Sam Bates

About Me

I am a Network Engineer with six years of enterprise networking experience, specializing in designing, operating, and scaling secure, resilient wide-area networks. I hold a CCNA certification and a B.B.A. in Management Information Systems as a fourth-generation Ole Miss graduate.

My technical focus includes enterprise WAN connectivity using Cisco SD-WAN, Python-driven network automation, Zscaler Internet Access, and the evaluation and deployment of emerging technologies such as SpaceX Starlink and 5G cellular for enterprise use. I have managed SD-WAN connectivity for more than 400 remote locations worldwide and supported Cisco Nexus and Catalyst routing and switching infrastructure across data center and enterprise campus environments.

I am passionate about solving real operational problems with practical, scalable solutions. One example is an internally developed portal that allowed help desk personnel to remotely power-cycle broadband modems at geographically dispersed locations through a PDU API integration I built. This solution significantly reduced outage duration, improved mean time to recovery, and delivered measurable business value through reduced downtime.

My approach to enterprise networking is guided by a clear philosophy: scalability through standardization, security through segmentation, redundancy by the rule of two, and simplification through automation. I consistently add value by analyzing and reporting on network performance trends, enforcing configuration standards through automation and disciplined change management, and balancing performance, security, and reliability across complex environments.

Outside of work, I pursue my passion for aviation as an instrument-rated private pilot. I have completed multiple mountain flying courses, including operations into Leadville, Colorado (9,934 feet), the highest public-use airport in North America. During my time at Ole Miss, I was a scholarship member of the football staff and remain a lifelong supporter of the program, continuing to provide part-time technical support during home games.

In my personal time, I enjoy the outdoors with my family and Labrador Retriever in the Mississippi Delta, boating at Lake Cavalier, shooting clays, and fly fishing the trout rivers of Colorado and Montana. I am an active member of the Episcopal Church, where I enjoy donating my technical expertise in service of the parishes I attend, and I have had the privilege of taking communion at Westminster Abbey in London.

Core Skills

Beyond IT