Joel M. Gerstenmier

Professional Summary

Results-oriented Senior Network Engineer and Systems Administrator with over 24 years of experience architecting enterprise IT ecosystems across banking, healthcare, and commercial sectors. Experienced in server virtualization, network optimization, endpoint security, and disaster recovery, delivering scalable, cost-effective solutions. Proven leader in high-stakes projects, including bank mergers, healthcare integrations, and ransomware recovery, while ensuring compliance with HIPAA, GLBA, PCI DSS, and other regulatory standards.

Core Competencies and Technologies

• Systems Administration: Windows Server (2008–2025), RHEL, Ubuntu, Active Directory, Exchange, Windows 10/11, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy
• Virtualization: VMware ESXi/vSphere, Hyper-V, Xen Server, Oracle VM
• Networking: LAN/WAN, Cisco/HP/Dell/Extreme Switches, VPN, Network Virtualization, Wifi, Remote Access
• Security: Sophos, TrendMicro, Symantec, SonicWall, Fortinet, Checkpoint, Rapid 7, Bluecoat, Websense, Barracuda
• Compliance: PCI DSS, HIPAA, Sarbanes-Oxley, GLBA
• Recovery: Ransomware Mitigation, Disaster Recovery Planning
• Cloud Technologies: Azure, AWS

Strengths

• Problem Solving: Applies logical reasoning to deliver efficient, practical IT solutions.
• Communication: Translates complex technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
• Multitasking: Manages multiple priorities with high-quality outcomes.
• Organization: Coordinates tasks and data with meticulous attention to detail.
• Leadership: Guides teams to peak performance by leveraging individual strengths.
• Project Management: Delivers projects on time and within budget.
• Pressure Resilience: Excels in high-stakes, time-sensitive scenarios.
• Analytical Thinking: Drives data-informed decisions aligned with business goals.
• Continuous Learning: Stays current with emerging technologies and standards.

Professional Experience

Systems Administrator | Famous Smoke Shop, Easton, PA | 2018 – Present

• Oversee IT administration, including procurement, maintenance, and resource planning for technology assets and legacy systems.
• Collaborate with internal teams to devise cost-effective hardware/software replacement strategies.
• Manage development and production servers (Microsoft, AWS, Linux), ensuring robust uptime, maintenance, backup, remote access, and security.
• Administer Zendesk, Netsuite, Magento/Adobe Commerce, and MFA implementations.
• Liaise with IT vendors and MSPs to align operations with industry best practices and evolving security standards.

Network Engineer II / Senior Network Engineer | ESSA Bank & Trust, Stroudsburg, PA | 2009 – April 2018

• Architected bank-wide server and software infrastructure, supporting Fiserv, DH/Finastra, and credit management systems.
• Led endpoint security for 500+ workstations, achieving 98% audit compliance via patching and anti-virus deployments.
• Reduced hardware costs by 20% through VMware ESXi/vSphere virtualization, boosting uptime to 99.9%.
• Primary for IT integration for Eagle National Bank and First Star Security Bank mergers within the given timeline.

Senior Network Engineer | KNBT, Bethlehem, PA | January 2007 – May 2009

• Maintained 24/7 server availability across 50+ branches, troubleshooting on-site and remote environments.
• Enhanced operational efficiency by 15% through strategic software deployments.
• Reduced RTO by 30% as disaster recovery team lead, implementing failover and backup solutions.
• Consolidated IT systems during the National Penn Bank merger with zero downtime.

Senior Network Engineer | St. Luke’s Hospital, Bethlehem, PA | July 2001 – January 2007

• Supported 4,000+ devices, improving reliability via patch management and custom imaging.
• Resolved LAN/WAN issues, maintaining 99.5% network uptime across multi-site facilities.
• Cut malware incidents by 40% with penetration testing and IDS solutions.
• Mentored LAN Support Analysts, boosting team performance.
• Led Novell-to-NT migration ahead of schedule with minimal disruption.

Key Achievements

• Cost Optimization: Achieved 20% infrastructure cost reduction at ESSA Bank via VMware virtualization, enhancing scalability and performance.
• Disaster Recovery: Reduced RTO by 30% at KNBT through optimized backup and failover strategies.
• Mergers & Compliance: Primary on IT integrations for three bank mergers, ensuring PCI DSS compliance and operational continuity.
• Ransomware Recovery: Restored consumer-facing systems post-ransomware attack, leveraging forensic analysis and security enhancements.

Education & Certification

High School Diploma
Pleasant Valley High School, Brodheadsville, PA

Certification
CompTIA A+ Certified

Professional Development

• Ongoing self-directed study in administration, virtualization, networking, and AI technologies.
• Regular collaboration with vendors to align IT strategies with organizational objectives.

Salary Requirements

Available upon request.