THOMAS E. BUCKALEW

5921 M0hawk Road

Meridian MS, 39305

(702)595.6161

Buckalte45@yahoo.com

Global Technology Implementations – Telecommunications – Partnership Development

 

 

A highly experienced Project Manager who has demonstrated the ability to lead diverse teams to new levels of success in a variety of highly competitive markets, cutting edge technologies and fast paced environments.   Strong technical and business qualifications with a impressive track record of more than 30 years of hands on experience in strategic planning, business unit development, project and product management and systems engineering strategies.  Proven ability to successfully analyze organizations critical business requirements, identifies deficiencies and potential opportunities, and develops innovative and cost effective solutions for enhancing competitiveness, increasing revenues, and improving customer service offerings.

 

∙ Domestic and Global Projects ∙ Relationship Management ∙ Project Management

 

∙ Product Management ∙ Training and Team Development

 

 

 

DEMONSTRATED SKILLS

 

 

·         CURRENT RCDD

·         Server Implementation

·         Firewall security software utilization (TeleWall)

·         Outside Plant Copper, Fiber and Microwave

·         Structured Wiring Systems for voice DATA Video and Security  Systems

·         CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

·         BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

·         IP Routers and Switches, Ethernet, GIG E, CWDM and DWDM

·         Fiber Optics to include Fiber, Optical Carrier and Optical Networks

·         PROJECT MANAGEMENT OF LARGE MULTIMILLION DOLLAR PROJECTS  

·         Technical Training

·         CATV Project Management to Include COAX and FIBER

·         Cellular, GSM,CDMA and TDMA

·         LTE/Ethernet to the Site

·         Site Acquisition

·         Network Topologies

·         Primavera (P6) and Microsoft Project, Project Tools

·         PMBOK Method   PMI

·         Matrix Management

·         Training Course Development

·         Construction Management

·         AT&T and RUS Cables

·         Aerial, Buried and Underground construction/engineering

·         Automated Workforce scheduling systems

·         Fiber to the cell/node

·         Design of wireless systems GSM

·         Building Design/Remote Sites/Mobile Switching Systems

·         Bid walks/and Take offs

·         RFP response and Bid Submission

·         Distributive Antenna Systems

·         Airport fiber builds Inside and Outside plant

 

 

 

 

SUMMARY OF WORK EXPERIENCE

 

August 2012 to Present

Technical Manager Atlantic Engineering Group leading Fiber Splicing Managers and Supervisors on the Google Fiber Project in Kansas City Kansas and Kansas City Missouri.  Create and lead team of Implementation Technicians to install and maintain FTTH products.

 

Feb. 2012 to August 2012

Project Manager/Lead Deployment Manager for Oxford International.  Leading a Team of Engineers, Technicians and Managers for a TDM to VOIP migration project for a major Insurance company spanning all of North America.  

 

July 2011 to November 2011 Tangent International USA

 

Construction Manager/ Project Manager for Cell Build/re-work for Ericsson for the Western Region, Alaska and Hawaii.  This included approximately 150 LTE site builds.

 

December 2010 to June 2011 Mycom USA

Senior Project/Manager for Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego California for Integration of LTE (approximately 450 sites) and Cellular Radio for Major LEC’S in the California market.  This includes the harvesting of outdated/used equipment to be used in additional markets.  It also includes the installation and testing of T-1 equipment.

 

October 2010 to December 2010 Mycom USA

Senior Project Manager for Mycom located in Denver CO.  Twelve Project Managers with Technicians in 22 States constructing Broadband facilities for Rural America.  These sites utilize Alvarion Radio equipment and is a Wi-Fi network.  Mycom is in the first year of a five year project. 

 

Aug 2010 to October Buckalew Enterprises

I am Designing and Engineering a Conduit System for a High Visibility customer in the city of Las Vegas NV.  This is a confidential project that required the signing of an NDA agreement.

 

 

Dec 2009 to Aug 2010 LEONIE INDUSTRIES

Serve as the Senior Telecom Advisor/Construction Manager for a Task Force in the Army.  In this role, I advised the team on all telecom related issues and Project Managed any installations or builds recommended by the Task Force. Engineered and constructed a GSM network that included the construction of (18) 80 meter towers and (150) 30 meter mobile towers for microwave backhaul and fiber to the cell site for connecting to the PSTN where possible.  Constructed two MSC’S and utilized fiber and VSAT for redundancy.  Utilized Link Planner and GPS for Link Loss measurements and link qualifying.  Built two MSC’S utilizing Motorola and Ericsson Equipment.  Fiber was used to connect to the PSTN in both locations.  This was a sensitive project which required NDA agreements and a DoD Secret clearance. Managed two Master contractors for this build, one built and erected the towers and the other installed the radio and cell phone equipment up to and including bringing it on line.  I Issued RFP’s to vendors for Power and backup generators.  We had the requirements for the Switches from the Manufacturers; however we had to purchase Mobile Generators and batteries from within country.  During the planning stages of the build, it was recognized that these Generators had to be robust and had to carry a total blackout of power.  We had to install fuel tanks within hardened locations in order to protect the assets.  Due to special circumstances these had to be flown in and had to be light enough to be lifted into high mountainous locations by Helicopters.  The MSC’s were ordered from within the US and were shipped into country and were made extra robust to withstand RPG attacks.  The planning for these was very time consuming due to the nature of the project.  I facilitated the meetings with vendors both domestic and international for all equipment, Towers, Radios, Buildings and Power. Due to the critical nature of these sites the MSC’S were designed with commercial power and three 4000 Amp diesel generators.  There were also several 2500 Amp portable generators anal were capable of delivering 1500 watts.  We also planned for the backhaul to have  6 way backup consisting of Fiber, copper and Microwave 2 fiber, 2 copper and 2 Microwave and if need  mobile cows could be brought in to secure alternate routes. 

 

    

July 2008 to Dec 2009 Nevada Power

Serve as Senior Telecom Program Manager for Nevada Power.  Manage Engineers for a $30 million dollar Construction Budget using a structured methodology.  The PMI PMBOK strategy is used in conjunction with Primavera as the Project Management tool.  Engineers are responsible for the design and implementation of Optical Networks, IP Networks and VoIP networks using DWDM and CWDM.  Install and maintain high speed WAN using SONET equipment in conjunction with fiber.  This WAN is owned and operated by NV Energy for their corporate communications. The telephony network is a Nortel solution while the DATA network is Cisco.  To meet NERC and FERC requirements, we have been designing and installing new security features by using Radius Servers and VPN networks.  The security requirements encompass both cyber security and physical security.  Manage the migration from a TDM platform to a VoIP platform.  Manage a workforce of 12 Engineers.  Prepare and present professional proposals for management and executive audiences.  Prepare and present proposals for customers, internal and external.

Serve as the responsible person for site acquisition for cellular and tower projects.  Negotiate with governmental and civilian personnel to acquire sites and rights of way.

 

 

 

 

November 2006 to July 2008                                           Verizon Federal Network Systems

Serve as Site Director Program Manager for Verizon Federal Network Systems.  Verizon was the Sub contractor for National Security Technologies (NSTec).  NSTec is the prime contractor to NNSA and part of this contract is Telephony and DATA.   Perform duties of the Construction Manager for all Capital projects for NSTec.  Engineered and created BOM’S for Construction Crews for Fiber/Copper infrastructure projects.  Ordered and warehoused all materials and supplies to maintain a CS2100 class 5 Telephone switch with 30,000 lines.  Ordered/maintained and upgraded remote PBX’S.  The main switch (CS2100) serves an area the size of Rhode Island and is a secure DoE site.  Managed the migration from a SL100 class (5) Switch to a Call Server 2100 VoIP Switch.  Maintained TDM and IP traffic by the use of Media Gateways.  Designed,   a WAN employing an OC192 system using a combination of Nortel and Cisco Optical equipment.  Helped author a cyber security plan for the site.  Implemented the cyber security plan and Installed and maintained a new Firewall (TeleWall) that employed the use of Intrusion detection software to capture domains and addresses of war dialing activities.  Familiar with networking protocols such as TCP/IP.  Maintain T1’S, DS1, DS3 networks and equipment.  Familiar with Multi Protocol label switching (MPLS).  Manage a workforce of 30 employees including Technicians and management employees.  Developed and implemented long range strategy to enhance DoE’S Security policy uaing new and state of the art equipment and products.  Serve as SME for Telephony, Video and DATA services for the site.  Prepared Bid Packages for Sub contractors and administered the contracts upon awarding.  Manage Network Operations Center dealing with the DoE.  The NOC was responsible for all troubles for low voltage systems (Telephone, DATA, Cellular and Radio ) for the Nevada Test Site.  The NOC served as the Dispatch Center for Moves/Adds and changes as well as trouble dispatch on these systems and switches.  All customer satisfaction metrics were established and controlled through the NOC.  Implement DC Power program to replace Lead Cell batteries with Dry Cell for all of Notec’s locations.  Train Technicians on DC Power systems at the Nevada Test Site.  Engineer, Furnish and Implement Transport systems for Voice, DATA, Video and Cellular systems for DoE.  Serve as SME for Fiber for this client.   Perform  QA/QC audits for this customer on all their sites.  This Audit encompassed Central Office, PBX, OSP and ISP and included security systems. I was responsible for building a PMO and staffing it with the right people.  This was a ground up effort.  As the Program/Site Manager, my responsibilities included Hiring, training and promotions of team members.  My responsibilities also included solicitation of sub contractors, qualifying and issuing task orders.  Responsible for all aspects of the Physical Security of the firewall and for the staffing of all security personnel to maintain COMSEC as defined by DOE and the NNSA Information Assurance Response Center.  Completed the planning and Installation of DAS systems for the NNSA Campus and at the NTS (Nevada Test Site).  Managed the NOC for NNSA.  Worked extremely close with Local LEC’s and operating companies to ensure a seamless transition from the DOE to the Public Switched Network.  Maintained a class 5 Switch with subservient PBX’s across the entire Continental US (Coast to Coast).

 

August 2002 to November 2006                                                       Buckalew Enterprises

This is a company set up as a DBA for the purpose of contract Training and Consulting.    Served as Construction Manager  Cellular builds in Central and South America for AT&T/Lucent Technologies, utilizing Microwave and Fiber for backhaul. I am also a certified Instructor for Fiber, Inside Plant and Outside Plant, Fiber Splicing (Mass and Single Fusion), Optical Loss Test Sets, OTDR, Manhole Safety, IEEE and NEC Specs,  Cell Tower Construction, Edge Servers and Routers.  I also contract Project Management services for existing and new builds of Telecom systems both Domestic and International.  In September of 2004, I Project managed a project in the western US for a Nuclear Power Plant.  This involved the placement of fiber, sensors and cameras for security.    I teach courses in FTTX to include the transmission of Voice, DATA and Video using DWDM Hardware and PONS devices in the field.  I have taught wireless classes for cellular and small switches.   Project Manage Fiber upgrades for CATV.  Developed and delivered courses on SONET, ATM, Frame Relay and DSL.  I taught classes on Direct TV Installations to new Installers for AT&T.   Project Managed projects for FTTX in several Western States for small and independent companies.  Serve as the Manager of operations for a small City owned CATV System in GA.  Re-built Head end and Cable plant to take advantage of Fiber Optics.  Trained 15 Installers in the placement and splicing of fiber.  Extensive Project Management of fiber systems for cities, Airports, County and Local Governments ILECs and CLECs utilizing RUS and AT&T standards, cable and products. Constructed wireless systems in Central and South America installing Ericsson and Lucent/Alcatel on towers and in the MSC.  Due to the high cost of infrastructure builds, these systems utilized Microwave for backhaul. 

 

 

February 1998 to September 2002                            Lucent Technologies

Five years experience as Director Construction/Engineering in leading a team of 23 Engineers and 60 Technicians in the Development, delivery and implementation of Structured wiring systems to include Fiber copper and wireless.  My territory was the nine southeastern states.  Our sales were topping $75,000,000 by the end of 2002.  We developed training for fiber apparatus and Optical Equipment manufactured by Lucent Technologies.  In 1998 our sales were $5,000,000 and the margins were 28.8% with a profit of 16%.  By year end 2002 we had increased our profit to 23% while maintaining the 28.8% margin.  Developed marketing strategies and programs.  We developed a strategy and program for an alternate channel of the structured wiring systems called ACE.  This group worked with Architects and Engineers to integrate our products into their designs.  Manage a group of engineers developing and implementing Telephony and DATA networks for HCA.  This was a National Account team for Hospitals.  Engineer and Implemented DC Power Systems to include dry cell and lead acid systems.  Developed and delivered Power training for Central Office Installers.  All remote switches, Optical sites and Radio Sites were designed with DC power back-up.  Project Managed the Fiber to the node for a CATV System in Tampa FL for a major Telco.  Perform as Senior Instructor for DWDM, and Metro Networks, and Edge Networks.

 

June 1990 to February 1998                                           AT&T

Division Manager, AT&T Outside Plant Systems

Eight years experience as a Division Manager/Project/Program Manager for Outside Plant and Transmission Systems in the United States, Asia, Central America and South America.  Developed Business Case and built an OSP construction company for AT&T, In the Northwest United States.  This company was built to ISO 9000 standards.  Served as (SME) for large MEGA Bids for OSP and Transmission products.  Developed (PQMI) statements for RFQ’s, RFI’s and RFP’s for International and Domestic projects for AT&T Network Systems.  When the project was won, I was assigned the Program Manager position.  I worked on the OSCAR project for AT&T for the military and am familiar with their practices.  I also worked on Cellular back haul systems and Cellular Tower Installations, implementing fiber for these systems in Chile.   As a Country Manager, I  was  the Bids and Proposal Manager for large projects that included EF&I of Outside Plant Systems.   Implemented Projects up to and including, $150 million dollars.  Project managed the Fiber to the node Project for AT&T in the Tampa Florida area.  This was a GTE project that AT&T implemented.  Familiar with, set top boxes, FTTP. FTTN and fiber in the network.  Managed CATV Installs for GTE.    Five years experience in the Engineering Furnishing and Installation of CDMA, TDMA and GSM Cell cites, both domestic and International. Five years experience with the EF&I of fiber backhaul systems for cellular and radio both for local city governments and military solutions.  Managed billing systems for AT&T OSP Systems in the Northwest USA.  Used Primavera and Microsoft Project to manage and update projects.  Develop Order Flow Processes for Local Telephone Service.  Developed procedures for LNP in conjunction with CLEC’s and LEC’s.  I Worked with LIDB and CNAM data bases to ensure proper billing of customer accounts. I also worked with Perot Systems to establish E911 for our customers.  While working with co-location, I would manage the Installation of all Equipment to include, Power, BDU’s, Hubs and switches.  Managed Material and Inventory for Multi Million Dollar projects both Domestic and International. Prepare SOW’s and BOM’s for builds and upgrades.  This includes COAX, Fiber and RF equipment.   Manager in charge for Quality and Quality Control.  Developed Quality procedures to meet ISO 9000 standards and implemented same both Domestic and International.   Managed 350 employees in five states.  I procured the building, all materials to include vehicles, office equipment and supplies and negotiated vendor contracts.  This office was responsible for a 25 million dollar per year contract.  I trained both functionally and formerly all my Project Managers. Managed the fiber build for AT&T placing cable under the runways at Hartsfield Jackson Airport and managed the Technicians who place, spliced and terminated fiber in the newer concourses at the Airport.  We also place copper and fiber at the Airport in  Columbia SC.

 

December, 1983 to June 1990                                          AT&T

Area Operations Manager

Eight years experience as a Project Manager in the design, engineering and delivery of Transport Media including Voice, DATA and Video Installations.  Experience includes knowledge of Transmission and Switch Installation and Maintenance.  Familiar with Multiplexers, Video Nodes and Electronic/Fiber Carrier systems. Managed a team of Engineers responsible for the implementation of Home Depot and FEDEX projects nationwide. These Engineers designed and implemented these projects in a timely manner both fiber and copper data and voice.  We also installed the switch.  I am experienced with ATM, SONET, SDH and Routers and Servers. Install voice and data PBX’s for AT&T, (AVAYA).    Supported the sales for SYSTEMAX, as a Technical Consultant. As a TC I was responsible for Technical Training for the Customers and Technicians.  I was also responsible for Sales Presentations and Bid Responses. Project managed the Implementation of Edge Switches Routers and servers for large WAN.  Built and Installed the Infrastructure for the University of GA. and the State of South Carolina.  This included the Switch, fiber, copper and testing.  Two years experience in wiring Submarines with Copper and Fiber to support AT&T PBX’s for deployment.  Have held Top Secret and Q clearances for the Savannah River Nuclear site.  I also have experience with Tactical Fiber that was developed for the Military.  Received my RCDD in 1985 and it was used in EF&I of Structured Wiring Systems (SYSTEMAX) for AVAYA PBX Installations. Two years experience with Installing and testing Maintenance Radios. Product Manager for AT&T sales group for Systemax to include Fiber, Connectors and apparatus both Domestic and International.  Manned trade show booths for Systemax.   I was a Network Operations Manager for AT&T’s repair and dispatch center.  Served as QUALITY Control Manager for Cable Storage.  Worked with Product development to identify and deploy ISDN Technologies to the desk top.

 

EDUCATION

 

Bachelor of Science - Telecommunications

Various Lucent Technologies Schools

Lucent Certified Instructor, Fiber Optics, OSP, and Structured wiring systems

SYSTEMAX

Various AT&T company schools

Various Bell System Schools

Masters Certificate Project Management from PMI and GWU

RCDD Building Industry Consulting Service International

3M Certified Fiber Instructor

Alcoa Fujikura Fusion Splicing Certified (Instructor)

Electronics Technician Association Certified Installer

Fiber Optics Association Certified

ITIL Foundatio0n Certified

OSHA 10 Certified

DoE (Q) Clearance

DoD (S) Clearance