đź‘‹ Hey, I'm Jake

Solutions Architect &
IT Leader

I'm a U.S. Army Veteran with 19+ years leading enterprise IT operations, cybersecurity programs, and secure communications in Special Operations environments. Now bringing that experience to the private sector.

Jefferson, Maryland
TS/SCI Cleared
ISC2 Candidate
Jake Blue - Solutions Architect
My Philosophy

"Authentic Action is leading with clarity and integrity—turning values into decisive, trustworthy outcomes when it matters most.."

It means showing up consistently with integrity, taking responsibility for outcomes, and leading in a way that builds trust, clarity, and momentum for those who depend on you. It is action rooted in belief, informed by learning, arranged with purpose, individualized to people, and carried through with accountability.

19+
Years Experience
$20M+
Programs Led
63
Sites Managed

Building Secure Systems & Strong Teams

I've spent nearly two decades in the U.S. Army, most of it within Special Operations, where I led enterprise IT operations, cybersecurity programs, and secure communications for some of the nation's most sensitive missions.

My expertise spans cybersecurity, risk management, systems architecture, cloud, and emerging technologies. Throughout my career, I've focused on aligning technology with organizational outcomes—designing secure, scalable, and resilient solutions that strengthen defenses and support operational continuity.

Now transitioning to the private sector, I'm focused on bringing my technical foundation and leadership philosophy into cybersecurity, IT operations, and solutions architecture roles—building secure systems, mentoring teams, and architecting solutions that withstand real-world challenges.

Solutions Architecture
Cybersecurity
IT Operations
Secure Communications
Team Leadership
Cloud & DevSecOps
2024 – Present

Senior Program Manager

U.S. Army Special Operations Command

2021 – 2024

Deputy Director, IT

Joint Special Operations Command

2012 – 2021

Communications Leadership

160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment

2007 – 2012

Signal Support & Leadership

XVIII Airborne Corps & 173rd Airborne Brigade

Core Expertise

Specializations developed through nearly two decades of mission-critical IT leadership in high-stakes environments.

Cybersecurity & Risk

Security architecture and compliance for classified environments. Achieved 40% year-over-year reduction in security incidents through enhanced protocols.

IT Operations

Led IT programs supporting 63 sites across 32 agencies. Achieved 99.9% uptime managing 16 networks across 27 countries.

Secure Communications

TEMPEST-certified systems and encrypted networks. Increased system resilience by 50% while safeguarding classified information.

Cloud & DevSecOps

Cloud architecture, automation, and security-first development practices for modern infrastructure.

Team Leadership

Led teams of up to 120 IT professionals globally. Mentored 35+ future leaders while driving operational excellence.

Solutions Architecture

Designed scalable systems aligned with strategic goals. Improved efficiency by 75% through stakeholder consolidation.

Education & Qualifications

B.S. IT Management

American Military University
2021

TS/SCI Clearance

Active clearance for
classified operations

ISC2 Candidate

Pursuing security
certification

Special Training

IT Signature Management,
DevSecOps, Leadership

How I Think

From Problem to Solution

A look at how I approached consolidating stakeholder requirements across a complex interagency environment.

1

Identify the Problem

Multiple agencies were submitting duplicate resource requests through separate channels, creating confusion, wasted effort, and misaligned manpower allocation.

2

Map the Stakeholders

Engaged with 32 agencies and 63 sites to understand their unique requirements, pain points, and existing workflows before proposing any changes.

3

Design the Architecture

Built a consolidated intake system that maintained each agency's autonomy while eliminating redundancy—one source of truth, multiple access points.

4

Execute with Buy-In

Rolled out incrementally, validated with key stakeholders at each phase, and adjusted based on real-world feedback rather than assumptions.

Results
75% efficiency improvement
35% faster processing
100% manpower alignment

Beyond the Mission

When I'm not architecting solutions or leading teams, you'll find me on two wheels exploring Maryland's backroads. Cycling keeps me grounded and reminds me that the best journeys require patience, endurance, and the occasional uphill climb.

Cycling Enthusiast
HAM Radio (KQ4MXO)

Ready to Work Together?

I'm currently transitioning from military service and exploring opportunities in cybersecurity, IT operations, and solutions architecture. If you're looking for someone who leads with authenticity and delivers results, let's talk.