Kenneth McKenzie

About Kenneth McKenzie

am a hands-on IT leader with 25+ years of experience specializing in the high-stakes world of critical utility infrastructure. Currently, as Director of IT Infrastructure at SMECO, I oversee the technology backbone for members, balancing advanced innovation with rigid regulatory compliance.My current focus is leading enterprise-wide transformations, including a strategic migration to Microsoft 365 GCC High (GCC-H) and architecting the high-performance compute environments required for our AI and Data Science initiatives. I pride myself on operational agility, having led a full-scale VMware Horizon VDI rollout in just 14 days to support a remote workforce and contact center.Core Expertise: Cybersecurity Operations: Taegis XDR, Varonis, Palo Alto Panorama, & NERC CIP Compliance. Cloud & Digital Transformation: GCC-H Migrations, Genesys Cloud CX, & AI Infrastructure. Vendor Strategy: Negotiating multi-million dollar EAs with Microsoft, Oracle, IBM, & Adobe.

Experience

1. Network Member

   GLG

   Sep 2025 — Present · NY, US

   As a GLG Network Member, I bring over 25 years of experience in IT Infrastructure and Cybersecurity leadership within the utilities sector to help clients navigate complex digital transformations, cloud migrations, and enterprise-scale technology deployments.My expertise is centered on the intersection of critical infrastructure (AMI) and modern cloud architecture. I provide strategic insights into: High-Security Cloud Migrations: Specifically transitioning from commercial environments to Microsoft 365 GCC High (GCC-H) and ensuring NERC CIP compliance. Enterprise Licensing Strategy: Navigating and negotiating multi-million dollar Enterprise Agreements (EA) for Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM. Infrastructure Modernization: Architecting foundational environments for AI and Data Science initiatives, as well as migrating legacy on-prem systems (Avaya) to cloud-native solutions (Genesys CCaaS). Cybersecurity Operations: Hands-on experience with threat hunting and data governance utilizing Secureworks XDR and Varonis.GLG is the world’s insight network. It connects decision makers to the right experts so they can act with the confidence that comes from true clarity and have what it takes to get ahead. Its network of experts is the world’s largest and most varied source of first-hand expertise.

Education

• Eastern New Mexico University

  BBA, Business and Business Information Systems

  1977 — 1982

• University of Maryland Global Campus

  Masters, Computer Management/Information Assurance

  2002 — 2005

Skills

• Storage Virtualization
• Windows Networking
• Security
• Unix
• Oracle Database
• Hp-UX
• Red Hat
• Smart Metering
• Cisco Ucs
• San
• Troubleshooting
• Program Management
• Emc Storage
• Scada
• Network Architecture
• Smart Grid
• Red Hat Linux
• Storage Area Networks
• Vmware
• Windows
• System Administration
• Computer Network Operations
• Cloud Computing
• Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
• Information Assurance
• Virtualization
• Disaster Recovery
• Redhat
• Servers