James Kendall Lawson

About James Kendall Lawson

I’m a long-time IT and cybersecurity professional returning to my first creative passion: graphic design.Over the past three decades, I’ve built and led technical teams, secured complex infrastructures, and supported mission-critical systems in environments ranging from small businesses and colleges to major corporations and U.S. Air Force/DoD programs. Along the way, I never stopped designing—creating personal and volunteer projects, experimenting with layouts, branding, and digital graphics.Today, I’m intentionally shifting my career back toward design. I’m currently studying Graphic Design at Full Sail University, where I’m sharpening my skills in Adobe Creative Cloud, layout and typography, branding, visual storytelling, and digital design. I bring with me not only creative passion but also a deep foundation in systems thinking, problem-solving, and user-focused solutions.My background in IT and cybersecurity has trained me to pay attention to detail, communicate clearly with stakeholders, manage complex projects, and think strategically. Those strengths now shape how I approach design: every piece should not only look good, but also solve a problem, convey a message clearly, and support a larger goal.I’m especially interested in opportunities where I can help organizations strengthen their visual identity and tell their story—whether through branding, print, web graphics, or digital campaigns. I’m open to freelance work, collaborations, and junior-to-mid-level design roles where I can contribute, learn, and grow.If you’re looking for a designer who brings both creative vision and real-world operational experience, I’d be glad to connect.

Experience

1. Sr Lead IT Security Analyst (Scar)

   KBR, Inc.

   May 2023 — Present · Beavercreek, OH, US

   Provided technical recommendations based on evaluation results of security design, ensuring implementation of software, hardware, and firmware features to uphold confidentiality, integrity, availability, accountability, and nonrepudiation.• Analyzed Supply Chain Risk Management plans for weapons systems, contributing to the implementation of risk mitigation strategies.• Developed Authorization & Accreditation (A&A) package artifacts for assigned systems, facilitating decision briefings for Security Control Assessor (SCA) and Authorizing Official (AO).• Conducted hardware and software assurance assessments, ensuring system integrity and compliance with security protocols.• Participated in Continuous Monitoring activities, including document reviews and onsite inspections, to ensure ongoing system security.• Collaborated on requirements prioritization, reviews, and inspections to interpret and implement project specifications accurately.• Engaged in peer reviews of work products derived from requirements specifications, ensuring alignment with project goals and objectives.• Completed additional duties as assigned by management, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in meeting organizational needs.• Maintained a proactive approach to cybersecurity, staying abreast of industry trends and emerging threats.

Education

• Full Sail University

  Bachelor's degree, Graphic Design

• Central Texas College

  AGS, General Studies

  2003 — 2004

• Wright State University

  Bachelors, Business in Management Information Systems

• Sinclair Community College

  AAS, Network Engineer/Microsoft Security Specialist

  2010 — 2012

• Wright State University

  Master's Degree, Information Systems

• West Carrollton High School

  Diploma

  1986 — 1990

Skills

• Active Directory
• Xp
• Windows Server
• A+
• Hardware
• System Deployment
• Servers
• Cisco Technologies
• Computer Network Operations
• Leadership
• Microsoft Exchange
• Dns
• Cisco Routers
• Linux
• Software Documentation
• Networking
• System Administration
• Vpn
• Information Assurance
• Security
• A+ Certified
• Websphere Application Server
• Group Policy
• Disaster Recovery
• Software
• Vmware Esx
• Computer Hardware
• Microsoft Technologies
• Linux System Administration
• Network+
• Information Security Management
• Help Desk Support
• Network Administration
• Technical Support
• Jboss Application Server
• Operating Systems
• Switches
• Windows 7
• IT Management
• Windows