★ Employee of the Year 2024 — H/L Agency

Neo Saxena

◇ San Ramon, California

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About Me

Who I am and what drives me

Neo Saxena

Network & IT Operations leader specialized in building and maintaining high-efficiency IT ecosystems. I combine hands-on technical expertise in infrastructure management with a strategic approach to budgeting and process automation. Focused on eliminating technical debt, enhancing cybersecurity postures, and deploying innovative solutions that empower teams to work faster and more securely.

決意 — Ketsui (Determination): A positive emotional feeling that involves persevering towards a difficult goal in spite of obstacles. Determination occurs prior to goal attainment and serves to motivate behavior that will help achieve one’s goal.
“Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.”Bruce Lee
8+
Years Experience
8
Certifications
80%
Faster Resolution
2
Degrees

Experience

Click any role to expand details

Dec 2023 — Present
Network & IT Ops Admin
H/L Agency
Oakland, California
  • Lead all IT strategy, operations, and cybersecurity initiatives for a 100+ person advertising agency
  • Head IT representative of the agency AI Thinktank — researching and implementing AI tools, security, and best practices
  • Manage budgets, vendor relations, and IT project delivery on time and within budget
  • Implement cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access and AI vulnerabilities
  • Provide SOC recommendations, PCI DSS compliance, and HIPAA compliance within the organization
  • ★ Employee of the Year 2024
▾ click to expand
Aug 2021 — Dec 2023
Network & Systems Administrator
H/L Agency
Oakland, California
  • Maintained OKTA and Google Workspace environment with SSO integration across Egnyte, RingCentral, Slack, and more
  • Sole Windows systems technician; provided helpdesk support organization-wide
  • Installed and maintained a video edit server with VPN capabilities
  • Designated main cybersecurity consultant for the organization
  • Decreased solution implementation time by 80% via documentation, ticketing, and email alerts
  • Administered BYOD security through JAMF Pro and MS Azure with configuration profiles and policies
▾ click to expand
Sep 2020 — Jun 2021
System Administrator
Challenger Sports
Lenexa, Kansas
  • Provisioned, configured, and maintained system hardware/software and network infrastructure
  • Managed Windows Server 2012, Active Directory, and Group Policy
  • Supported environments across Mac OS, Chrome OS, and Windows 10
  • Decreased implementation time by 50% via documentation and email ticket alert systems
  • Led technical R&D to drive innovation within organizational infrastructure
▾ click to expand
Jun 2019 — Aug 2020
Manager of Ticket Operations
Sporting Kansas City
Kansas City, Kansas
  • Provided ticketing and technical support for 14-16 person Sales & Service teams
  • Led implementation of Fortress ticket scanners as main contact between BI, IT, and vendor teams
  • Managed and hired game-day box office staff of 10-14 people
  • Decreased ticket location confusion by 90% through centralized real-time accessible lists
  • Maintained and optimized fleet of 15 Windows 10 laptops — patched, de-bloated, and secured
▾ click to expand
Feb 2018 — Jun 2019
Junior System Admin & Ops Assistant
Challenger Sports
Lenexa, Kansas
  • Provided technical support for hardware, software, and network troubleshooting
  • Implemented Google Classroom for onboarding with course material and testing
  • Created financial tracking system between IT and Finance departments
  • Updated company intranet with accurate resources and operational information
  • Reduced misprinted apparel sent out by 40% through quality control processes
▾ click to expand

Education

Academic foundations

2022
M.S. Cybersecurity & Information Assurance
Western Governors University
Online
2012 — 2016
B.S. Sports Management, Minor in Business
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas

Skills & Technologies

Core competencies and technical proficiencies

Infrastructure & Networking
Network Administration95%
Active Directory / Group Policy92%
Windows & MacOS Administration95%
VMware / Virtualization78%
Security
Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking90%
Compliance (PCI DSS, HIPAA, SOC)85%
Cloud & Identity
Google Workspace / GSuite92%
OKTA / SSO / IAM88%
JAMF / MDM82%
AI & Emerging Technologies75%
Tools & Platforms
RingCentral Slack Egnyte ASANA MS Office Adobe Creative Cloud Citrix VPN Android / iOS Chromebooks Cursor AI Studio Antigravity
Soft Skills
Project Management Team Leadership Strategic Planning Budget Management Process Automation Cross-Department Coordination Innovation Time Management

Certifications

Professional credentials and achievements

🛡
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
EC-Council
2022
The gold standard ethical hacking certification recognized globally. Demonstrates advanced penetration testing and vulnerability assessment skills.
Verify Credential →
🔒
Security Analytics Professional (CSAP)
CompTIA
2021
Validates ability to plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems with analytics-driven approaches.
📈
CompTIA CySA+
CompTIA
2022
Cybersecurity Analyst certification validating the ability to leverage intelligence and threat detection tools, analyze data, and identify vulnerabilities.
Verify Credential →
🛡
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA
2019 • Expires Jul 2027
Core security skills certification covering threat management, cryptography, identity management, and security infrastructure.
Verify Credential →
🌐
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA
2019 • Expires Jul 2027
Validates essential networking skills including design, configuration, management, and troubleshooting of wired and wireless networks.
Verify Credential →
🖥
CompTIA A+
CompTIA
2019 • Expires Jul 2027
Industry-standard certification for establishing an IT career, covering hardware, software, troubleshooting, and operational procedures.
Verify Credential →
Google IT Support Professional
Google
2020
Five-course certificate covering troubleshooting, networking, operating systems, system administration, and security fundamentals.
Verify Credential →
🤖
AI Security: Prompt Injection
Coursera
2024
Specialized course on AI security vulnerabilities, prompt injection attacks, and defensive strategies for enterprise AI deployments.
Verify Credential →

Fun Stuff

Beyond the 9-to-5

Think and Grow Rich cover
Think and Grow Rich
Napoleon Hill
★ Must Read
The Art of War cover
The Art of War
Sun Tzu
Zero Trust Networks cover
Zero Trust Networks
Gilman & Barth
The Phoenix Project cover
The Phoenix Project
Kim, Behr & Spafford
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People cover
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Stephen Covey
Start with Why cover
Start with Why
Simon Sinek
Relentless cover
Relentless
Tim S. Grover
⚽ Quest For The Cup
A soccer-themed game created for fun, blending a love of sports and technology into an interactive experience.
Game Dev Sports Interactive
View Project →
🤖 The Evolution of Generative AI
A comprehensive website and presentation exploring generative AI beyond text and images — covering the evolution, current state, and future of the technology.
AI/ML Research Presentation
View Project →
🎵 ConflagrantTurntablism157
AI-generated music creation on Suno — exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and creative music production.
AI Music Suno Creative
View Project →
🌐 Ketsui.info
Personal website and digital portfolio showcasing work, philosophy, and professional journey. Built with 決意 (determination).
Web Portfolio Personal Brand
View Project →
🛡 AI Security Research
Completed AI Security Prompt Injection course and contributed to Lakera AI Security. Researching AI vulnerabilities and enterprise implementation safeguards.
AI Security Prompt Injection Lakera
Prompt Injection Course → Lakera Contribution →
💪 Health & Fitness
Dedicated to physical fitness — documenting unique push-up variations including 3-finger push-ups and tiger push-ups. Health is important!
Fitness Wellness Discipline
View Project →

Recommendations

What colleagues and leaders have to say

1. High-Level Reliability & Trust — Neo is extremely knowledgeable about our IT systems and is always available to resolve issues quickly. He has access to all internal systems, including email and server access, which includes sensitive data, and having trust in him and his integrity is imperative. Neo provides peace of mind that our internal technology will always run smoothly, even when problems arise. 2. Strategic Business Alignment — Neo has valuable foresight into the trajectory of our company. He has a scalability mindset that helps us not only today, but also for the future. Neo is also mindful of our approach to risk management and provides a proactive approach to cybersecurity that protects us from data breaches. 3. Professional Reputation & Internal Influence — Neo has a great reputation for cross departmental collaboration and support. He is known as a bridge builder and someone who gets things done. He is always quick to respond with solutions and easy to understand advice, and he is very calm when the pressure elevates. 4. Leadership & Ownership — Neo is a “go to” leader for solutions necessary in the heat of the moment. Whether it is client meeting presentations that have technical issues, or everyday use of internal agency platforms, Neo is seen as a reliable leader. Neo has also embraced, and participated in the progress of, the agency’s technology evolution, particularly with AI specific tools. He is a key contributor to our AI Think Tank and is always looking to keep the agency moving forward and embracing effective ways to provide better products for our clients.
Trey Curtola
Trey Curtola
Chairman & CEO, H/L Agency · Feb 2026
I had the pleasure of working with Neo at H/L Agency, where he consistently demonstrated deep expertise in network IT and operations administration. I consider myself competent across most IT tasks, but when I encountered the most complex challenges, Neo was always my go-to. He handled even the most difficult issues with ease, professionalism, and a calm confidence that put everyone at ease. Across the broader team, I watched Neo approach every request with the same level of care and attention. Nothing was too small or too complex for him to tackle. He brought both technical precision and a genuinely positive attitude to his work, which made a real difference in our day-to-day operations. Beyond his technical contributions, Neo played an important role in shaping a strong and inclusive culture at H/L. He made a point to welcome new employees and ensure they felt comfortable and supported. His empathy stood out, especially in a hybrid and work-from-home environment, where he would proactively reach out to colleagues who seemed isolated or still finding their footing. Neo also helped foster connection beyond the work itself. We started a movie club at the office where we screened films and discussed their cinematic elements, creating a space for creative conversation and team bonding. Neo is not only an exceptional IT professional, but also someone who elevates the culture of any organization he is part of. I highly recommend him.
Jeremy Cobb
Jeremy Cobb
VP of Digital Platforms, H/L Agency · Feb 2026
Neo is an invaluable asset not only to our IT department but our entire agency. His technical knowledge is truly immeasurable, yet he has the rare ability to translate complex issues for a high volume of users across all levels of technical experience. I also love his dedication to problem-solving; if an immediate answer isn’t available, Neo won’t rest until he has researched a creative alternative or a foolproof solution. He is seemingly always available to help, bringing a calm and reliable presence to even the most high-pressure technical challenges.
Michelle Loehr
Michelle Loehr
VP, Group Media Director, H/L Agency · Feb 2026
Neo’s deep knowledge in his role as Network & IT Operations Administrator earned him the reputation of being the “problem solver” and “go to person.” Neo always provided peace of mind to the management team. He is trustworthy and used discretion in working with sensitive information and data. He worked with our teams to create scalability in designing our systems with cost efficiency in mind, and he proactively worked to continually advance the agency cybersecurity systems. Neo was a cross-departmental collaborator, good under pressure, and could always turn “tech speak” into comprehensible and actionable information for our non-technical staff. No matter the day or time of day, Neo met the challenge at hand.
Andrea Alfano
Andrea Alfano
CEO, H/L Agency · Jan 2026
It is with great pleasure that I write this recommendation for Neo, who has served as a Network & IT Operations Administrator at H/L Agency for the past three years. During his tenure, Neo has demonstrated exceptional technical skills, strong problem-solving abilities, and an unwavering dedication to his role. From the beginning, Neo has been an invaluable asset to our team. His expertise in network administration, cybersecurity, and systems management has significantly improved the efficiency and security of our IT infrastructure. Neo’s proactive approach to identifying and resolving technical issues has minimized downtime and ensured smooth operations across all departments. Neo is not only technically proficient but also an excellent communicator. He has a unique ability to explain complex technical concepts in a manner that is easily understandable to non-technical staff, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. His patience and willingness to assist colleagues with IT-related concerns have made him a go-to resource within the company. One of Neo’s standout projects was the successful implementation of new company-wide software systems. His meticulous planning, coordination, and execution of this project were instrumental in its seamless rollout. In addition to his technical capabilities, Neo has consistently demonstrated strong leadership qualities. He has mentored junior IT staff, providing guidance and support to help them develop their skills and grow within their roles. Neo’s contributions to H/L Agency have been invaluable. I wholeheartedly recommend Neo for any IT Manager position and believe he will be a tremendous asset to your team.
Jay Geiger
Jay Geiger
CFO, H/L Agency
Neo has an impressive depth of knowledge in all areas of data security and has consistently demonstrated his ability to deliver exceptional results. He possesses a rare combination of technical skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, which enable him to consistently exceed expectations and deliver outstanding work. Neo is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that his work meets the highest standards of quality. He is self-motivated and proactive — always eager to take on new challenges and learn new skills. In addition to his technical capabilities, Neo is an exceptional team player, who is always willing to collaborate with others and provide valuable insights/feedback. He is an effective communicator who can explain complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner, making him an asset to any project team. Neo is a person of integrity, and his work ethic and commitment to excellence have earned him the respect of his colleagues. I would highly recommend Neo Saxena for any position that requires exceptional technical capabilities, creativity, and a commitment to excellence.
David Latham
David Latham
Director of IT, H/L Agency · Apr 2023
Nitin Saxena served as the Manager, Ticket Operations at Sporting Kansas City. During his time with the organization, Nitin was a dependable associate who always had a positive attitude and great work ethic. Nitin was an asset to the team, always willing to assist with any task and never shied away from taking on additional responsibilities. In addition, Nitin was motivated and interested in learning. To this end, he often jumped in to help with other departments when the need arose to ensure our associates and fans had excellent experiences at Children’s Mercy Park. Nitin’s position was eliminated due to the COVID-19 pandemic and, unfortunately, we will no longer be lucky enough to have his services. He will be missed, and I highly recommend him to any future employer, volunteer organization, or sports organization whom he is interested in joining.
Jordan Kelsey
Jordan Kelsey
VP, Ticket Sales & Service, Sporting Kansas City · Sep 2020
Neo and I worked together at Sporting Kansas City for 4 years. I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with Neo, and came to know him as a truly valuable asset to absolutely any team. He is honest, dependable, and incredibly hard-working. Beyond that, he brings a wealth of knowledge and is an incredibly fast learner. Along with his undeniable talent, Neo has always been an absolute joy to work with. He is a true team player, and always manages to foster positive discussions and bring the best out of other employees. Without a doubt, I confidently recommend Neo to join your team. As a dedicated and knowledgeable employee and an all-around great person, I know that he will be a beneficial addition to your organization.
JF
Jordan Fitzpatrick
Director, Ticket Operations, Sporting Kansas City
I was one of Nitin’s supervisors for nearly one year whilst he worked with us at Challenger Sports. During that time Nitin displayed an exemplary performance record no matter the difficulty or challenging nature of tasks delegated to him. His work ethic was second to none, and he showed himself to be very reliable. All problems were attacked with enthusiasm and patience, and of course, a high level of intelligent problem-solving. He constantly used his technical expertise to help our company improve our internal systems and connections between the wider work force and the central IT department at our head office. One example of this would be how he assisted with building out an internal intranet system of 100+ pages to better build the knowledge and familiarity gap between our regional staff (80 people) and our head office (around 150 if you include seasonal workers). This made a great difference to our company culture.
Daniel Miller
Daniel Miller
Director of Information Systems, Challenger Sports · Jun 2019
At Challenger Sports/Challenger Teamwear, Nitin worked directly under me as an Assistant Systems Admin for approximately one year. While in this position Nitin demonstrated many abilities and skill sets, as well as an admirable work ethic. Nitin was first-rate in almost every aspect of his position. He was able to effectively troubleshoot technical issues with as little interruption to operations as possible. He was also able to manage projects delegated to him in an efficient and timely manner and would even voluntarily take on new projects when his workload was small. During his time here at Challenger, he re-evaluated and optimized multiple processes and systems for the organization. One example would be his optimization of the IT Department’s invoicing and receipt system.
JW
Joe Whitten
IT Manager/Security Admin, Challenger Sports · Jul 2019
Although I was not his immediate supervisor during his employment at Challenger Teamwear, I monitored his job performance very closely, although, given the professionalism and performance of such an employee, little supervision is required. Neo is our Information Technology Support. He has been promoted into this role after starting in the company as a help desk assistant, mainly because of his desire to continually learn new technology and help apply it in our business practices. He is always enthusiastic and upbeat and is certainly a popular staff member among his fellow workers. In addition to his technology role, Neo has also assisted our management team in designing company policies and procedures, including departmental work in progress flow. There seems to be no task that Neo could not meet the challenge. Being an owner and employer of almost one hundred full-time staff and over a thousand part-time summer sports coaches, I can certainly testify that Neo has the intelligence, morals, and ethics that prospective employers search for. I am sure he would be an excellent choice for almost any position or career path he decided to focus on.
Paul Lawrence
Paul Lawrence
CEO, Challenger Sports

Get In Touch

Let's connect and build something great

LinkedIn
in/neosaxena
Website
ketsui.info