wireless network used by the Burning Man festival. Work included:
- Mounting & caliberating microwave radios
- Configuration & deployment of UBNT wireless equipment
- Configuration of Juniper routers/switches
- Layer 1 deployments
- Network troubleshooting
Volunteer @ Flaming Lotus Girls
June 2013 - October 2013 | San Francisco, CA
Volunteer on the Burning Man Honorarium project Xylophage. Learned metal fabrication techniques and trained in fire safety according to Crucible standards.
Regularly participated in work days, including cutting, bending, and welding metal, as well as assisting with minor electronics and other tasks. Assisted with on playa set-up, operations, and tear-down. Managed on playa fire safety shift scheduling and prep, in addition to working multiple safety shifts during art installation operation.
Tutor @ International Rescue Committee
September 2011 - April 2012 | New York, NY
Saturday Learning Series tutor working with refugee high school students from numerous countries, including Liberia, Sierra Leone, Côte d'Ivoire, and Nepal, among others.
Additionally, was an after school program volunteer working with Nepalese refugees ages 5 to 10, providing homework help, arts program supervision, and general program support.
Conservation Volunteer @ ARCAS
July 2011 - August 2011 | Hawaii, Guatemala
Project volunteer focused on sea turtle conservation, environmental education, and mangrove reforestation in Hawaii Park, Guatemala. Conducted nightly beach patrols, released sea turtles, collected research data, interacted with the local community, conducted educational tours for visitors, and helped maintain facilities.
Volunteer @ Coalition for the Homeless
September 2010 - December 2010 | New York, NY
Mobile soup kitchen volunteer, distributing meals throughout NYC.
Co-Organizer @ BarCamp Los Angeles
April 2008 - July 2009 | Los Angeles, CA
Co-organized BarCampLA 6 and 7.
Deeply involved in event logistics, including fundraising & sponsor relations, budgeting, event insurance, security, catering, registration, and general event set-up & tear-down. Secured BCLA7 venue and coordinated the event with venue hosts. Coordinated volunteers to manage day-to-day logistics.
education
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology @ The Wright Institute
September 2022 - present | Berkeley, CA
Graduate student in the class of 2024 weekend program cohort.
Course work included:
- Diagnosis & Empirically Supported Treatments
- Counseling Theories & Techniques
- Individual & Family Development
- Multicultural Awareness & Sensitivity
- Common Therapeutic Factors
- Research Based Practices
- Family Therapy I
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts @ The New School
August 2020 - August 2021 | New York, NY
Continuation of bachelor's degree program, focusing on global politics, social change, and writing.
Course work included:
- Essay Writing: Truth & Culture
- Memoir Writing
- Science/Fiction: Technoculture, Embodiment, and Power
- Media Psychology
Global Studies @ The New School
August 2010 - June 2013 | New York, NY
Primary areas of research included refugees, genocide, sexual violence, human trafficking, private military corporations, and international law, with a special focus on Central and Eastern Africa (specifically DRC, Rwanda, Uganda) and other areas of conflict such as Guatemala, Bosnia, and Iraq.
Course work included:
- Urban Homelessness
- Political Psychology
- Human Trafficking
- Collaborative Development
- [Dis]Order & [In]Justice
- Skills for Global Change
- International Law
- Post Colonial Theory
- Refugees & Forced Migration
- Politics of Violence: Africa
- Global Outlaws: Law & Crime
- International Human Rights
- War, Conflict, and Security in the 21st Century
Special Programs & Organizations:
- University Student Senate Co-Chair (2011-2012)
- Global Studies Advisory Council (2011-2012)
- Democracy & Diversity Institute (2012)
- Website Redesign Committee (2012)
- Safe Zone Ally Skills Training (2011)
- Leading for Social Change (2011)
Democracy & Diversity Institute @ University of Johannesburg
January 2012 | Johannesburg, South Africa
Part of a select group of students from The New School and universities throughout Africa brought together for two weeks to discuss violence, economics, race, and democracy.
Course work included:
- Romancing Violence
- Global Economy: China, India, and Africa