Lars Bjerke

Lars Bjerke has extensive work experience in IT and DevOps automation roles. Lars currently works as a Cloud Automation Engineer at Plus3 IT Systems, providing cloud and automation support to a U.S. government customer. Previously, Lars served as a Senior Principal DevOps Automation Engineer at Cerence Inc., where they contributed to the transition from Nuance Automotive to Cerence Inc. Lars also worked at Nuance Communications for over five years as a Senior Principal DevOps Automation Engineer, where they maintained and supported HP Server Automation (HPSA) and Operations Orchestration (HPOO) systems.

Prior to that, Lars was a Senior Solutions Architect at August Schell Enterprises, where they started as a Systems Administrator and worked their way up to managing a team of ten. Lars also worked as a VTC Technician at FC Business Systems, ensuring secure communication capabilities between DHS and state/local emergency offices. Additionally, Lars served as a Help Desk Lead and Communications Specialist at TWD & Associates, INC, where they supported the first DHS Executive's travel team.

Before entering the private sector, Lars worked at Computer Science Corp. on a contract for the US Navy, resolving database errors. Lars began their career in the United States Navy as an Information Systems Technician 2nd Class, earning early promotions due to their exceptional writing and attention to detail.

Lars Bjerke completed their high school education from Mariner High School, earning a High School Diploma from 1995 to 1998. Prior to that, they attended Ballard High School for a year, from 1994 to 1995. In addition to their formal education, Lars has obtained several certifications throughout their career. These include the Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHEL6) and Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHEL6) from Red Hat, Inc. in August 2013. Lars also holds certifications such as Polycom MGC Bridge from Polycom in July 2005, VMware Certified Professional 5 - Data Center Virtualization from VMware in July 2014, VMware Certified Professional 3 from VMware in April 2010, and Security+ CE from CompTIA in December 2011.