Brad T. Simms

On By rathunasgmailcom

Professional Summary

Highly experienced SQL Server Database Administrator with over 20 years of hands-on expertise managing complex environments across financial services, healthcare, insurance, and investment industries. Proven track record in performance tuning, high availability solutions, disaster recovery, and managing large-scale SQL Server infrastructures (2000–2022), including on-prem and Azure SQL environments. Adept in leading DBA teams, driving automation initiatives, and implementing enterprise-wide standards to improve database reliability, security, and performance. Strong working knowledge of Redgate Toolbelt, SQL Sentry, SSIS, SSRS, SSAS, and various monitoring and DevOps tools.

Core Competencies

  • SQL Server (2000–2022): Installation, configuration, upgrades, backups, recovery, high availability (clustering, replication, failover)
  • Performance Tuning: Query optimization, index strategy, execution plans, extended events
  • Azure SQL / Managed Instances: Synapse, Cosmos DB, Azure Arc, monitoring and security
  • Monitoring & Automation: Redgate Toolbelt, SQL Sentry, ActiveBatch, BigPanda, Dynatrace, SEQ
  • DevOps & Cloud: Azure DevOps, CI/CD pipelines, AKS, Frontdoor, Redis Cache
  • Leadership: Team management, cross-functional collaboration, incident response, mentoring
  • Reporting & BI: SSIS, SSRS, SSAS, large data volume ETL, OLAP
  • Security & Compliance: HIPAA, financial data standards, Wiz vulnerability scans

Professional Experience

Amwins | Nov 2018 – Present

Director of IT Operations / Application Operations / DBA Manager / Senior DBA

  • Led SQL Server infrastructure initiatives including upgrades, standardization, and automation.
  • Managed teams of DBAs, System Engineers, and OnBase Administrators, streamlining operational processes and minimizing risk.
  • Oversaw monthly maintenance, incident management, and change control processes.
  • Implemented Azure Synapse for enterprise reporting and created new revenue streams (Amwins DNA).
  • Reduced downtime and improved performance through strategic indexing, code refactoring, and replication tuning.
  • Played a key role in security hardening initiatives including Wiz implementation for vulnerability management.

Wells Fargo Securities | Jul 2010 – Nov 2018

Senior Database Administrator

  • Supported over 1,100 databases and 200 SQL Servers in high-volume production and UAT environments.
  • Provided hands-on support for performance tuning, job failures, replication, and environment planning.
  • Participated in on-call DBA rotation, ensuring 24×7 uptime and quick incident resolution.

Bank of America | Multiple Roles (2007 – 2010)

Senior Database Administrator

  • Led major SQL Server migrations from 2000 to 2005/2008 across enterprise-scale environments.
  • Built and enforced database security schemas, performance-tuned high-growth OLTP systems, and coordinated closely with Microsoft on new tech rollouts.
  • Conducted knowledge-sharing sessions and served on innovation steering committees.

Wachovia / Wells Fargo | 2008 – 2009

Senior DBA, Corporate Investment Banking

  • Project lead for SQL Server 2008 certification effort.
  • Created test plans and enterprise rollout standards for production environments.

The Lash Group | 2004 – 2006

Senior DBA

  • First DBA hired to build SQL Server infrastructure from the ground up.
  • Established DR procedures, secured patient data via replication and encryption, and supported HIPAA compliance.

Earlier Roles: DBA & Consultant (2002 – 2004)

Held roles at New Breed Corp, EquiFirst, Ambrosia Bath & Body, Actuarial Management Resources

  • Focused on Access to SQL migrations, performance tuning, DTS packages, clustered environments, and replication strategies.

Education & Certifications

Tech Train | Sept 2001 – Jun 2002

  • Hands-on training in SQL Server & Windows Server technologies
  • Certified in Microsoft SQL Server Administration

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